This Music Listening/Music Appreciation unit is aimed at upper primary/lower secondary and is flexible and ready to use. No prep, no tech, no instruments - use it whatever your teaching situation!
Mars: Bringer of War by Holst from The Planets Suite is a classical favourite and your pupils will be engaged in learning about the music with a space exploration theme!
This unit lasts around 3 hours and features the following:
multiple listening tasks
ostinato
dissonance
fanfare
coda
short composition
theory tasks
practical tasks
creative response tasks
pupil workbook (8 pages PDF format)
teacher notes/lesson plans (2 pages PDF format)
suggestions of extension/enrichment activities
Included are UK and USA versions (bar/measure, crotcher/quarter note etc) and color and black and white versions for easy printing.
The audio is not included, for copyright reasons, but I have an included a link - it is easy to find on all platforms. The only technology you require is something to play the audio from - eg a computer, CD player or bluetooth speaker.
No instruments are required as all rhythm exercises can be clapped.
Despite the “no instruments, no technology” label, this is a jam-packed, engaging and comprehesive unit. It will fit in to any music class and classroom!
I really hope you enjoy this product. Don’t forget to leave a review and follow my store to be the first to know about similar products!
This is a fun introduction to aural skills and melodic and rhythmic dictation. Designed for upper primary/lower secondary but suitable for all ages with some modification.
This resource contains reusable, printable pupil sheets, instructions, TOU and a PowerPoint with 45 questions, including audio and answers. There are 3 rounds of 5 questions in each heading: MELODY, RHYTHM and INTERVALS. Each round has clear instructions and gets progressively harder. This makes this resource ideal for using over weeks of lessons.
Not included - counters (alternatives: dry-wipe markers, buttons, reusable stickers, balls of play-dough or modelling clay - my sensory/tactile learners LOVE this option!)
If you like the look of this resource, please check out my TES shop for more Music games and activities!
Based on the popular family game of finding the matching pair on two cards, this is a fun way for your pupils to practise recognising intruments, including orchestral, popular and folk instruments.
This could be used with classes of all ages. The images are high quality, accurate pictures of instruments purchased and used with permission.
The printable cards are included in PDF and PowerPoint format.
Based on the popular family game, this is a fun way to revise musical signs and symbols! Suitable for all ages. This full version of the game has 31 cards, each with 6 different signs/symbols, from 31 symbols in total.
Every pair of cards will have one, and only one, matching pair. The aim is to spot it before your opponents - and if you can define the symbol, you keep the card. Finish with the most cards, and you win the game!
I originally arranged this piece to be a fun technique exercise for my vocal group to work on after concert season – but it proved to be such a hit we included it in the next show!
This is a short, snappy arrangement of the Scott Joplin favourite, Maple Leaf Rag. What it lacks in length (around 30 seconds!) it more than makes up for with content – your choir will work on their pitch, chromatic intervals, syncopation, dynamic contrast and more! If your choir find the soprano 1 part too difficult, it could be played on an instrument with the choir providing the accompaniment through the other parts. Once the choir knows it well, it can be used as a really fun warm-up exercise too!
Are you looking for a Christmas activity for your music class? This Elf Scavenger Hunt will engage your students in learning to play We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
With minimal prep (printing and hiding the elves), you will have a fun Christmas lesson suitable for your upper primary or lower secondary music classes. The pupils will go on a treasure hunt, finding the elves, write missing notes on the stave, then playing the song on xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard or piano.
This is a great game for the end of term, and reinforces the theory and instrumental skills the pupils have been working on!
Full teacher instructions and answers are included, and a lead sheet with lyrics for the teacher.
I really hope you enjoy this fun, engaging winter holiday music lesson!
This ready-to-go, printable scavenger hunt activity will engage your pupils as they learn about the elements of music! Using reading passages, questions and code words, your students will be actively involved in their learning as they move around the room to complete the task.
Your students can work alone or in groups to solve clues, following a fun storyline about a musical laboratory, where the elements of music are mixed to make compositions. Students move around the room, reading 10 passages of information as they search for the clues to solve the mystery word and code required to finish the scavenger hunt. They will love the friendly competition of trying to be the first to complete the mystery!
If you are looking for a unique way to introduce the elements of music (Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Tempo, Time Signatures, Texture, Structure, Style, Timbre, Dynamics) while encouraging movement and problem solving skills, this product is perfect for you. You can hang the cards on the wall, hide them, scatter them on the floor: How you choose to set it up in your classroom is up to you.
