Music Unit Plans

Looking for a way to have some fun while learning music? Look no further. This Graphic Scores Unit will have your students exploring how to represent sound using graphics and composing in no time! There are 3 main lessons included in this unit, however, the last lesson will likely take 6-8 lessons to put together and perform. This unit is one I have used with my own students so I know how much fun they have with it! The great thing with graphic scores is you don't really need any instruments to compose which makes this unit even better if you're teaching music on a cart or have limited resources available.

Overview:

This graphic score short unit exposes students to what a graphic score is. They get to represent sound using graphics and compose their own graphic score using found sounds. Students will learn how sound and music can be represented using graphics. They will practice representing a short piece of music through graphics. After, they will represent common soundscapes using their own graphics and will then create their own graphic score to perform. I created this in Google Docs/Slides so that you can customize this unit to your own unique needs.

Learning Goals:

• We are learning how to represent sounds and music using non-traditional notation.
• We are learning to compose a piece of music using found sounds and represent our sound using graphics.

Success Criteria:

• I can represent sound using graphics.
• I can compose a piece of music with a group and perform it using my score.

What’s Included:

• Lesson Plans and Ideas
• Google Slides Lesson on Graphic Scores (including original composition to practice creating graphic scores)
• Graphic organizer for students with fill in the blanks about graphic scores
• Graphic organizer for students to represent original composition as a graphic score
• Graphic organizer for students to represent soundscapes using graphics
• Graphic score for students to create their own graphic scores
• Rubrics to mark graphic score assignments
• 3 Stars and a Wish for peer feedback

A brand new follow up to the Rainbow Recorder series, the 2K15 series!

This version of Rainbow Recorder focuses on 9 original compositions that your new (and even advanced) recorder students will love. We bring it back to the beginning and learn how to connect the lines and spaces on the staff to note names and have students begin to memorize the notes, rather than the letters. We gradually scaffold into more difficult music by adding on new notes and rhythms.

Included, you will receive a 9 page PDF file (reproducable for your students or as a teacher guide) and 9 accompaniment tracks for each "belt". Your students are GUARANTEED to love these with lots of original hip hop background tracks (you would never know how cool playing a whole bunch of A's and B's are until you play along to this!) ;) Beginning at the Purple series, there is a beginning and advanced mp3 in case you have a superstar student who wants to tackle the advanced version (which is about 25 bpm faster than the regular version)

An alternate version with the note names are available, please contact me at jasonlitt@gmail.com if you'd like that as well.

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions and enjoy!

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 1 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes 20 MORE SOLOS and 18 MORE ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 2.

Solos in Level 1 ENCORE use the simplified 3 line staff found in Unit 6 of the Level 1 method book and incorporate all the instruments on a drumset.

Rock'n'Rollin 1 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 1 method book, or as a transition from Level 1 into Level 2.

You can also use this book as a stand-alone method book for young drummers who are starting off their lessons.

Be sure to check out our other Rock'n'Rollin method books:

• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Studio/School Licence)
• Rockn'Rollin' Level 2 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 2 (Studio/School Licence)

This version of the book IS reproducible, so you can make as many copies of the book as you need for your school or studio.

Whether you have experience teaching music or not, this unit is for you. Have a small budget or no budget for teaching music? I have included ways to make music with your students for very little money. I have used this unit for 5 years teaching music and every year the students love it. This unit will give you a semester (or half a year) worth of material to use with approximately 2 periods of music per week.

What is bucket drumming?

Bucket drumming is a relatively inexpensive way to bring rhythmic practices into the classroom. This unit is designed to be accessible for all teachers to use, regardless of musical training. The use of familiar words helps both teachers and students learn simple rhythms together. The rhythms increase in difficulty and there are options for easy, medium, and hard rhythms. This allows for easy modifications and accommodations ensuring that students of all abilities are successful in this unit. I have taught variations of this unit with grade 6-8 students for over 5 years with success, and these lessons can be modified for other grade levels.

In my experience, students love bucket drumming and enjoy the lessons in this unit. One activity that you can use when you have a few extra minutes is the Elimination Game, and students LOVE it! It can be used as a great warm-up game and to reinforce the skills taught in this unit.

This unit includes games, lessons, and activities to help strengthen ear training, encourage active listening, develop rhythmic abilities, develop composition skills, explore creativity, and most importantly, to have fun! I have also included some helpful information to get bucket drumming started in your classroom. Included in this unit are lessons, games. activities, and rubrics where needed. There are a solid 21 – 31 periods worth of work included in this unit (possibly more).

Included below are the overall lesson plans and activities included in this unit. Most “lessons” can be used for multiple periods and the approximate number of periods is included in brackets beside the activity. I have based these periods on approximately 45 minutes each. These lessons include opportunities to read music, compose, and perform.

Introduction to Bucket Drumming (1 - 2 periods)

Elimination Game (1 period)

Elements of Music (2 – 3 periods)

Rhythm Cards (2 – 3 period)

8 Bar Rhythm Challenges (4 – 6 periods)

Let’s Compose! (5 – 6 periods)

Stomp Composition (6 – 10 periods)

If you have any questions, please let me know! Happy Bucket Drumming!

