Music-Themed Resources

Compose great lesson plans with this week’s free music-themed educational resources aligned to NY State Academic Standards.

Elementary School

Classics for Kids: Ives: Country Marching Band

In this activity, students listen to music by the composer Charles Ives, read a short biography of his life, and complete activities based on the Country Band March.

Related NY State Academic Standards: ARTS.M.E.3.1.B, ARTS.M.E.3.1.E, ARTS.M.E.4.1.B, ARTS.M.E.4.1.C

Middle School

Music and U.S. Reform History: Stand Up and Sing

In this lesson plan from Library of Congress, students identify historical events referenced in music; explore pieces of sheet music to identify context, purpose, and perspective; and create lyrics and music covers for an original song illustrating a topic of the Progressive Era.

Related NY State Academic Standards: SS.E.1, SS.E.1.1, SS.E.1.2, SS.E.1.3, SS.I.1.3A, and more!

High School

Seeing Music

In this lesson plan by Illuminations, students calculate terms of a geometric sequence to determine frequencies of the chromatic scale. Then they compare sine waves to see and hear the trigonometry behind harmonious and dissonant note combinations.

Related NY State Academic Standards: F-BF.2 and F-LE.2

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