This is a section of the NYSSMA web site intended to provide music educators with assistance in developing lessons that are directly connected to the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts. The information found in this site are lesson samples - encapsulated concepts that are briefly formed into a lesson structure that can be expanded by the individual teacher. They have been submitted as actual lessons that have been used by practicing music educators and represent best practices for instructional strategies in the music classroom. Content of the lessons adheres to the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts (2017). These lessons are intended to further expand the teacher's repertoire.

Lessons can be accessed in several ways: Artistic Process, Anchor Standard, Grade Level, or Strand. Simply click on the appropriate link(s) until you find the Lesson Sample that meets your needs. Use as is, or even take it the next step and insert into an AI platform to customize the lesson to meet your precise teaching situation.

Another link allows you to 'Submit a Lesson'. The Curriculum Committee encourages you to send us your own 'tried and true' Lesson Sample(s). Your contribution will allow Lesson Samples to become increasingly more helpful to music educators.

Submit a Lesson
New York State Learning Standards for the Arts: Music At-A-Glance
List of Contributors
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Title Artistic Process Anchor Standard Grade Level Strand
Exploring Performing Folk Music From A Variety Of Cultures Connecting Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 7-8 Traditional/Emerging Ensemble
Function of Music Connecting Cn10 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. (Relate), Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 7-8 General Music
Hip Hop Hamburger Creating, Responding Cr1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. (Imagine), Cr2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. (Plan & Make), Cr3 - Refine and complete artistic work. (Evaluate & Refine; Present), Re9 - Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. (Evaluate) 7-8 General Music
Hip Hop Unit: “If You Don’t Know, Now You Know…” Responding, Connecting Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze), Re8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. (Interpret), Cn10 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. (Relate), Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 5-6, 7-8, Proficient General Music
Identify and Analyze Musical Elements In Two Contrasting Pieces Responding Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze), Re8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. (Interpret) 1-2 General Music
Impressionism Responding, Connecting Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze), Re8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. (Interpret), Re9 - Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. (Evaluate), Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 7-8 General Music
Jazz Band 2/11- Don’t Lose the Blues Creating Cr2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. (Plan & Make), Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze) Accomplished, Advanced Traditional/Emerging Ensemble
Listening and Responding to Music Responding Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze), Re8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. (Interpret), Re9 - Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. (Evaluate) 7-8, Proficient General Music
Melodic Composition Creating Cr1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. (Imagine), Cr2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work. (Plan & Make), Cr3 - Refine and complete artistic work. (Evaluate & Refine; Present) Accomplished Composition/Theory
Musical Activism Choice Board Connecting Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 7-8 General Music
Musical Heritage Connecting Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 7-8, Proficient, Accomplished, Advanced Traditional/Emerging Ensemble
Perform and Explain the Role of Folk Music From Varied Cultures Connecting Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 7-8 General Music
Perform Brief Sight-Reading Examples Performing Pr4 - Select, analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation. (Select; Analyze; Interpret) 5-6, 7-8 Harmonizing Instruments
Select and Refine Music Performing Pr4 - Select, analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation. (Select; Analyze; Interpret), Pr5 - Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation. (Rehearse, Evaluate, and Refine), Pr6 - Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work. (Present) Accomplished Traditional/Emerging Ensemble
Singing Games as a Springboard Responding, Connecting Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze), Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) 1-2 General Music