TIPS:

1. Be sure to leave feedback to earn your TeachShare credits!

2. If you like what you see - follow me for new products and updates (click the star by my store name MsNerdWood).

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 2 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 2 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes 20 MORE SOLOS and MORE ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 3.

Solos in Level 2 ENCORE use the traditional 5-line staff found in Unit 2 of the Level 2 method book and incorporate all the instruments on a drumset.

Rock'n'Rollin 2 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 2 method book, or as a transition into the Level 3 method book.

Be sure to check out our other Rock'n'Rollin method books:

• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Studio/School Licence)
• Rockn'Rollin' Level 2 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 2 (Studio/School Licence)

This version of the book is REPRODUCIBLE, so you can make as many copies of the book as needed.

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 3 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 3 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes MORE SOLOS and ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 4.

Solos in Level 3 ENCORE use the traditional 5-line staff using 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures.

Rock'n'Rollin 2 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 3 method book, or as a transition into the Level 4 method book (to be released early 2024).

Introducing the Rock’N’Rollin’ For Preschoolers book from ZS Music Publishing. Rock’N’Rollin’ For Preschoolers is a precursor to the Rock’N’Rollin’ Level 1 to prepare the younger drummer for their music career.

Rock’N’Rollin’ For Preschoolers is a scaffolded book that starts off by teaching Bass Drum and adds on instruments throughout the book. The book is designed for junior drum sets with the idea that these drum sets may or may not have three Tom Drums to accommodate all kinds of sets.

Students will gradually learn the instruments one by one and together. The layout of the concepts are:

• Sticks
• Bass Drum
• Snare Drum
• High Tom
• Mid Tom
• Low Tom
• Ride Cymbal (referred to “Cymbal” in the book).
• Hi-Hats

Upon completion of the book, students can graduate up to Rock’N’Rollin’ Level 1 or Level 1 Encore. If students move to Level 1 Encore, the back of the book is a section to prepare students for Level 1 Encore if they skip Rock’N’Rollin Level 1. For this section, there are 8 pages that have been pulled from Rock’N’Rollin Level 1.

In total, there are 33 “songs” in the book along with activities scattered through our including 4 pages for students to create their own beats.

Note, this book is only licensed for 1 student use only. Duplication is strictly prohibited. We do offer print versions and studio-licensed books as well.

Here come the Little Jammers! This new program from ZSMP/Seckman Music Studio is a Kids Band Discovery curriculum that teaches students the basics of playing Guitar, Keyboard, Drums, and a little singing as well! Little Jammers uses colored notes on the staff and instruments to allow kids to visually learn the music.

This Preview Pack includes 5 of the 21 songs from the full program curriculum. In the pack, you'll have the lessons plans, set-up instructions, band books for the kids, 10 backing tracks, and teacher scores for the 5 songs. Preview Pack materials are studio-licensed so you may make as many copies as needed, but the Little Jammers name may not be used; song titles can be published for programs and concerts.

You will need additional material and instruments for this program such as: Half-sized guitar, jr drumset, small synth/keyboard, amplifier and appropriate cables, all explained in the set-up material.

The Full Program is set to be released Summer 2020 and will include an option to add on a naming license. For more information and for our other products, visit us on: facebook.com/zsmusicpublishing

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 3 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 3 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes MORE SOLOS and ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 5.

Solos in Level 4 ENCORE use the traditional 5-line staff using 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time signatures.

Rock'n'Rollin 4 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 4 method book, or as a transition into the Level 5 method book (to be released in 2025).

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 4 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 4 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes MORE SOLOS and ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 5.

Solos in Level 3 ENCORE use the traditional 5-line staff and use the time signatures found in book 4 such as 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8, as well as the concepts of new dynamics, repeats and more.

Rock'n'Rollin 3 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 4 method book, or as a transition into the Level 5 method book, expected out in 2025.

This version of the book is REPRODUCIBLE, so you can make as many copies of the book as needed.

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 2 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 2 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes 20 MORE SOLOS and MORE ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 3.

Solos in Level 2 ENCORE use the traditional 5-line staff found in Unit 2 of the Level 2 method book and incorporate all the instruments on a drumset.

Rock'n'Rollin 2 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 2 method book, or as a transition into the Level 3 method book.

Be sure to check out our other Rock'n'Rollin method books:

• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Studio/School Licence)
• Rockn'Rollin' Level 2 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 2 (Studio/School Licence)

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 3 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 3 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes MORE SOLOS and ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 4.

Solos in Level 3 ENCORE use the traditional 5-line staff and use the time signatures found in book 3 such as 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8.

Rock'n'Rollin 3 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 3 method book, or as a transition into the Level 4 method book, expected out early 2024.

This version of the book is REPRODUCIBLE, so you can make as many copies of the book as needed.

Introducing our NEW Accelertated Rock'n'Rollin'!

Accelerated Rock'n'Rollin' is designed for the beginning drummer in ages 13 and up, and even adults! The book is a combination of levels 1 and 2 which dives straight into reading music on the simplified staff with the abbreviations on circles (notes and moves students through reading drum music on the staff, learning note values, time signatures, and dynamics. In this book, patterns are called solos.

