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.
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!
**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.
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.
Quick Music Technology project for KS3 and KS4 music classes
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, 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 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 3 module 1 of the middle school curriculum (Pop Music).
5 treble clef pitch identification worksheets for music classes
A set of 5 treble clef pitch identification worksheets where every bar spells out a word. Each sheet is in a different colour.
A fun resource that is perfect for a starter activity, homework assignment or cover lesson activity.
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
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.
COVER WORK BUNDLE for secondary MUSIC classes
Stuck for cover work that is suitable for a cover teacher to teach?
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 listening exercises, music theory, quizzes, programme music and pop history as a starting point.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for 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.
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.
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!
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!
This is an introduction activity that celebrates Black Female Artists in Pop History.
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 analyse 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 theory activity based on the lullaby - Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
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 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 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 C Major 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 C major scale (there is an opportunity to bring listening work into this), identifying the C major scale on a keyboard and stave notation. Writing 3 simple C major scale pieces using a given rhythm and a practical homework task (which could be a class lesson) on learning to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in the key of C major.
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!
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.
Christmas Pop music worksheet - comparing two singles. This is a great introduction lesson to the difference between sacred and secular Christmas music. Students will compare and contrast two Christmas songs and this task will work perfectly for remote, hybrid or in-person lessons.
The worksheet starts with some basic history about Christmas songs and carols and simple questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to Band Aid - Do they Know It’s Christmas and White Christmas. 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.
Check out our Youtube channel - Passionate about Music Education which gives training advice specifically for music teachers!
Do you want your students to have an understanding of instruments used in popular music history?
The first section is identifying instruments from different ensembles and electronic instruments.
The second section is exploring and researching an instrument in more detail.
A good worksheet that will work for cover lessons, classwork or remote learning.
Links with the middle school curriculum that is for sale.
If you like this resource don’t forget to follow the page for all the latest updates and new resources!
A fun introduction to Pop History - Mix-Tapes!
Perfect for remote or in person learning. This is a good introduction lesson to get students thinking about creating mix-tapes and exploring different styles and genres of pop music!
Lots of opportunities for class discussions and listening to different genres and styles of music. A chance for students to share their love of music and musical tastes in the classroom.
Perfect for middle and high school students. This lesson links with the middle school music curriculum for sale on this page (Year 3, Topic 1).
Don’t forget to follow the page for updates and latest resources!
Worksheet 4 - Rhythm Reading exercises for secondary music classrooms
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 4 - 2/4 time signature. Triplets and semiquavers
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.