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.
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.
Concert Planning / logistic Checklist - excel spreadsheet
This is the perfect checklist for all busy music teachers who needs assistance with planning the logistics of a concert and want to ensure that nothing is missed.
The editable spreadsheet includes ideas of some of the tasks you will need to complete in the lead up to the concert, the day of the concert and afterwards.
It allows you to assign who is responsible for completing each task so that you can take some of the stress off your plate.
Don’t forget to follow this TES page and why not check out passionate about music education channel on Youtube.
KS2 and KS3 Fun Music theory worksheet Old MacDonald
Fun music theory activity based on the nursery rhyme - Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce or develop music theory? Need something for cover?
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 or sing Old MacDonald on an instrument of their choice either in class or at home.
Don’t forget to follow Passionate About Music Education for all the latest updates and resources!
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.
Don’t forget to follow to get notification of new resources being published.
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 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!
Exploring form and structure is a great unit for introducing students to composing and creating their own music.
In this unit students will explore binary form and meditation music. It’s a great way to encourage students to see how music can help with mindset and well-being whilst introducing binary form concepts. This is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint walks the students through meditation music and the composing task. It has links to listening materials and music terms. There is a support work sheet that students can use whilst creating and composing.
Students can work in groups or individually on this task. I have taught this lesson using a variety of keyboards, classroom percussion, students’ own instruments and music software programmes. This can easily be adapted to virtual / hybrid learning.
Links with Year 2 topic 2 from the Middle School music curriculum that is for sale.
Why not follow Passionate About Music Education youtube channel for advice on teaching music and stress management support for teachers.
Fun music theory activity based on the nursery rhyme - This Old Man.
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce or develop music theory whilst working remotely or away from your classroom?
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 or sing This Old Man on an instrument of their choice either in class or at home.
Don’t forget to follow Passionate About Music Education for all the latest updates!
Fun music project - exploring the Dorian 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 dorian scale (there is an opportunity to bring listening work into this), identifying the dorian scale on a keyboard and stave notation. Writing 3 simple dorian pieces using a given rhythm and a practical homework task (which could be a class lesson) on learning to play Scarborough Fair - a folk song composed from the dorian scale.
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 hybrid-styled lesson resources make sure you follow Passionate About Music Education TES page!
This powerpoint is one of a series of lessons based around famous music and composers that is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint explores the composer, has links to relevant online music recordings, and allows students to relate to the music and key theory. Homework / extension tasks have been included.
The powerpoint can also be used as a starting point for practical work or a composition task based around this famous and much loved work.
Links with Year 1 topic 1 from the Middle School curriculum that is for sale.
Exploring Music Elements and Mood in Music is a great unit for introducing students to composing and creating.
This powerpoint is one of a series of lessons focusing on developing understanding f music elements and how they can impact moods / emotions in music. This is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint explores the theme of happiness, has links to relevant online music recordings, and allows students to relate to the music and key theory.
Students can work in groups to create their own happiness piece focusing on the musical elements. This can easily be adapted to virtual / hybrid learning.
Links with Year 1 topic 2 from the Middle School music curriculum that is for sale.
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).
Fun music theory activity based on a holiday season favourite - Jingle Bells!
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.
Students can then use the music theory sheet to play Jingle Bells on an instrument of their choice either in class or at home.
This powerpoint is one of a series of lessons based around famous music and composers that is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint explores the composer, has links to relevant online music recordings, and allows students to relate to the music and key theory. Homework / extension tasks have been included.
The powerpoint can also be used as a starting point for practical work or a composition task based around this famous and much loved work.
Links with Year 1 topic 1 from the Middle School curriculum that is for sale.
Pop music worksheet - comparing two singles. This is a great introduction lesson to The Beatles and learning to compare two songs. Works perfectly for class, homework or even a cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic history about the band and simple questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to Love Me Do and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club. Students will describe the musical features of both singles and then look for similarities.
This links with Year 3, 1st Unit module from the Middle School Music Curriculum that is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education page.
Welcome to the Exploring Musical Genres and Styles Project Book 2!
Following the popularity of the first project book, I have created a new series of worksheets specifically designed to support music teachers teaching KS3 and KS4 music.
This series of worksheets was originally created for general music classes during online teaching. The series have been popular with music teachers as it offers a set of projects that work for general 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 / 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!
Exploring Music Elements and Mood in Music is a great unit for introducing students to composing and creating.
This powerpoint is one of a series of lessons focusing on developing understanding f music elements and how they can impact moods / emotions in music. This is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint explores the theme of happiness, has links to relevant online music recordings, and allows students to relate to the music and key theory.
Students can work in groups to create their own happiness piece focusing on the musical elements. This can easily be adapted to virtual / hybrid learning.
Links with Year 1 topic 2 from the Middle School music curriculum that is for sale.
Worksheet 20 - 4/4 Rhythm Reading exercise for KS3 & KS4 school music classes
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 20 - 4/4 time signature. Triplets, semiquavers (16th), ties and rests.
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 in book 2 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.
Worksheet 10 - Rhythm Reading exercises for secondary school music classrooms
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 10 - 4/4 time signature.More complex rhythm patterns and ties
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.
Worksheet 11 - Rhythm Reading exercises for KS3 and KS4 music classrooms
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 11 - 4/4 time signature. Simple rhythm patterns.
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 in book 2 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.