Do you need a basic Music Theory course that is not babyish? Are your middle school or older learners 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 is Book 2 in the series. Books 1-3 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 in Book 2 are:
Semiquavers (16th notes) and beaming
Simle Time Signatures
Ties
Tempo
Tempo Changes
Dynamics
Further Dynamics
Bass Clef
Further Bass Clef
Accidentals
The workbook also contains space for students to make notes, and a self-reflection task for them to evaluate their progress. 2 versions of the 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 workbook is in PDF format and is 14 pages long. There is one page for each of the ten topics, each with clear explanations and two written tasks for pupils. 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 10 weeks in total.
This workbook follows on from book 1 (available here) and can be followed by books 3-6!
I have used this booklet for years with my own students, usually from age 8-12, 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 young children. Please let me know how you use it!
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!
Looking for a new, fresh, different approach to creative writing for primary/years 2-4? Your pupils are sure to love this interactive audio soundscape, sure to spark creativity.
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore a variety of space sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
A soundscape on its own (Rainforest) is available for just £1 from my store if you want to try before you buy the full product. Other soundscape stories, including rainforest/jungle, beach and enchanted forest are available or coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides.
Looking for a new, fresh, different approach to creative writing for primary/years 2-4? Your pupils are sure to love this interactive audio soundscape, certain to spark creativity.
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore a variety of spooky halloween sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks) (colour and B&W versions included)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
A soundscape on its own (Rainforest) is available for just £1 from my store if you want to try before you buy the full product. Other soundscape stories, including rainforest/jungle, savannah, space and enchanted forest are available or coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides.
Looking for a new, fresh, different approach to creative writing for primary/years 2-4? Your pupils are sure to love this interactive audio soundscape, sure to spark creativity.
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore a variety of African savannah sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
A soundscape on its own (Rainforest) is available for just £1 from my store if you want to try before you buy the full product. Other soundscape stories, including rainforest/jungle, beach, space and enchanted forest are available or coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides.
Looking for a new, fresh, different approach to creative writing for primary/years 2-4? Your pupils are sure to love this interactive audio soundscape, sure to spark creativity.
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore a variety of beach and seaside sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
A soundscape on its own (Rainforest) is available for just £1 from my store if you want to try before you buy the full product. Other soundscape stories, including rainforest/jungle, savannah, space and enchanted forest are available or coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides.
Your pupils are sure to love this different approach to creative writing!
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore 10 different rainforest and jungle sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
The soundscape on its own is available for free from my store if you want to try before you buy - or just look at the video preview above to see it in action. Other soundscape stories, including farm, space and enchanted forest coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides
Your pupils are sure to love this different approach to creative writing!
Using an interactive soundscape, you and your pupils can explore a variety of farm and barnyard sounds and use this to prompt writing. It also develops listening skills, encourages imagination and is a fun way to rethink story writing.
This resource contains:
interactive soundscape (I think this is a unique type of product on TES!)
pupil worksheets (4 tasks)
teacher instructions
terms of use and credits
A soundscape on its own (Rainforest) is available for free from my store if you want to try before you buy. Other soundscape stories, including rainforest/jungle, space and enchanted forest are available or coming soon!
Please note: you MUST have Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer/mac to run this resource. The animations will not work properly in the browser version or on alternative software such as Google slides.
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.