Experiencing Music Composition in Grades K-2

by Michele Kaschub professor of music, direc, Janice P. Smith

Overview

Experiencing Music Composition in Grades K–2 is designed to help teachers and students create original music through materials and activities that are enticing and accessible. The text offers an innovative approach to composition teaching and learning to promote the development of the compositional capacities of feelingful intention, musical expressivity, and artistic craftsmanship. With instructional materials aligned to real world tasks from the genres of songwriting/choral music, composition and visual media, instrumental music, electronic music and digital media, and music theater, program activities easily fit into existing curricular frames. Students will transition from participation in teacher-facilitated whole class lessons to more independent compositional work using Sketchpages to guide their critical and creative thinking. These unique graphic organizers blend elements of the composer’s notebook with doodle space to help students plan compositions, track their thinking through the compositional process, and document their analysis of completed works. They can also be projected in full color from the website for the book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475867916
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/23/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	132
File size:	11 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Michele Kaschub and Janice P. Smith bring over 50 years of experience in music composition research and pedagogy to the creation of the Experiencing Music Composition approach. As authors, editors, clinicians, and workshop leaders, they have worked with educators throughout the United States and abroad to expand the compositional opportunities available to K–12 students and their teachers.

Table of Contents

About the Companion WebsitePart I Introduction to Experiencing Music CompositionWelcome to Experiencing Music CompositionChapter 1: The Experiencing Music Composition Program

Experiencing Music Composition and the National Arts Standards for Music

Teaching Music Composition with the National Arts Standards for Music

Chapter 2: What to Expect from Very Young ComposersTypical Characteristics of Composers in Grades K–2Typical Qualities of Works by Composers in Grades K–2Chapter 3: How to Use This BookPart II Facilitating the Work of Very Young ComposersChapter 4: Compositional CapacitiesOn ComposingFeelingful IntentionDeveloping the Capacity of Feelingful IntentionMusical ExpressivityMore About the M.U.S.T.S.Developing the Capacity of Musical ExpressivityArtistic CraftsmanshipTechniques and Etudes for Grades K–2Developing the Capacity of Artistic CraftsmanshipFinal Thoughts

Chapter 5: Using Sketchpages

Guiding the JourneyIntroducing Sketchpages to Young ComposersSketchpages as Multi-taskers

Chapter 6: Creative Positive Compositional Experiences

Composition Requires a Different Kind of Teaching

Working with “In-process” Composers

Idea Generation

Idea Development or Extension

Anchoring Knowledge, Inviting Inspiration

Guidelines for Sharing Compositions – Giving and Receiving Feedback

Setting Expectations and Creating Guidelines

Composer’s Circles

Working with Reluctant Sharers

Putting Feedback to Good Use

Post-performance Reflections

Making the Most of Limited Timeframes

Chapter 7: Teacher Guides and Student Sketchpages

Teacher Guides

Curricular Organization

Projects for Kindergarten

Chapter 8: Songwriting and Choral Music – Teddy Bear Lullabies

Chapter 9: Composition and Visual Media – Sonifying Characters: The Gingerbread Man

Chapter 10: Instrumental Music – Stormy Weather

Chapter 11: Electronic Music and Digital Media – Achieving Artistry with Apps

Chapter 12: Music Theater – Birthday Wishes

Projects for Grade 1

Chapter 13: Songwriting and Choral Music – Field Trip Song

Chapter 14: Composition and Visual Media – Background Music for Storytelling

Chapter 15: Instrumental Music – Duets with Two Sounds: A Musical Conversation

Chapter 16: Electronic Music and Digital Media – Sound Blocks and Patterns

Chapter 17: Music Theater – Making a “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be” Song

Projects for Grade 2

Chapter 18: Songwriting and Choral Music– A Song for Grandparent’s Day

Chapter 19:Composition and Visual Media – Exploring Leitmotif: The Mitten

Chapter 20: Instrumental Music – Chamber Music Trios

Chapter 21: Electronic Music and Digital Media – Terrific Textures

Chapter 22: Music Theater – Incidental Music for Puppet Theater

Appendix: Sketchpage Notation Templates

Index

Editorial Reviews

This book is a valuable resource for building a student-centered classroom as a general music educator. The authors provide engaging visual representations, lesson plans, and pedagogical approaches that connect with the national standards. By sharing valuable project-based learning examples, readers are better prepared to facilitate opportunities for students to collaborate, deepen their understanding, create with intent, and participate in constructive feedback.

Diana Minerva