Andy Kittleson

12/4/14
High School
Guitar I Composition Lesson
Musical Concepts:
Harmony Chords and melody may move simultaneously in relation to each other.
Melody a series of pitches may move up or down by steps or skips.
Observable Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to create a short piece of music.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate the difference between melody and accompaniment
3. Students will be able to perform music for their peers.
Students Prior Knowledge
Ss. have learned previously learned chords G, C, and D.
Ss. have played together
Ss. have knowledge of notes on all six guitar strings
National/State Standards
MU:Cr1.1.H.5a
MU:Pr6.1.H.5a
9.1
Materials
Guitar for Teacher and every student
White Board and markers
Staff Paper with Chords for every student.
Teaching Procedures
Intro T. asks students why they are taking this class and elicits student responses. (T. is
looking for answer of just play or create music or something similar.
T. will demonstrate an eight bar chord progression utilizing chords that Ss. have already learned
(G, C, and D). Working with a partner, or if necessary in a group of three, students must learn,
and be able to play, this chord progression on their guitar. To ensure accuracy, after a few
minutes, the class will play the progression together so that the teacher can assess. T. circulates
as necessary to provide extra help.
After learning the progression, students will be introduced to the concepts of melody and
accompaniment. They will be told that they have just learned the accompaniment to a piece of
music that they are going to write with a partner.
Hook: Each student will be composing half of the melody in order to create a full piece. In
performance, the halves will played back to back in order to act as one piece.
The teacher will review the notes contained in each of the chords as a suggestion for what notes
to use in their melody. This information, and the notes in the G Major scale will be placed on the
board.
T. will pass out staff paper with chords

Students will be given time to work with their partner to create a melody. The Teacher will
circulate during this time to provide help and answer any questions.
Working with their partner, students will take turns playing their melody while their partner
accompanies them.
Closure
Volunteers will be allowed to perform their original compositions for the class.
Assessment
T. will informally observe Ss. as they perform their original composition to ensure that both
melody and accompaniment exists within it.
Post Lesson Reflection___________________________________________________________