Author(s): Cesar Manjarrez

Subject:

Class/Period:

Song Cover Project

Date:

Gen Music

Week 6, M

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT perform a cover of a popular song on guitar using chords and vocals.
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.

State Standards:
[text]

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

x

Dynamics

Tone Color

Speaking

Singing

Tempo

Rhythm

Pitch

Moving

Creating

Playing

Texture

Form

Listening

Reading

Style
Writing

Start Bell:

Resources:
Guitars
Lyric/Chord Sheets
Time:

End Bell:

Introduction:

Have students share what song they will be working on, assemble in groups of four and five.
As a class, briefly review chords CAGED. Have answers available for students with different chord progressions.
Have them stick to CAGED chords as much as possible

Process:

Each student will have 8-10 minutes to teach and perform their song to their group. Make sure all performers
have lyric and chord sheets available to them.
Demonstrate teachers chosen song at the end of every group run, demonstrating comfort in chord and vocal
performance.
When all groups are finished, hold an open discussion on what they discovered about working on a cover song on
guitar. Was it easier or more difficult than you expected? What was challenging for you?

Closure:

Review all chords used by all groups, including progressions and any single note playing. Have students
demonstrate their songs to their class.

Assessment: Students will be assessed through group performances, as well as open discussion.
Extension: If no students continue to play for class, perform for students and have them analyze both chords and chord progression
being played.

Author(s): Cesar Manjarrez

Subject:

Introduction to Improvisation

Class/Period:
Gen Music

Date:

Week 6, M

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT improvised on chords, scales, and given chord changes.
National Standards:
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

x

Dynamics

Tone Color

Speaking

Singing

Tempo

Rhythm

Pitch

Moving

Creating

Playing

Form

Listening

Reading

Style
Writing

Start Bell:

Resources:
Guitars
Chord Sheets
Time:

Texture

End Bell:

Introduction:

Review scales, chords, and simple chord progressions with students

Have students work in group of 4/5
Have students analyze given worksheet: Chord progression is I-ii-V-I, in the key of C major.

Process:

Have students discuss what possible notes are available, including C, D, and G major scales on guitar.
As a class, review C, Dm, G chords and major scales
Introduce methods of improvisation. Which notes can I use? When can I play these notes? What rhythms will I
use?
Demonstrate melodic improvisation, have students play C, Dm, and G major scales using rhythm provided on
their worksheet.
In small groups, have students go one by one improvising, given 2-4 minutes each.
When groups are finished, have students discuss what scales and notes they used

Closure:

Have improvisation open to class, with student volunteers. After performing, have students discuss on their
choices for pitch, and how they worked around chords and rhythms.

Assessment: Students will be assessed through group and class improvisation.

Extension: Have students listen to improvised guitar, using Eric Johnson as an example.

Author(s): Cesar Manjarrez

Subject:

Writing a Blues Song

Class/Period:
Gen Music

Learner Outcomes: SWBAT compose simple blues melodies and accompany each other as small ensembles
National Standards:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

Date:

Week 6, M

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Elements of Music & Experiences of Music:

x

Dynamics

Tone Color

Speaking

Singing

Resources:
Guitars
Lyrics
Chord Sheets/Music Sheets
Recording
Time:

Tempo

Rhythm

Pitch

Moving

Creating

Playing

Texture

Form

Style

Listening

Reading

Writing

Start Bell:
End Bell:

Introduction:

Play a recording Helhound on My Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHAIgpih86E

Play a recording of Voodoo Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEJh2FFUUoU
Discuss with group on these two performances: what two main components are there to these pieces: vocals and
accompaniment
Discuss lyric writing with students. How do musicians write music? Are there any similarities to poetry? What do
blues lyrics usually talk about?
Have students take out a blank sheet of paper.

Process:

In groups of 4/5, have students write a verse and a chorus, about anything they would like to talk about. Have
students experiment with poetry, free writing, as long as it explains a sentiment or a story.
Have students create chord changes. Briefly review 7th chords and progressions as a class.
Groups will be given a total of 45 minutes to compose their pieces, working on style, lyrics, and chord changes.
After students finish, have each group perform for the class.
After all performances, discuss what each group decided to perform, including chord changes, key, and song
lyrics.

Closure:

Discuss how their compositions are similar to the recording. What was similar? How were they different?

Assessment: Students will be assessed through group in class performances, as well as their worksheet to be turned in at the end of
class.

Extension: Listen to more blues recordings online, including Miles Davis and Lois Armstrong.