Looking for music resources for secondary music classes that have been tried and tested in the classroom? With 25+ years of experience teaching in secondary schools in the UK and internationally, I am deeply passionate about music and drama education.
Looking for music resources for secondary music classes that have been tried and tested in the classroom? With 25+ years of experience teaching in secondary schools in the UK and internationally, I am deeply passionate about music and drama education.
This is a great general music unit exploring film music, the concept of leitmotifs and trying to compose their own short original leitmotifs.
In this power point there is an explanation of leitmotifs, reference to useful youtube links, and a step-by-step guide for students to compose 3 original leitmotifs. Students will explore how musical elements and devices are used to create iconic themes.
Normally I would use keyboards, classroom percussion, students’ own instruments and / or garage band for this task. It works perfectly well as a unit for small groups, pairs or individual work.
This composing unit would normally take between 3 - 6 lessons and I would record the final performances for assessment.
Musical Genres and Styles Mini-projects Book 1 & 2
This series of worksheets was originally created for KS3 & KS4 music classes during online teaching. The series have been popular with music teachers as it offers a set of projects that work for music classes, extended projects and cover work for non-specialist teachers.
The worksheets are designed to focus on listening, musical appreciation and improve understanding of different historical and musical contexts.
These worksheets work for any teacher who is teaching students who have no or limited access to instruments at school or home. However, the projects do give freedom to supplement the tasks with practical work of your choice where and when possible.
Each worksheet explores different genres and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task or could even be expanded into a longer class project. The idea is to share a musical appreciation and life-long love of music with students, even if practical work is limited.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music. There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical and musical context already learned by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
I hope your students enjoy these tasks!
Classical music history worksheet - comparing two pieces by Liszt.
This is a great introduction lesson to the Romantic composer Liszt. It’s a chance for students to learn to compare two contrasting pieces (these are easily accessible on YouTube - Liebestraum No. 3 and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2). This single lesson activity will work perfectly for class lessons, homework or a cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic historical facts about Liszt and simple comprehension questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to Liebestraum No. 3 and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. These pieces are easily found on music streaming sites. Students will describe the musical features of both pieces and then look for similarities. This is a great opportunity to develop understanding of musical elements and lead into to class discussion work about the music that they are listening to.
This worksheet links with the Middle School Music Curriculum that is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education page.
Choir Piece Review worksheet for music / choral classes.
This 2 page worksheet was created to help students start to think about the choral works they sing in class in more detail.
On the first page are general music questions about the composer, genre of music and musical elements (tempo, etc). On the second page students are to answer simple self-reflection questions about the piece to encourage them to consider how to practice and improve their own performance. They need to identify challenging passages of rhythm and melody and then to consider how they can practice these outside of the classroom.
This is an editable 2 page worksheet. It can be used as a homework task, classroom activity or for a sub lesson.
Band Piece review worksheet for school music / band classes.
This 2 page worksheet was created to help students start to think about the band repertoire they practice in class in more detail.
On the first page are general music questions about the composer, genre of music and musical elements (tempo, etc). On the second page students are to answer simple self-reflection questions about the piece to encourage them to consider how to practice and improve their own performance. They need to identify challenging passages of rhythm and melody and then to consider how they can practice these outside of the classroom.
This is an editable 2 page worksheet. It can be used as a homework task, classroom activity or for a sub lesson.
The Blues - A bundle for secondary music classes.
In this Blues bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for middle and high school general music classes.
It covers the walking bass, blues scale, chords, and a booklet with class notes. Other resources are linked with the time period and history of blues and jazz music.
Resources include powerpoints, worksheets and more. There are videos on Youtube at music theory made simple demonstrating how to play the blues.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for students with a variety of different musical abilities.
This is an introduction activity that celebrates Black Male artists from Pop, Jazz and Blues music history. It is perfect for KS3 music classes.
Students pick two artists of their choice to complete some research about their lives and careers.
Students then pick a song by each artist. They are to analyze and compare the two songs and look for what both songs have in common.
This is an ideal lesson for remote learning, cover work or teaching in a non-specialist music room.
It links with the Middle School Curriculum topic 3, unit 1 (pop history) which is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education TES page.
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KS3 Music Curriculum and Teaching resources BUNDLE
In this exciting and jam-packed bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for all KS3 general secondary music classes.
Resources include a 3 Year Curriculum overview with accompanying powerpoints, worksheets and other useful resources.
