Students in music class at Norwood Park are graded in six different categories: Singing, Playing Instruments, Improvising and Composition, Reading and Notation, Elements of Music, and Work/Study Habits.  Music grades are appropriate to each students individual grade and skill level.  Find out what your child is learning about by clicking on the classes page!

Singing

Singing can mean alone or with others.

Singing alone includes the matching of specific pitches or music notes, using correct rhythm. Singing expressively includes an understanding of dynamics (volume), phrasing and interpretation based on specific genres or styles.

Singing with others includes singing harmony using repeated patterns, partner songs, rounds and/or countermelodies, blending voices, matching volume levels and responding to conductor cues.

Playing Instruments

Your student has opportunities to play a variety of pitched and un-pitched instruments.

Students learn to play rhythm instruments with correct technique while producing a good tone quality as well as how to play mallet instruments with correct technique in a musical way. Volume levels are then balanced as they learn to play with other members of the group, or ensemble.

Improvising and Composition

Improvising means to “make it up on the spot”. Students are asked to improvise using their voices, rhythm instruments, body percussion or movement. This may be done with a familiar song or instrumental piece. It is not written down.

Composing means to create a short song or instrumental piece within specific guidelines that may be written down and can be taught or performed by others.

Reading and Notation

This is the ability to read and/or write specific rhythm and melody patterns at each grade level. The students can then identify and interpret these musical symbols and terms.

All of these basic skills are then applied, and we have …. Musicianship!

Musicianship is the application of various elements of music in combination with the aforementioned basic skills.

Elements of Music

1. Melody: The tune of the song

2. Rhythm: The steady beat (pulse) and duration (length) of the notes.

3. Harmony: Two or more melodies being played or sung at the same time.

4. Form: The way a piece of music is organized.

5. Tone Color: The unique sound of each instrument or voice.

6. Expressive Qualities: Dynamics (volume), Tempo (speed), Style.

7. Music Terms: Uses music vocabulary correctly.

Work/Study Habits

Participation with a Positive Attitude

Students are expected to actively participate in singing, playing instruments and dance/movement activities with enthusiasm.

The student will listen to and follow oral/written directions and stay focused and on task.

The student is encouraged to ask questions.

Effort

Students are expected to strive for quality work by doing their best.

The student will show respect for others, books and instruments.