Seton Hill University

Greensburg, PA 15601

Daily Lesson Plan for Student Teachers

Teacher: Christian Comm Subject: General Music Grade: 6

Date: 10/25/13, 10/28/13 Time: Varies Behavioral Objective(s): SWBAT explain the difference between absolute and program music. Pennsylvania State Academic Standard(s): 9.1.8.C. Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms. Materials and/or Equipment: Pairs of printed paintings set up on hallway wall Recordings of the following: Bach, Little Fugue in G Minor Anderson, Sleigh Ride Bach, Tocatta and Fugue Ewazen, Sonata for Trombone and Piano Beethoven, Symphony No. 6, Pastoral Activities and Procedures: Anticipatory Set: Art Museum Activity Students will view several pairs of paintings and will be asked to identify the differences between them. Each pair will consist of one abstract painting, and one painting depicting a person, event, or object. When the activity is finished, explain that music can be divided into these two categories as well. Lesson Sequence: Explain that there are many ways to categorize music (form/structure, historical period, genre, instrumentation, etc.) and that one of them is whether the music stands alone or references some outside object or idea. Discuss absolute music. Discuss some buzz words that probably mean that a piece is absolute (sonata, concerto, symphony, fugue) Listen to recording of Bach Little Fugue in G Minor, and explain the concept of a fugue and that it is considered absolute music. Listen to recording of Leroy Andersons Sleigh Ride, explaining what makes it an example of program music. Extra Listening Examples: Bach, Toccata and Fugue. Explain that while it may invoke certain images and feelings, it is still considered absolute music because of the composers intent. Ewazen, Sonata for Trombone and Piano. Explain that not all absolute music is old. Beethoven, Symphony No. 6, Pastoral. Explain that even though it is a symphony, it is considered program music because it is intended to tell a story and invoke certain images. Other Extras: Absolute vs Program Music Quiz Game. As a pre-cursor to the listening test at the end of the unit, divide the class into teams and give them a pieces name and play a portion of it, asking the students to identify whether it is absolute or programmatic music Closure: Review the main points of the class (ways to categorize music, differences between absolute and programmatic music), and thank them for their participation. Modifications for Individual Differences: Use microphone for student with hearing impairment Evaluation: Evaluate using the quiz game and by constantly questioning the class about the differences between absolute and program music. Assignments: None