Looking for music resources for secondary music classes that have been tried and tested in the classroom? I am passionate about music and drama education and have taught in secondary schools in the UK and internationally for 25 years.
Looking for music resources for secondary music classes that have been tried and tested in the classroom? I am passionate about music and drama education and have taught in secondary schools in the UK and internationally for 25 years.
Music Pop History Bundle 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 The Blues, Mix Tapes, Big Band Music, Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Beatles and Protest Songs.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
This is the second lesson in a series that will allow students to learn the chord sequence for the 12 bar blues.
It has been created for google classroom but can be adapted for other online platforms.
This is the third lesson in a series for learning the Blues.
This lesson focuses on the walking bass line.
The powerpoint has been designed for google classroom but can be adapted for other platforms.
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.
Worksheet 27 - 2/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 27 - 2/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, semiquavers (16th notes) and triplets.
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a 4th bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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 24 - 3/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 school music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 24 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a 4th bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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 26 - 4/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 26 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a 4th bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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 25 - 4/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 25 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a 4th bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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 23 - 3/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 23 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a 4th bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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 21 - 4/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 21 - 4/4 time signature. Simple rhythm patterns
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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 22 - 4/4 Rhythm Reading for KS3 & KS4 music
This is a single worksheet focusing on developing rhythm reading and can be used in any classroom or ensemble setting.
Worksheet 22 - 4/4 time signature. Simple rhythm patterns
Each worksheet has 12 patterns. Each pattern has a 3 bar rhythm with a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
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 3 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.
Book 3 Student Guide - Rhythm Reading exercises for KS3 & KS4 school music classrooms
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
I have created a STUDENT FRIENDLY BOOK for printing that accompanies the teacher handbook which is also for sale on the site.
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 1 & 2 Teacher Guide
Book 1 & 2 Student Guide
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 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.
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!
Quick Gospel Music project for KS3 or KS4 music students
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.
Worksheet 1 - 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 1 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers (half, quarter and eighth notes).
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 2 - 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 2 - 4/4 time signature focusing on dotted rhythms.
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 3 - 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 3 - 3/4 time signature focusing on dotted rhythms.
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 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.