Students will revisit each card text multiple times, practicing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills as they rotate around the room seeking text evidence. To ensure understanding of the subject matter, students will answer questions that can be found directly in the reading passages. No prior knowledge is needed.
WHAT I LOVE: This activity is ready to print and go - set up time is minimal. No prior knowledge is required so it can be an exciting way to introduce the elements of music as a topic. It can even be used with a sub! No technology, instruments or specialist knowledge is needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
10 Short Reading Passages
10 Questions
Student Answer Sheet
Student Directions
Teacher Directions
Teacher Answer Key
For teachers in Scotland, the elements match the SQA headings of Understanding Music/listening concepts. However, this game has been designed so that the information very broad and general, and is not specific to any particular curriculum so can be used by anyone!
This printable scavenger hunt activity will engage your students as they learn about the musical periods! Using reading passages, questions and code words, your students will be actively involved in their learning as they move around the room to complete the task.
Your pupils can work alone or in groups to solve clues, following a fun storyline about a broken down time machine. They will move around the room, reading 10 passages of information as they search for the clues to solve the mystery word and code required to finish the scavenger hunt. They will love the friendly competition of trying to be the first to complete the mystery!
If you are looking for a unique way to introduce musical periods (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century/Modern) while encouraging movement and problem solving skills, this product is perfect for you. You can hang the cards on the wall, hide them, scatter them on the floor: How you choose to set it up in your classroom is up to you.
Students will revisit each card text multiple times, practicing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills as they rotate around the room seeking text evidence. To ensure understanding of the subject matter, students will answer questions that can be found directly in the reading passages. No prior knowledge is needed.
WHAT I LOVE: This activity is ready to print and go - set up time is minimal. No prior knowledge is required so it can be an exciting way to introduce the topic of the eras of European Classical Music. It can even be used with a sub! No technology, instruments or specialist knowledge is needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
10 Short Reading Passages
10 Questions
Student Answer Sheet
Student Directions
Teacher Directions
Teacher Answer Key
This printable scavenger hunt activity will engage your students as they learn about instruments of the orchestra! Using reading passages, movement, questions and code words, your students will be actively involved in their learning as they take part in this lesson.
The students can work alone or in groups to solve clues, following a fun storyline about a concert hall break-in. Students move around the room, reading 10 passages of information as they search for the clues to solve the mystery word and code required to finish the scavenger hunt. They will love the friendly competition of trying to be the first to complete the mystery!
If you are looking for a unique way to introduce the orchestra, while encouraging movement and problem solving skills, this product is perfect for you. You can hang the cards on the wall, hide them, scatter them on the floor: How you choose to set it up in your classroom is up to you.
Students will revisit each card text multiple times, practicing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills as they rotate around the room seeking text evidence. To ensure understanding of the subject matter, students will answer questions that can be found directly in the reading passages. No prior knowledge is needed.
WHAT I LOVE: This activity is ready to print and go - set up time is minimal. No prior knowledge is required so it can be an exciting way to introduce the topic of Orchestral Instruments. It can even be used with a sub! No technology, instruments or specialist knowledge is needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
10 Short Reading Passages
10 Questions
Student Answer Sheet
Student Directions
Teacher Directions
Teacher Answer Key
These cards have so many different uses for all ages and stages - 8 suggestions of games and activities are included in this download. There are 64 different cards, 32 instruments with and without names. The images are high quality and accurate, so your students can see details such as the correct number of strings.
The download includes the cards in PowerPoint and PDF formats.
This upper primary/lower secondary music listening unit is flexible and ready to use. No prep, no tech, no instruments - use it whatever your teaching situation!
Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre is a classical favorite, especially at Halloween. Your students will be engaged in the creepy story and timeless music.
This unit lasts around 4 lessons and covers the following:
multiple listening tasks
background on composer
symphonic poem
waltz
canon
polyphonic
short rhythmic composition
theory tasks
recognising instruments
describing the music
recognising signs and symbols
creative response/non-music tasks
pupil workbook (10 pages PDF format, color and grayscale versions)
teacher notes/lesson plans with answers (4 pages PDF format)
bonus printable cards for listening activities
suggestions of differentiation/extension/enrichment activities
Included are UK and USA versions (bar/measure, crotcher/quarter note etc) as well as colour and black and white versions for your printing preference.
