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 powerpoint resource for introducing students to music from African cultures.
The powerpoint includes video links to traditional instruments and musical terms. Students have the opportunity to learn a traditional folk song and then use it as a basis for a composition task.
Links with Year 2 topic 3 from the Middle School music curriculum that is for sale.
A great introduction resource for students taking GCSE and IB music.
Fun music theory activity based on the Christmas carol - Away in a Manger.
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce or develop music theory?
This fun worksheet encourages basic understanding of music theory, note naming and how to apply it to a piano / tuned percussion or their own instrument.
Students can then use the music theory sheet to play Away in a Manger on an instrument of their choice either in class or at home.
A perfect exercise for any music teachers working remotely or in a non-music classroom.
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 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.
Fun music theory activities based around Christmas Songs and Carols.
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce or develop music theory? Are you struggling for new and imaginative ways of teaching remotely or in a non-specialist room?
This fun worksheet encourages basic understanding of music theory, note naming and matching song lyrics to songs and carols.
Students can then use the music theory sheet to play the melodic lines on an instrument of their choice / virtual instrument at home.
A perfect exercise for any music teachers working remotely or in a non-music classroom.
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Music Theory Worksheets Bundle for Secondary Music Classes
In this music theory bundle you will find a wealth of different music theory resources that are perfect for KS3 and KS4 general music classes.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
Most tasks have a practical element that can be used in the classroom with either keyboards, tuned percussion or the student’s own instrument.
This is an introduction lesson to Gustav Holst’s The Planet Suite
The powerpoint (9 slides) gives a short introduction to the work and composer.
Students listen to Mars the Bringer of War
Students listen to Venus the Bringer of Peace
Students compare and contrast the music, focusing on musical elements
Students then complete a composing task - creating their own version of Mars or Venus based on the classroom resources of your choice.
There are links in the notes pages of the slides.
This powerpoint links with the programme music and musical elements topic of the middle school music curriculum that is available to purchase on this page. Don’t forget to follow to keep up to date with all the latest resources!
Fun music composing task - exploring the A Minor Scale
This was created for music lessons being taught outside of the music room with limited access to instruments!
The activities include an introduction to the A Minor Scale (there is an opportunity to bring listening work into this), identifying the A Minor Scale on a keyboard and stave notation. Writing 3 simple A Minor Scale scale pieces using a given rhythm.
Students could input their composition onto music software or play on virtual instruments if you have no access to classroom instruments. The practical task is also set up so students can use real instruments at home or in the classroom, sing the song, or use virtual instruments.
This unit links with Year 2, topic 1 (Scales) of the Middle School Music curriculum that is for sale on this TES page.
For more music lesson resources make sure you follow Passionate About Music Education TES page!
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.
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.
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.
Classical music worksheet - comparing two pieces by Beethoven.
This is a great introduction lesson to the composer Beethoven. It’s a chance for students to learn to compare two contrasting pieces (these are easily accessible on YouTube - 1st Mvt of Moonlight Sonata and Für Elise). This single lesson activity will work perfectly for class lessons, homework or a cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic historical facts about Beethoven and simple comprehension questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to 1st Mvt of Moonlight Sonata and Für Elise. 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.
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.
**Concert review self-reflection worksheet for music / band / choir classes. **
This 2 page worksheet was created to help students start to think and self-reflect on their performance in a concert.
On the first page students self evaluate their preparation and performance in the concert. They give themselves a mark out of 4. There are 11 questions to answer.
On the second page students answer in more detail simple self-reflection questions about the concert and are encouraged to review what they enjoyed, learned and need to develop in preparation for the next concert performance.
This is an editable 2 page worksheet. It can be used as a homework task, classroom activity or for a sub lesson.
This project will work perfectly for KS3 & KS4 music classes or as a cover work project.
The idea is that students listen to different genres of ‘popular’ music, select their genre and complete a series of tasks. Students can work independently, in pairs or small groups on this task. It can be completed using a variety of different technology - depending on what you have available in your school. You can also swap, omit or add slides to meet the needs of your students and the equipment available in your classroom.
The powerpoint has 24 slides. Included are the tasks, a listening exercise with YouTube links, example band logos, example album covers and example merchandise.
The task is to be a band manager and students are to create the following:
A band name, logo and names of band members
To decide on what style or genre of popular music will be performed
What instruments the band will play
Create an album of 8 songs (covers or originals) and decide which one is going to be released as the first single
Design merchandise for selling on tour. T-Shirts, posters, cups, calendars, etc.
There are two practical extension tasks in the advice for teachers slide.
The project should last between 3 - 5 lessons depending on how many tasks you include. It links perfectly with the middle school / KS3 music curriculum Year 3 Term 1 module that is for sale on this page.
Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century classical music listening and project worksheets.
This is perfect for KS3 / middle & KS4 / high school music classes.
Each worksheet explores a different period of classical music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task, cover lesson 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.
Musical elements dynamic terms quiz powerpoint for KS3 and KS4 music
There are 50 questions focusing specifically on dynamics that have been broken into 5 sets of 10 questions.
This gives you the option to decide whether you want to use each section separately as a fun starter activity or complete the whole powerpoint in one go.
You can have students working individually, in pairs or in groups to answer the questions. This gives you the ability to adapt the quiz to meet your specific classroom set up.
This powerpoint can work as a sub lesson with a non-specialist as the answers are at the end of each section.
Dynamics covered:
Italian names
Dynamics symbols
English terms
Reading dynamics from a score - Beethoven and Chopin piano pieces
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!
Popular music worksheet - comparing two pieces by Louis Armstrong
This is a great introduction lesson to the jazz musician Louis Armstrong. It’s a chance for students to learn to compare two contrasting pieces (these are easily accessible on music streaming sites - Heebie Jeebies and Hello Dolly). This single lesson activity will work perfectly for class lessons, homework or a substitute / cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic historical facts about Armstrong and simple comprehension questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to Heebie Jeebies and Hello Dolly. 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 KS3 / Middle School Music Curriculum that is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education page.
Worksheet 25 - 4/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 25 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a 4th bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 in book 3 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.