Topics include Emotions in Music, Pop History, Composing using Scales, Film Music, Programme Music and much more.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom for KS3 / middle school classes and cater for a variety of different musical abilities. There are a range of listening, composing and performing tasks in this bundle.
Music Composing Projects for KS3 and KS4 music classes.
In this bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for middle and high school general music classes.
Resources include powerpoints, worksheets and more.
Topics include Film Music, Expression in Music, composing meditation music and using scales to compose.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for students with a variety of different musical abilities.
Christmas Music Activities Bundle for Secondary Music Classes
In this holiday bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for KS3 and KS4 music classes.
Christmas resources include powerpoints, worksheets, games and more. There is plenty of opportunity for listening, composing and performing.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
World Music Bundle for KS3 and KS4 Music Classes
In this bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for KS3 / middle and KS4 / high school general music classes.
Resources include powerpoints, worksheets and more.
Topics include Indian Music, Arab and African Music, Tango, Salsa, Samba and Reggae.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
This is one worksheet that comes from a series of 10. The bundle can be purchased separately on the shop page.
Each worksheet explores a different genre and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task or could even be expanded into a longer class project.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music.
There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical / context already learnt by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
This task is linked to Year 2 module 3 of the middle school curriculum (Instrumental music).
This is a music composing challenge where students have to create an original rhythmic composition using objects that can be found around their house, school or garden. This is a fun task for students who do not have access to instruments at home and to experiment with different timbres and rhythms.
It can be set as a practical homework.
It is a great way to engage and encourage students to use different recording technology and their completed composition task can include family members both in their house or around the world.
This is a good opportunity for you to link to Stomp the Musical.
Powerpoint has been updated and includes the composing challenge, advice for students and some video links.
This worksheet will work perfectly with the the second in a series of lessons exploring SCALES. (powerpoint unit is for sale separately and you can buy all the worksheets as a bundle).
This worksheet is for composing melodies around the A minor scale. Students have space to write in rough, write notation and if time can be transferred on to music software.
These resources links with the Year 2 topic 1 (Scales) of the Middle School Music Curriculum that is for sale.
Also, this lesson will work perfectly for High School students or any ensembles learning pieces based around scales.
This worksheet will work perfectly with the the second in a series of lessons exploring SCALES. (powerpoint unit is for sale separately and you can buy all the worksheets as a bundle).
This worksheet is for composing melodies around the C major scale. Students have space to write in rough, write notation and if time can be transferred on to music software.
These resources links with the Year 2 topic 1 (Scales) of the Middle School Music Curriculum that is for sale.
Also, this lesson will work perfectly for High School students or any ensembles learning pieces based around scales.
This self-evaluation worksheet will work perfectly with the the second in a series of lessons exploring SCALES.
(powerpoint unit is for sale separately and you can buy all the worksheets as a bundle).
These resources links with the Year 2 topic 1 (Scales) of the Middle School Music Curriculum that is for sale.
Also, this topic will work perfectly for High School students or any ensembles learning pieces based around scales.
This is one worksheet that comes from a series of 10. The bundle can be purchased separately on the shop page.
Each worksheet explores a different genre and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task, cover work or could even be expanded into a longer class project.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music.
There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical and musical context already learned by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
This task is linked to Year 3 module 1 of the middle school curriculum (Pop Music).
Do you want your students to have an understanding of instruments used in popular music history?
The first section is identifying instruments from different ensembles and electronic instruments.
The second section is exploring and researching an instrument in more detail.
A good worksheet that will work for cover lessons, classwork or remote learning.
Links with the middle school curriculum that is for sale.
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A fun introduction to Pop History - Mix-Tapes!
Perfect for remote or in person learning. This is a good introduction lesson to get students thinking about creating mix-tapes and exploring different styles and genres of pop music!
Lots of opportunities for class discussions and listening to different genres and styles of music. A chance for students to share their love of music and musical tastes in the classroom.
Perfect for middle and high school students. This lesson links with the middle school music curriculum for sale on this page (Year 3, Topic 1).
Don’t forget to follow the page for updates and latest resources!
Worksheet 4 - Rhythm Reading exercises for secondary music classrooms
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 4 - 2/4 time signature. Triplets and semiquavers
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each 1 bar rhythm pattern is written for 3 bars with a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
By playing the same pattern for 3 bars it allows students a chance to master that rhythm pattern before going onto a new pattern. It’s perfect for beginner students to focus on rhythm accuracy, separate from reading pitch. I have used this method for many years as a warm up exercise for my ensembles and general music classes.
The task can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There is a complete series of 10 that is also available on my store.
There are play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
