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.
Book 3 Teacher Guide - Rhythm Reading exercises for KS3 & KS4 music class
This booklet is full of great rhythm exercises to challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestral classrooms. All 10 exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube.
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 21 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 22 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 23 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and crotchet rests
Worksheet 24 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and crotchet rests
Worksheet 25 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 26 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 27 - 2/4 time signature. Quavers and semiquavers
Worksheet 28 - 2/4 time signature. Quavers and semiquavers
Worksheet 29 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Worksheet 30 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. Each of the 12 rhythm patterns consist of a 3 bar pattern and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
The booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
Book 2 Teacher Guide - Rhythm Reading exercises for KS3 & KS4 music classrooms
This booklet is full of great rhythm exercises to challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestral classrooms. All 10 exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube @musictheorymadesimple.
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 11 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 12 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms
Worksheet 13 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 14 - 2/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and semiquavers
Worksheet 15 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 16 - 3/4 time signature. Quaver rests and semiquavers
Worksheet 17 - 5/8 time signature. Irregular time signature
Worksheet 18 - 9/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms, quaver and crothet rests
Worksheet 19 - 9/8 time signature. Ties, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 20 - 4/4 time signature. More complex rhythm patterns, rests and ties.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. 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 booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
Book 1 - Rhythm Reading exercises for KS3 and KS4 music classrooms - Teacher Guide
After finding myself in a number of different classroom setting this year, I wanted to create a resource that could be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestra rooms. It comes as no surprise to us that students struggle with rhythm as a majority of our students focus most of their attention on pitch.
Each of the 10 worksheets comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 1 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 2 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms
Worksheet 3 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms
Worksheet 4 - 2/4 time signature. Triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 5 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms and semiquavers
Worksheet 6 - 9/8 time signature. Quaver rests
Worksheet 7 - 4/4 time signature. Triplets, semiquavers, quaver rests
Worksheet 8 - 5/4 time signature. Irregular time signature
Worksheet 9 - 4/4 time signature. Triplets, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 10 - 4/4 time signature. More complex rhythm patterns and ties.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. 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 booklet also comes with teachers suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There will be play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
Bundle of 10 ALTO SAXOPHONE Sight Reading Exercises
Each booklet comes with a new rhythmic and melodic challenge for our young alto saxophonists.
This sight-reading booklets will challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the general music, concert band and beginner band classrooms. All exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube at Music Theory Made Simple.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines of melody. Each of the melodic patterns consist of 3 bars and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
The booklets also come with suggestions of activities and useful diagrams for the beginner musician. The task can be used as warm up activity, fundamental training, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and sight-reading assessments.
Bundle of 10 Tenor Saxophone Sight Reading Exercises
Each booklet comes with a new rhythmic and melodic challenge for our young tenor saxophonists.
This sight-reading booklets will challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the general music, concert band and beginner band classrooms. All exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube @musictheorymadesimple.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines of melody. Each of the melodic patterns consist of 3 bars and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
The booklets also come with suggestions of activities and useful diagrams for the beginner musician. The task can be used as warm up activity, fundamental training, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and sight-reading assessments.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
CLARINET - Sight-reading bundle for the beginner and intermediate player
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic and melodic challenge for our young clarinetists.
These sight-reading exercises will challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the general music, band and orchestral classrooms. All exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube @ musictheorymadesimple.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines of melody. Each of the melodic patterns consist of 3 bars and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
The booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and useful diagrams for the beginner musician. The task can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and sight-reading assessments.
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!
Music Curriculum and SOW for KS3 music classes
In this comprehensive curriculum you will find a series of units that have been designed for KS3 / middle school students and general music classes. Teaching resources, worksheets and power points to accompany this detailed and comprehensive curriculum are available to buy on my shop!
You can tailor the units to your specific musical skill set and the musical resources / equipment you have available. Units can be taught in any order and are designed to last 6 - 7 school weeks.
Each unit offers students many opportunities for developing skills in performing, composing, listening and analysing music.
All topics have been created to meet the needs of different learners and different music classrooms / equipment available.
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.
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.
BUNDLE - Rhythm Reading #2 for KS3 & KS4 Music classes
Book 3 & 4 Teacher Guide
Book 3 & 4 Student Guide
These booklets are full of great rhythm exercises to challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestral classrooms. All 10 exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube music theory made simple.
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 21 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 22 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 23 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and crotchet rests
Worksheet 24 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and crotchet rests
Worksheet 25 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 26 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 27 - 2/4 time signature. Quavers and semiquavers
Worksheet 28 - 2/4 time signature. Quavers and semiquavers
Worksheet 29 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Worksheet 30 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Worksheet 31 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 32 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 33 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 34 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 35 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 36 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 37 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 38 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 39 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 40 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. Each of the 12 rhythm patterns consist of a 3 bar pattern and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
The booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
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.
Rhythm Reading Bundle for KS3 & KS4 Music classes
Book 1 & 2 Teacher Guides
Book 1 & 2 Student Guides
Worksheet 1 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 2 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms
Worksheet 3 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms
Worksheet 4 - 2/4 time signature. Triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 5 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms and semiquavers
Worksheet 6 - 9/8 time signature. Quaver rests
Worksheet 7 - 4/4 time signature. Triplets, semiquavers, quaver rests
Worksheet 8 - 5/4 time signature. Irregular time signature
Worksheet 9 - 4/4 time signature. Triplets, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 10 - 4/4 time signature. More complex rhythm patterns and ties.
Worksheet 11 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 12 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms
Worksheet 13 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 14 - 2/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and semiquavers
Worksheet 15 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 16 - 3/4 time signature. Quaver rests and semiquavers
Worksheet 17 - 5/8 time signature. Irregular time signature
Worksheet 18 - 9/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms, quaver and crothet rests
Worksheet 19 - 9/8 time signature. Ties, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 20 - 4/4 time signature. More complex rhythm patterns, rests and ties.
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. 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 booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There are play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
These worksheets are designed to focus on listening, appraising and understanding of historical context. With limited access to instruments, this is a great way to encourage our students to have a life-long appreciation of musical genres and styles.
These worksheets will work perfectly for any teacher who is trying to teach students who have no or limited access to instruments at home.
Each worksheet explores different genres 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.
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!
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.
Music Pop History Bundle for KS3 and KS4 Music Classes.
In this exciting pop history bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for KS3 and KS4 secondary music classes.
Within the bundle you will have a selection of resources that include powerpoints, worksheets and more.
Topics include The Blues, Mix Tapes, Big Band Music, Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Beatles and Protest Songs.
All resources have been taught in the music classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
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.
Classical Music Bundle for KS3 /KS4 Music classes
In this classical music 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 listening to classical composers, programme music and composing using classical music as an inspiration.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
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.
