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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have created a STUDENT FRIENDLY BOOK for printing that accompanies the teacher handbook which is also for sale on the site.
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.
There are play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom or as homework practice tools.
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 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 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!
In this 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.
An introduction music lesson on Protest Songs - powerpoint
This resources was created for middle / high school music classes and is an introduction to protest songs. I have used the powerpoint on-line and in the classroom and it can take 2 x 45 minutes to work through the whole presentation. There are 12 slides.
The slides include the following artists and songs:
Bob Dylan - Masters of War
Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come
2Pac - Changes
There are links to the recordings, a brief historical intro and a series of musical questions for each artist. Questions can be answered verbally in class or as a written task. This powerpoint could be used for a cover lesson.
It would also work as a great intro for any general music classes or choral classes looking at studying protest songs in more depth.
There are some suggested musical extension tasks at the end of the powerpoint that you could use if you wanted the lesson to be the introduction to a whole unit.
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.
