Song Writing

Summary

The students will write an original song using music composition software such as Music Time.

Materials

• high-end computer (Macintosh or 486)
• sound card
• printer
• program such as Music Time Deluxe that allows a student to enter his/her own compositions and print a finished score - see Link under Instructional Procedures

Background for Teachers

The students must have some knowledge of music to do this activity. A teacher may work with the music teacher and after the students have learned about notes, timing, etc., they are ready to go on to this unit.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Use a computer to compose and publish original scores of music.By doing this students will identify another use for the computer besides word processing and games.

Instructional Procedures

Show songs that previous students have written. Also play the songs on the computer. Talk about originality and length of the songs. Also cover ideas for appropriate themes and words.

Check the students knowledge of music notes and timing. These skills are a must for this assignment to be completed. It is okay if the student's knowledge is very basic, as long as they have an idea of how many counts to a measure, etc. Introduce the students to the music program and explain how the computer keyboard will act as a piano keyboard. Explain other components of the software. Do some trials with the program.

After they have received appropriate instructions in the music lab, they write a short melody and then enter it into the computer. They listen to the melody and make any needed changes. Next they add words. When finished, they do a printout. It looks very professional and the students are always proud of their work.

Extensions

It is nice to have the original song scores posted in the media center or another place where the students will receive recognition for their efforts. The younger grade students like to hear the music. At this time, we introduce simple music software to the younger grades. Some of the programs we use are Kid Riffs and Professor Piccolo.

Assessment Plan

A completed musical score printed out from the computer. Ask the students how they feel after they complete the project. Hopefully they will have a sense of accomplishment and be proud of their work.