Songwriting Project >
Thematic Works
s o n g w r i t i n g p r o j e c t
The Songwriting Project provides students with the opportunity to explore their creative and expressive potential while meeting several of the National Standards for General Music (listed below). The project also serves as a creative option for students to demonstrate their understanding of course content, as they did with the Blues and its connection to history and culture.
Students began this unit by learning about lyrical hooks, identifying examples of familiar hooks from some of their favorite songs, and collaborating in small groups to develop their own. Students were given specific themes to guide their writing: the Blues, the Civil Rights Movement, and what it means to be a Heights Academy W.A.R. Eagle (We Achieve Results).
Next, each small, collaborative group determined the tempo for its song and composed a short, rhythmic ostinato that would be used to develop the lyrical hook. Students explored the rhythmic and expressive possibilities of their lyrical hooks and presented them to the class for evaluation. Scoring rubrics provided students with evaluation criteria that helped guide discussions and feedback.
In addition to their lyrical hooks, each group was expected to write at least one verse, arrange the songs in ABA form, and rehearse in preparation for the "recording sessions." Students referenced our classroom expressiveness chart as they rehearsed and evaluated their performances.
One by one, each group recorded its lyrics in a recording studio setting using a recording microphone, headphones, and recording software (as seen in Dewayne's "WAR Eagle" video). Students also learned about signal-to-noise-ratio, air pressure, and voice projection through this experience.
Students concluded the unit with song production sessions, making creative decisions regarding the final arrangement, instrumentation, and style of their songs. Some even created CD cover art which can be seen in some of the videos.
STANDARDS
PERFORM
Foundation P2: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for performance
8.GM.P2.A: Identify and apply personally- developed criteria (such as demonstrating correct interpretation of notation, technical skill of performer, originality, emotional impact, variety, and interest) to rehearse, refine, and determine when music is ready to perform.
Foundation P3: Convey and express meaning through the presentation of artistic work
8.GM.P3.A: Perform music with technical accuracy, stylistic expression, and culturally authentic practices in music to convey the creator’s intent.
CREATE
Foundation Cr1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
8.GM.Cr1.A: Generate rhythmic, melodic and harmonic phrases and harmonic accompaniments within expanded forms (including introductions, transitions, and codas) that convey expressive intent.
Foundation Cr3: Refine and complete artistic work
8.GM.Cr3.A: Self-evaluate one’s work by selecting and applying criteria, including appropriate application of compositional techniques, style, form, and use of sound sources.
8.GM.Cr3.B: Describe the rationale for refining works by explaining one’s choices, based on evaluation criteria.
RESPOND
Foundation R2: Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work
8.GM.R2.A: Support personal interpretation of contrasting programs of music, and explain how creators or performers apply the elements of music and expressive qualities, within genres, cultures, and historical periods, to convey expressive intent.
CONNECT
Foundation Cn1: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to artistic endeavors
8.GM.Cn1.A: Demonstrate how interests, knowledge, and skills relate to personal choices and intent when creating, performing, and responding to music.
Foundation Cn2: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context
8.GM.Cn2.A: Demonstrate understanding of relationships between music and the other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.