Middle M/J Exploring Music 1

Major Topics and Concepts: Segment 1 

• explore why people create music
• identify timbre, pitch, scales, melody
• classify instruments by family
• describe how people use music to express ideas
• explore how personal identity is expressed through music
• discuss laws that protect intellectual property
• explore how composers notate music for musicians
• manipulate pitch using a virtual instrument
• explore soundwaves and arrange pitches
• examine how music is connected to memory and emotions
• discover how music is used in ceremonies
• explore how people use music to remember history, people, and events
• identify the benefits of music therapy
• analyze a musical composition
• evaluate the effect of technology on the development of music
• explore how music is combined with other types of media
• recognize how technology has contributed to the accessibility of world music
• identify how the internet has influenced copyright law
• identify harmony and analyze simple harmonies
• identify how music and dance are connected
• examine cultural influences on music and dance

Major Topics and Concepts: Segment 2

• identify tempo, rhythm, and form
• explore how composers use tempo to communicate a musical idea
• analyze a musical composition
• identify how migration has impacted world music
• explore American music influenced by multiple cultures
• explore why composers create different rhythms
• explore American Rhythm Rock and Roll and its influences
• identify music as a sellable product
• explore the music business, careers, and education
• explore how musicians use tempo and dynamics in musical expression
• identify how musicians and composers make music meaningful
• explore how music is used to communicate meaning
• explore different ways composers use form
• identify how music supports communities
• explore the benefits of studying music

Student-Supplied Resources

Students need to supply the following materials to complete the coursework:

• Disk space on your computer, as well as an external device to back up your files (flash drive, external hard drive, etc.)
• Word processing program (Microsoft Word or similar)
• digital video/audio recording device
• a way to listen to and perform with audio recordings 
• real or digital instruments *optional 

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.