Unit Plan Outline

Teacher:
Unit Title:
Grade:
Number of Classes:

Megan McGarry
Art Rock
9th Grade
4

MA Frameworks:

Critical Response
Concepts of style
Stylistic influence & stylistic change
Interdisciplinary connections

National Standards: Creating, Responding, and Connecting

MU:Pr4.2.6a
Explain how understanding the structure and the elements of music are used in music
selected for performance.
MU:Re7.2.6b
Identify the context of music from a variety of genres, cultures, and historical periods.

Rationale:
This unit utilizes higher levels of thinking sequentially through understanding, analysis, and
finally synthesizing. The unit begins with a selective overview covering concepts of lyrical
content and musical elements requiring the lower level thinking associated with understanding.
The second and third lessons employ a higher level of thinking through analysis of structure, as
well as the relationship between lyrical and musical elements. Finally, the final lesson requires
synthesis by asking students to use their knowledge of Art Rock to form an opinion answering
the question: What modern artist could be a catalyst for an Art Rock revival?
The overarching goal of this unit is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to exhibit
higher level thinking skills in the selection of their music listening.

Essential Questions:
Why did a genre built to be non-commercial become commercial? Does this
defeat its purpose?
Is artistic value determined by societys reaction?

Enduring Understanding:

Commercialization does not define artistic value.

Behavioral Objectives:
Skill: structure/form analysis strategy
Knowledge: Commonly used compositional tools such as literary devices,
musical elements, context, and structure

Assessment/Evaluation:
Informal:
o Participation; contribution to group discussions
o Individual check-in
Formal:
o Vocabulary assignment
o Bohemian Rhapsody questions
o Individual Song Map
o Essay
Long Range Assignment/Project/Product: 500 word essay
Essay Prompt: What modern artist could be a catalyst for an Art Rock revival? Explain
why based on your knowledge of their work and your knowledge of art rock
characteristics.

Prior Knowledge and Skills:

None

Accommodations:
Special needs:
o Schedule written on board
o Visual aid w/ images
o Sent home songs covered in class, so that he could familiarize himself/herself with the

songs.
o Individual check-ins
ELL
o Written hand outs
o Individual check-ins
o Group work opportunities

School to Home/community connection:

This lesson can nurture students analytical skills, providing them with the tools and knowledge
to discuss their opinions on popular music and their individual music tastes.

Activator:
Music listening - Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie

Repertoire:

Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie

Bouree - Jethro Tull
Money - Pink Floyd
Space Oddity - David Bowie
Nights In White Satin - The Moody Blues
The Return of the Giant Hogweed - Genesis
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Materials Needed:

Art Rock Study Guide handouts

Art Rock playlist - w/ phone
Artist Powerpoint - w/ laptop
Art Rock Tool Box hand outs
Bohemian Rhapsody: Song Map
Student laptops
Approved Art Rock song list.
Example Essay