There are also a hand full of composing activities throughout the book. Remember that students should not be rushed through the book, and it is completely okay to keep students working on a certain section or pattern for a few weeks at a time until they’re comfortable.

To make sure they’re playing with accuracy, start off each pattern around 60bpm. You can adjust the tempo from there as they learn the patterns.

The book flows in the following order:

• Introduce the Instruments on a simplified 3-line staff.

• Moves to a traditional 5-line staff.

• Introduce notes as quarter notes on the staff, and changes cymbals to cross notes.

• Introduce Half Notes and Rests, Whole Notes and Rests, and Dotted half notes.

• Introduce Rudiments and Stickings.

  • From Book 2, “ROCK’N’RUDIMENTS” readies students to learn and play simple stickings in 4/4 and 3/4 times using Quarters, Whole, Halfs, and Eighth notes. These rudiments can be used for fills, and can be revisited later on. 

• Introduces beamed 8th notes (2 sounds in 1 beat.)

• Introduces Forte and Piano dynamics. 

Printing instructions are included on the first page, with a print authorization certificate on page 2. The book is pages 3-102 in the document. Duplication is ALLOWED with this product. E-mail us at: zsmusiceducation@gmail.com for more information.

Introducing our NEW Accelertated Rock'n'Rollin'!

Accelerated Rock'n'Rollin' is designed for the beginning drummer in ages 13 and up, and even adults! The book is a combination of levels 1 and 2 which dives straight into reading music on the simplified staff with the abbreviations on circles (notes and moves students through reading drum music on the staff, learning note values, time signatures, and dynamics. In this book, patterns are called solos.

There are also a hand full of composing activities throughout the book. Remember that students should not be rushed through the book, and it is completely okay to keep students working on a certain section or pattern for a few weeks at a time until they’re comfortable.

To make sure they’re playing with accuracy, start off each pattern around 60bpm. You can adjust the tempo from there as they learn the patterns.

The book flows in the following order:

• Introduce the Instruments on a simplified 3-line staff.

• Moves to a traditional 5-line staff.

• Introduce notes as quarter notes on the staff, and changes cymbals to cross notes.

• Introduce Half Notes and Rests, Whole Notes and Rests, and Dotted half notes.

• Introduce Rudiments and Stickings.

  • From Book 2, “ROCK’N’RUDIMENTS” readies students to learn and play simple stickings in 4/4 and 3/4 times using Quarters, Whole, Halfs, and Eighth notes. These rudiments can be used for fills, and can be revisited later on. 

• Introduces beamed 8th notes (2 sounds in 1 beat.)

• Introduces Forte and Piano dynamics. 

Printing instructions are included on the first page, with a print authorization certificate on page 2. The book is pages 3-102 in the document. Duplication is Prohibited. E-mail us at: zsmusiceducation@gmail.com for more information.

Is your young drummer hungry for more solos and activities outside of the Rock'n'Rollin Level 1 Book?

Have no fear! Introducing...the Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 ENCORE Book!

The ENCORE Book includes 20 MORE SOLOS and 18 MORE ACTIVITIES to tide your drummer over until they get into Level 2.

Solos in Level 1 ENCORE use the simplified 3 line staff found in Unit 6 of the Level 1 method book and incorporate all the instruments on a drumset.

Rock'n'Rollin 1 ENCORE can be used in tandem with the Level 1 method book, or as a transition from Level 1 into Level 2.

You can also use this book as a stand-alone method book for young drummers who are starting off their lessons.

Be sure to check out our other Rock'n'Rollin method books:

• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 1 (Studio/School Licence)
• Rockn'Rollin' Level 2 (Single User Licence)
• Rock'n'Rollin' Level 2 (Studio/School Licence)

Introducing the Rock’N’Rollin’ For Preschoolers book from ZS Music Publishing. Rock’N’Rollin’ For Preschoolers is a precursor to the Rock’N’Rollin’ Level 1 to prepare the younger drummer for their music career.

Rock’N’Rollin’ For Preschoolers is a scaffolded book that starts off by teaching Bass Drum and adds on instruments throughout the book. The book is designed for junior drum sets with the idea that these drum sets may or may not have three Tom Drums to accommodate all kinds of sets.

Students will gradually learn the instruments one by one and together. The layout of the concepts are:

• Sticks
• Bass Drum
• Snare Drum
• High Tom
• Mid Tom
• Low Tom
• Ride Cymbal (referred to “Cymbal” in the book).
• Hi-Hats

Upon completion of the book, students can graduate up to Rock’N’Rollin’ Level 1 or Level 1 Encore. If students move to Level 1 Encore, the back of the book is a section to prepare students for Level 1 Encore if they skip Rock’N’Rollin Level 1. For this section, there are 8 pages that have been pulled from Rock’N’Rollin Level 1.

In total, there are 33 “songs” in the book along with activities scattered through our including 4 pages for students to create their own beats.

This book is studio licensed, so you can make as many copies as you'd like! You may not share the file with any other school/studio.