Lesson Samples
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
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| Title | Artistic Process | Anchor Standard | Grade Level | Strand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steps to Successful Sight Singing | Performing | Pr5 - Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation. (Rehearse, Evaluate, and Refine) | 7-8, Proficient, Accomplished, Advanced | Traditional/Emerging Ensemble |
| Student shows understandings of musical elements through movement | Responding | Re7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work. (Select; Analyze), Re8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. (Interpret) | PreK-K, 1-2 | General Music |
| Student-Completed Post-Performance Self-Evaluation | Performing, Responding, Connecting | Pr5 - Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation. (Rehearse, Evaluate, and Refine), Pr6 - Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work. (Present), 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), Cn10 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art. (Relate) | Proficient | General Music, Harmonizing Instruments, Traditional/Emerging Ensemble |
| Students improvise a four measure melody | Creating, Performing | 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) | 5-6 | Traditional/Emerging Ensemble |
| Students interview a local music specialist. | Creating | Re9 - Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. (Evaluate), 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) | Proficient | General Music |
| Students learn music of another culture and compare the performance practices with that culture and Western Music. | Performing | Pr6 - Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work. (Present) | 7-8 | Traditional/Emerging Ensemble |
| Students perform a familiar song at variety of dynamic levels and tempos | Performing, Responding | 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), Re9 - Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work. (Evaluate) | PreK-K, 1-2 | General Music |
| Students Perform Rhythms Using Standard Notation | Performing | Pr4 - Select, analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation. (Select; Analyze; Interpret) | 1-2 | General Music |
| Students research and create and report on a musical career | Connecting | Cn11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding. (Interrelate) | 7-8 | General Music |
| Whale Songs | Creating | Cr1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. (Imagine) | PreK-K | General Music |