The audio is not included, for copyright/licensing reasons, but I have an included a link - it is easy to find on all major platforms. The only technology you require is something to play the audio from (eg a computer, CD player or bluetooth speaker) making this product ideal for teachers without a fixed room or access to technology.
No instruments are required as all rhythm exercises can be clapped.
Despite the “no instruments, no technology” label, this is a jam-packed, engaging and comprehesive unit. It will fit in to any music class and curriculum!
I really hope you enjoy this product. Don’t forget to leave a review and follow my store to find similar products on other classical pieces, with more being added all the time!
I love resources with multiple uses and I just keep thinking of more ways to use these! This is a set of 30 flashcards, each with a different treble clef note and note value. I’ve included 8 suggestions of games/activities, suitable for all ages and different elements of music. This download contains the full set of 30 cards in 8 different design options, including Christmas and Halloween! The download includes the cards in PowerPoint and PDF formats.
This is a personal favourite of mine for the classroom and I hope you enjoy using it too!
This listening and composition music unit is flexible and ready to use for pre-exam years (approx English Year 9-10 and Scottish S3-4). It integrates music history, listening, appreciation, theory, aural and composition in a 10-page workbook with accompanying teacher notes/lesson plans and answer key. Suggestions of extenstion and differentiation tasks are included too.
Purcell’s Rondeau from The Fairy Queen is a Baroque favorite and your students will find the simple melody easy to follow but packed full of learning!
This unit lasts minimum 4 hours and features the following:
sequence
rondo form
3/4 time signature
bar lines
relative major & relative minor
multiple listening tasks
history tasks
theory tasks
aural tasks
extended composition task
audio files (mp3 format) and link to full recording
pupil workbook (10 pages PDF format)
teacher notes/lesson plans (4 pages PDF format)
answer key
suggestions of extension/enrichment activities
This unit is black and white for easy printing.
The full audio is not included, for copyright reasons, but I have an included a link - it is easy to find on all platforms. The only technology you require is something to play the audio from - eg a computer, CD player or bluetooth speaker.
The composition tasks can be completed on paper, on computers or on instruments, depending on your preference.
This is a jam-packed, engaging and comprehesive unit which will fit in to any secondary school music class. It has been designed to be suitable for any class and classroom!
I really hope you enjoy this product. Don’t forget to leave a review and follow my store to be the first to know about similar products!
Looking for something similar for slightly younger classes? Check out my unit of work on Mars from The Planets.
Ideal for music lessons, cover teachers, homework or quiet written work, this set of 10 worksheets each include a reading passage and ten associated questions. Ten different classical composers are featured including female composers.
Assign it on paper or digitally. Students answer on blank paper/document so the printed sheets can be reused. Easy printing in greyscale/black and white and on letter size or A4 paper.
The reading comprehension passages have been carefully crafted for lower secondary reading level. Care has been taken to use dyslexia-friendly font, font size 14+ and 1.5 line spacing to allow easy reading for all pupils.
The questions range from simple fact-finding to more reflective and thought-provoking, such as “Where and when was the composer born?” and “Why do you think the composer moved to Vienna?”.
The worksheets require no prior knowledge and no teacher input so they can be used with a wide range of classes and abilities, students can work independently with no technology requirements, and they are ideal to leave for a non-specialist substitute teacher.
Composers included:
Isaac Albéniz
Ludwig van Beethoven
Hildegard von Bingen
Claude Debussy
Scott Joplin
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Henry Purcell
Clara Schumann
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Antonio Vivaldi
Each worksheet usually lasts a lesson but if you have more able or older students, or longer periods, you might want to use two per lesson, or add in a classroom game to fill up the end of the lesson!
Tired of leaving mindless puzzles for your class? These wordsearches require pupils to answer questions, research or use their knowledge too! This product contains 16 differentiated worksheets, no prep, ready to print, and suitable for non-specialist teachers. As well as cover work, they are great for end-of-year, summarising a topic, homework, fast finishers and more!
This product is more than just a wordsearch - each one is differentiated! There are 8 different wordsearches with 2 versions of each - a basic wordsearch with a word list, and a more advanced version which involves more pupil work. For example, pupils have to find the orchestral instruments then list them by section; give definitions of music technology concepts; name musical signs and symbols; work out the musical by its initial and year; name a song by each famous band.
