GENERAL MUSIC CURRICULUM

GRADES K-4

Content Standard K/4 GM1

Sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music:

The learner will:

K/4-GM-1a: sing independently, on pitch and in rhythm, with appropriate timbre, diction, and posture, and maintain a steady tempo

K/4-GM-1b: sing expressively, with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and interpretation

K/4-GM-1c: sing from memory a varied repertoire of songs representing genres and styles from diverse cultures

K/4-GM-1d: sing ostinatos, partner songs, and rounds

K/4-GM-1e: sing in groups, blending vocal timbres, matching dynamic levels, and responding to the cues of a conductor

Content Standard K/4 GM2

Perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

The learner will:

K/4-GM-2a: perform on pitch, in rhythm, with appropriate dynamics and timbre, and maintain a steady tempo

K/4-GM-2b: perform easy rhythmic, melodic, and chordal patterns accurately and independently on rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic classroom instruments

K/4-GM-2c: perform expressively a varied repertoire of music representing diverse genres and styles

K/4-GM-2d: echo short rhythms and melodic patterns

K/4-GM-2e: perform in groups, blending instrumental timbres, matching dynamic levels, and responding to the cues of a conductor

K/4-GM-2f: perform independent instrumental parts while other students sing or play contrasting parts

Content Standard K/4 GM3

Improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments

The learner will:

K/4-GM-3a: improvise “answers” in the same style to given rhythmic and melodic phrases

K/4-GM-3b: improvise simple rhythmic and melodic ostinato accompaniments

K/4-GM-3c: improvise simple rhythmic variations and simple melodic embellishments on familiar melodies

K/4-GM-3d: improvise short songs and instrumental pieces, using a variety of sound sources, including traditional sounds, nontraditional sounds available in the classroom, and body sounds

Content Standard K/4 GM4

Compose and arrange music within specified guidelines

The learner will:

K/4-GM-4a: create and arrange music to accompany readings or dramatizations

K/4-GM-4b: create and arrange short songs and instrumental pieces within specified guidelines

K/4-GM-4c: use a variety of sound sources when composing

Content Standard K/4 GM5

Read and notate music

The learner will:

K/4-GM-5a: read whole, half, dotted half, quarter, and eighth notes and rest in 2/4, ¾, and 4/4 meter signatures

K/4-GM-5b: use a system (that is, syllables, numbers, or letters) to read simple pitch notation in the treble clef in major keys

K/4-GM-5c: identify symbols and traditional terms referring to dynamics, tempo, and articulation and interpret them correctly when performing

K/4-GM-5d: use standard symbols to notate meter, rhythm, pitch, and dynamics in simple patterns presented by the teacher

Content Standard K/4 GM6

Listen to, analyze, and describe music

The learner will:

K/4-GM-6a: identify simple music forms when presented aurally

K/4-GM-6b: demonstrate perceptual skills by moving, by answering questions about, and by describing aural examples of music of various styles representing diverse cultures

K/4-GM-6c: use appropriate terminology in explaining music, music notation, music instruments and voices, and music performances

K/4-GM-6d: identify the sounds of a variety of instruments, including many orchestra and band instruments, and instruments from various cultures, as well as children’s voices and male and female adult voices

K/4-GM-6e: respond through purposeful movement to selected prominent music characteristics or to specific music events while listening to music

Content Standard K/4 GM7

Evaluate music and music performances

The learner will:

K/4-GM-7a: devise criteria for evaluating performances and compositions

K/4-GM-7b: explain, using appropriate music terminology, their personal preferences for specific musical works and styles

Content Standard K/4 GM8

Understand relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts

The learner will:

K/4-GM-8a: identify similarities and differences in the meanings of common terms used in the various arts

K/4-GM-8b: identify ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines taught in the school are interrelated with those of music

Content Standard K/4 GM9

Understand music in relation to history and culture

The learner will:

K/4-GM-9a: identify by genre or style aural examples of music from various historical periods and cultures

K/4-GM-9b: describe in simple terms how elements of music are used in music examples from various cultures of the world

K/4-GM-9c: identify various uses of music in their daily experiences and describe characteristics that make certain music suitable for each use

K/4-GM-9d: identify and describe roles of musicians in various music settings and cultures

K/4-GM-9e: demonstrate audience behavior appropriate for the context and style of music performed