8th Grade Music: the year at a glance
5 units · 15 lessons · based on National Core Arts Standards — General Music (grade band 6–8). Every unit ends with a review & assessment day.
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Unit 1: Music fundamentals MU:Pr4.2
Read rhythm and pitch notation · Understand scales and key signatures
- Rhythm reviewMU:Pr4.2
- Major scalesMU:Pr4.2
- Key signaturesMU:Pr4.2
- Review & assessment
Unit 2: Keyboard & guitar MU:Pr4.3
Play chords and simple songs on keyboard or guitar
- Keyboard basicsMU:Pr4.3
- ChordsMU:Pr4.3
- Play a songMU:Pr6.1
- Review & assessment
Unit 3: Songwriting & composition MU:Cr2.1
Compose a song with melody, chords and lyrics · Use digital tools
- Song structureMU:Re7.2
- Writing lyricsMU:Cr1.1
- Digital compositionMU:Cr2.1
- Song showcaseMU:Pr6.1
- Review & assessment
Unit 4: American music history & genres MU:Cn11.0
Trace American music genres · Connect music to social history
- Spirituals and bluesMU:Cn11.0
- JazzMU:Re7.2
- Rock, hip-hop and beyondMU:Cn11.0
- Review & assessment
Unit 5: Ensemble performance MU:Pr6.1
Rehearse and perform in an ensemble
- Ensemble skillsMU:Pr5.1
- Performance and critiqueMU:Re9.1
- Review & assessment