The worksheets have been designed with convenience in mind! Print and copy and keep them handy for emergency cover. Pupils can work independently with no assistance from the teacher, perfect for non-specialists.
The wordsearches cover a range of topics. Each has an icon in the corner to help your classroom organization. The range included means these can be used for General Music, Choir, Orchestra or a range of other music classes. They are aimed at lower secondary, but would also be suitable for younger or older classes too.
This set of wordsearches includes:
Composers
Music Signs and Symbols
Music Technology
Musical Genres
Musicals
Orchestral Instruments
Popular Artists
Popular Bands
I really hope you find this product useful! I have used these successfully with my classes for years and they are so convenient for subs.
I’d recommend pairing this resource with my Music Sub/Cover sheets to build up a great bank of cover work for your classes or music department.
These cover worksheets are ideal for staff absences! All 8 require no prep, little/no technology, and are suitable for non-specialist teachers.
The worksheets have been designed with convenience in mind! Print and copy a class set of each and keep them handy with the overview sheets. Pupils answer on paper to save copying new sheets each time!
The overview sheets allows you or your substitute to see at-a-glance what classes have completed what sheets, and what tech/pupil knowledge is required for each so they can choose an activity suitable for them and the class.
Each worksheet should last a lesson, and there are suggestions of extension activities for fast finishers. They are suitable for a range of ages and abilities as I have used lots of open and general questions. The sheets are dyslexia-friendly with careful choice of layout and fonts. Pupils can work independently with no assistance from the teacher, perfect for non-specialists.
The worksheets cover a range of topics. Each has an icon in the corner to help you sort them quickly if they get mixed up. The range included means these can be used for General Music, Choir, Orchestra or a range of other music classes. They are aimed at years 7-9 /S1-3 BGE but are general enough to be used with older or younger classes too.
This set of sub sheets includes:
A Year of Music
A-Z Questions
Composer Profile
Film Music Moment
Plan a Jukebox Musical
Plan a Music Festival
Song Research Task
Stop the Bus
I really hope you find this product useful! I have used these successfully with my classes for years and they are so convenient for when I am absent or leaving classes to cover due to exams, concerts, shows and trips.
I recommend pairing this resource with my set of 16 music wordsearches!
Following on from Books 1-3, this series of theory workbooks will introduce your pupils to more advanced theory concepts, such as chord inversions, more key signatures and Italian terms.
Do you need music workbooks that are not babyish? Are your older learners put off by cute clipart and exercises counting animals? Are you looking for a theory course which will lead on to more complex work? THIS is why I created this course!
This bundle contains books 4-6 in the series. Topics included are:
Simple Time Groupings
Further Key Signatures
Relative Minors
Chords I, IV and V
Triplets
Further Tempo
Enharmonic
Transpose an Octave
More Signs and Symbols
Further Compound Time
Compound Time Groupings
Arpeggios
Minor Scales
Chords in Major Keys
Chords in Minor Keys
Ornaments
Cadences
Transcribing Between Clefs
Pentatonic Scales
Other Time Signatures
More Key Signatures
Inversions
Further Italian Terms
More Cadences
Circle of Fifths
Transposing
Further Intervals
More Triads
More Chord Types
Each workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress, ideal for your tracking and reporting each semester. 2 versions of each booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc).
The printable workbooks are in PDF format. Each is 14 pages long. Every topic has clear explanations and two written tasks for your students to complete. These booklets are versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. They designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory over an extended period of time, supplementing your usual curriculum.
I have used this series for years with my own students, usually from age 10-16, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
These theory workbooks are not affiliated with any particular curriculum or examination board, but are at roughly the following levels.
Books 4-6 cover approximately:
ABRSM grade 2 theory
Trinity grade 2 theory
LCM grade 2 theory
RCM Canada grade 3
AMEB Australia grade 2
Scottish SQA Higher and Advanced Higher
England/Wales GCSE/Key Stage 4
These printable scavenger hunt games will engage your pupils in an active learning experience! Using reading passages, questions and code words, your students will move around the room, solving clues to complete the task.
This bundle contains all three scavenger hunts! Each focuses on a basic, fundamental music topic and they require no prior knowledge so you can use them with any class!
The Musical Laboratory is about the elements of music - melody, rhythm, timbre etc.
The Broken Time Machine focuses on musical periods - Baroque, Classical etc.
