Lesson Plan: Original Music Making from ​Irish Tune from County Derry

Summary/Overview: ​When learning and performing pieces, we often try to locate the
reasoning behind the piece and title. But, sometimes we forget to do this with most pieces
because we may think the meaning is obvious or too obscure. This lesson was created as a
pathway for critical thinking and language learning in the music classroom. Students will
research the terms “Irish” “County” and “Derry” from the title of the piece they are playing, ​Irish
Tune from County Derry.​ The students will then create a 16 measure composition based on the
word they chose.

Objectives:
● The students will create a 16+ measure composition based around one of the following
terms: “Irish” “County” or “Derry”
● The students will have more knowledge of the terms “Irish” “County” and “Derry”
● The students will research the terms “Irish” “County” and “Derry”
● Students will know how to use music notation software.

Relevant ​Virginia Standards of Learning​:

● HII.1 The student will use music composition as a means of creative expression.
● HII.2 The student will apply a creative process for music.
● HII.12 The student will demonstrate music literacy.

Relevant ​National Standards​:

● MU:Cr2.1.E.IIIa
● MU:Cn10.0.H.Ia

Required Materials and Visual Aids:

● Handout​ for students prior to the project

Procedures:
● The students will arrive at class and take a seat
● The teacher will discuss the pre-project handout that was done in the last class
○ The teacher will ask for closing thoughts and questions.
● The teacher will brief the students on the project and the expectations.
● The students will get to work researching their chosen word more in-depth
● The students will work on their composition in notation software.
● Once the student feels that their composition is finished, they will turn in their work to
their teacher with a brief summary and introduction to their piece.
Assessment:
The teacher will look at the beginning handout and summary/introduction of the student’s piece
and look at how the student’s thoughts progressed. The teacher will look for growth and
understanding in the term they chose and how they expanded on it through their piece.

Extensions:
I hope that this lesson will encourage them to look more in-depth at the titles of songs and
music. I also hope that this lesson expands into their critical thinking outside of the classroom as
well as in their English/Language Arts classes.

Adaptations:
● Pacing:
○ The teacher can extend the assignment’s due date or make the assignment less
in-depth.
■ Allowing for fewer measures or note parameters
● Modality:
○ Instead of using notation software, the requested/more comfortable notation way
can be used.
Winding:
● Back:
○ Ask the student to create a collection of songs and resources that have a
meaning similar to their chosen word
○
● Forward:
○ Having the student perform their piece or have a group of people perform the
piece
○ Have a set amount of instruments or measures that need to be included
■ Create more parameters for the student to accomplish