Exploring Musical Elements

Year Level: Year 11
Subject: Music
Duration: 55 minutes
Class Size: 15 students
Song: "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles
Curriculum Reference: This lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum: The Arts / Music - Years 9, 10, 11, and 12 (specific to Year 11 application). It focuses on developing confidence and skills to be innovative musicians, as well as an understanding of musical elements such as rhythm, pitch, dynamics, expression, timbre, and structure.

Objectives

• Analyse the musical elements of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".
• Discuss and describe the song’s impact through its use of musical elements.
• Apply understanding in practical group activities to reinforce learning.
• Review key musical elements with a focus on the song’s arrangement and production.

Materials

• Audio track of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles
• Printed copies of the song's musical score
• Whiteboard and markers
• Instruments (e.g., keyboards, guitars, or percussion instruments)
• Paper and pens for notes

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Welcome and Context Setting
   Begin with a brief introduction to The Shirelles and the historical context of "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". Highlight its significance in the development of pop music and its relevance to the curriculum's focus on musical elements.

2. Learning Objectives
   Clearly lay out the objectives of the lesson for the students. Explain that they will be analysing and discussing the song, engaging in practical activities, and reviewing musical elements.

Main Activities (45 minutes)

Listening and Score Analysis (10 minutes)

• Audio and Visual Score
  Play the audio track of the song once while students follow along with the printed score.

• Discussion
  Facilitate an initial discussion focusing on first impressions of the song. Encourage students to describe the overall mood and meaning communicated through its musical elements.

Group Activity 1: Element Exploration (15 minutes)

• Divide Students into three groups, assigning each group one of the following elements to explore in depth:

  • Rhythm and Pitch: Examine time signature, tempo, and melody line.
  • Dynamics and Expression: Explore crescendos, decrescendos, and emotive qualities.
  • Timbre and Structure: Analyse the texture, instrumentation, and song structure.

• Hands-On Practice
  Each group uses instruments to experiment with their assigned element, attempting to replicate or alter segments of the song creatively. Students are encouraged to document and then share their findings and interpretations with the class.

Group Activity 2: Creative Application (10 minutes)

• Compose a Remix
  In pairs within their original groups, students create a short remix or reimagined version focusing on altering their explored element (e.g., change the rhythm or dynamics significantly).

• Share with the Class
  Quickly perform or present their ideas to the class, discussing the impact of their changes on the mood and meaning of the piece.

Review and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Consolidate Learning
  Hold a class discussion to review the musical elements explored. Use the whiteboard to ensure all elements like rhythm, pitch, dynamics, expression, timbre, and structure have been adequately covered.

• Personal Reflection
  Ask each student to jot down a brief personal reflection on which element they found most interesting and how it affected their perception of the song. They could also suggest how understanding these elements might influence their future music creation and analysis.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Summarise Key Points
   Recap the main learning outcomes of the lesson, expressing how these musical elements contribute to the song's enduring popularity.

2. Preview Next Lesson
   Give students a glimpse into what they will learn next, perhaps focusing on comparing musical elements in different genres or artists, thereby linking today’s lesson with future learning goals.

Assessment

• Informal Assessment through observation during group activities and class discussions.
• Peers and Self-Assessment during the presentations to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection.

This comprehensive lesson plan aims to engage Year 11 students creatively and analytically, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of musical elements in a historical context.