Concert Hall Break In introduces orchestral instruments.
Each scavenger hunt includes a fun storyline to introduce the lesson. Students work alone or in groups, reading 10 passages of information as they search for the clues to solve the mystery word and code required to finish the scavenger hunt. They will love the friendly competition of trying to be the first to complete the mystery!
If you are looking for a unique way to introduce these crucial musical topics while encouraging movement and problem solving skills, this bundle is perfect for you. You can hang the cards on the wall, hide them, scatter them on the floor: How you choose to set it up in your classroom is up to you.
Students revisit each card text multiple times, practicing reading comprehension and critical thinking skills as they rotate around the room seeking text evidence. To ensure understanding of the subject matter, students will answer questions that can be found directly in the reading passages.
WHAT I LOVE: These activities is ready to print and go - set up time is minimal. No prior knowledge is required so it can be an exciting way to introduce each topic. Spread them out through the year - your students will start asking for more! It can even be used with a sub! No technology, instruments or specialist knowledge is needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Each of the 3 scavenger hunts contains:
10 Short Reading Passages
10 Questions
Student Answer Sheet
Student Directions
Teacher Directions
Teacher Answer Key
Do you need a full year Music Theory course to suit your middle or high school students? This bundle contains THREE music theory books desgined to cover basic music theory week by week. Need something that is not babyish? Are your older pupils put off by cute clipart and exercises counting animals? Are you looking for a theory course which will teach or revise the basics in an engaging but age-appropriate way? THIS is why I created this course!
This bundle contains books 1, 2 and 3 in the series. They introduce the basics of music theory, which you might want to use as revision for your classes, or to start from the beginning with older learners with no prior music experience. Topics included are:
The Treble Clef
Treble Clef Notes
Practising Treble Clef Notes
Note Values
Rest Values
Dotted Notes
Stems and Tails
Ascending, Descending, Step and Leap
Leger Lines
Bars and Bar Lines
Semiquavers and Beaming
Simple Time Signatures
Ties
Tempo
Tempo Changes
Dynamics
Further Dynamics
Bass Clef
Further Bass Clef
Accidentals
Intervals
Tone and Semitones
More Leger Lines
Compound Time
Major Key Signatures
Scales
Tonic Triads
Signs and Symbols
Sequences
Italian Terms
Each workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress, ideal for your tracking and reporting each semester. 2 versions of each booklet are included, one with USA terms (staff, whole note, measure etc) and one with UK terms (stave, semibreve, bar etc). See the product preview for more detail.
The printable workbooks are in PDF format. Each is 14 pages long. Every topic has clear explanations and two written tasks for your students to complete. This booklet is versatile and can be used in class, as homework, with whole classes or even by individual piano teachers or instrumental teachers on a one-to-one basis. It is designed to be worked through in order, spending a little time each lesson on theory, over 30 weeks in total.
I have used this series for years with my own students, usually from age 8-14, but the clear layout makes it suitable for any age. I have also used it with adult beginner piano pupils, who did not want to work from materials aimed at children. Please let me know how you use it!
These theory workbooks are not affiliated with any particular curriculum or examination board, but are designed to cover the majority of the content of several, including:
England/Wales Key Stage 3
Scottish SQA National 5
ABRSM grade 1 theory
Trinity grade 1 theory
LCM grade 1 theory
RCM Canada grade 1-2
AMEB Australia grade 1
Looking for something more advanced? Bundle 2 contains books 4-6 which covers more advanced music theory topics. Find it in my TES shop!
Double up your cover work for your music classes!
This bundle contains my best-selling set of cover / sub plans and my new set of wordsearches - 24 sheets in total! Great for back-to-school, this will make sure any potential cover work for your classes this year is sorted! Sickness, courses, exams - whatever the reason for your absence, you will know these no-prep worksheets are ready to go.
Are you fed up leaving mindless work for your sub? Can’t leave detailed work for a non-music specialist? Do you need to engage your students in your absence, and want them to use their brains? These worksheets and wordsearches will solve your problems!
No prep - just print and go
Differentiated
Suitable for non-specialists
Students work independently
No tech/minimal tech
The range of topics makes these suitable for all kinds of classes. They are also open enough, and include differentiated versions, so they are appropriate for a wide range of year groups, saving you time and money by not purchasing multiple sub plans.
I really hope you find this product useful!