General Music Course Overview
Course Description: General music class provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of musical elements through the study of melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and basic music theory. All units of study will be accompanied by the use of various musical instruments.
Topic covered in each grade level are as follows:
Grade 6: Exploration of Folk Songs and Multicultural Songs, Unison and Two-PartSinging, Sight-Singing, Moving to and Feeling
the Rhythmic Beat in Multiple Meters, Rhythm Reading, Rhythm Improvisation, Bucket Ensemble Drumming, World
Music Drumming, Reading Notes on the Treble Clef, Basic Right Hand Piano Playing
Grade 7: What is Rhythm?, Using Body Percussion and Everyday Items to Create Music, World Music Drumming, Rhythm
Reading, Rhythm Dictation, Rhythm Notation, Rhythm Improvisation, Rhythmic Composition, Reading Notes on the
Treble and Bass Clef, Right and Left Hand Piano Playing, Basic Guitar Playing
Grade 8: The Importance of Music in Film, Characteristics of Music in Different Film Genres, Cartoon Music, Playing Popular Movie
Themes on Piano, Guitar, and Boomwhackers, Creating Original Storylines Based on Specific Musical Selections,
Creating Original Rhythmic and Melodic Compositions to Fit Specific Scenes/Emotions, World Music Drumming
Classroom Expectations:
Grading Policy: Term grades will be determined using a “total points” system. Classwork, assignments, projects, and assessments will be assigned a point value based on its importance as an indicator of skill or comprehension. The term grade will be calculated by dividing the number of points earned by the number of available points.
Example: 1,630 points earned = 82% (B-)
1,988 points available
Extra Credit: Students may receive up to 10 extra credit points for attending a musical performance and writing a one page (typed, double spaced) review. The review should include your opinion and thoughts on the musical selections performed and must consist of a variety of musical terms that have been discussed in class. Attach the program or ticket stub to the paper and submit to Ms. Lopez within 7 days of the performance. Students may submit one performance review per term.
Topic covered in each grade level are as follows:
Grade 6: Exploration of Folk Songs and Multicultural Songs, Unison and Two-PartSinging, Sight-Singing, Moving to and Feeling
the Rhythmic Beat in Multiple Meters, Rhythm Reading, Rhythm Improvisation, Bucket Ensemble Drumming, World
Music Drumming, Reading Notes on the Treble Clef, Basic Right Hand Piano Playing
Grade 7: What is Rhythm?, Using Body Percussion and Everyday Items to Create Music, World Music Drumming, Rhythm
Reading, Rhythm Dictation, Rhythm Notation, Rhythm Improvisation, Rhythmic Composition, Reading Notes on the
Treble and Bass Clef, Right and Left Hand Piano Playing, Basic Guitar Playing
Grade 8: The Importance of Music in Film, Characteristics of Music in Different Film Genres, Cartoon Music, Playing Popular Movie
Themes on Piano, Guitar, and Boomwhackers, Creating Original Storylines Based on Specific Musical Selections,
Creating Original Rhythmic and Melodic Compositions to Fit Specific Scenes/Emotions, World Music Drumming
Classroom Expectations:
- Listen carefully and follow directions.
- Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
- Maintain a positive attitude and be respectful to everyone at all times.
- Do not touch equipment in the classroom without permission.
- Unless specified, the use of electronic devices is not permitted during class.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. We are all here to learn!
Grading Policy: Term grades will be determined using a “total points” system. Classwork, assignments, projects, and assessments will be assigned a point value based on its importance as an indicator of skill or comprehension. The term grade will be calculated by dividing the number of points earned by the number of available points.
Example: 1,630 points earned = 82% (B-)
1,988 points available
Extra Credit: Students may receive up to 10 extra credit points for attending a musical performance and writing a one page (typed, double spaced) review. The review should include your opinion and thoughts on the musical selections performed and must consist of a variety of musical terms that have been discussed in class. Attach the program or ticket stub to the paper and submit to Ms. Lopez within 7 days of the performance. Students may submit one performance review per term.