Exploring Music Opportunities

Objective

Students will research and analyze opportunities for continued musical engagement after high school.

Standards Addressed

• California State Standards for Music (Grades 11-12):
  • B4: Connections Beyond the Classroom
    • Analyze the potential and opportunities for students to participate across career pathways and educational networks.

Materials Needed

• Computers/Tablets with internet access
• Projector
• Notebooks and pens
• Whiteboard and markers

Overview

Grade 11 and 12 students will delve into the myriad opportunities for continuing their musical journey post-high school. This lesson will equip them with the knowledge of networking, the importance of ongoing musical education, and various career pathways in music.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Greeting and Attendance (2 minutes)
• Warm-Up Discussion (8 minutes):
  • Ask students: "What are your plans for music after high school? Do you see music as a part of your future career, hobby, or both?"
  • Write their responses on the whiteboard to gauge their initial thoughts.

2. Research and Analysis (30 minutes)

• Class Instructions and Topic Assignments (5 minutes):

  • Divide students into five groups of three.

  • Assign each group a different topic to research:

    1. College Music Programs
    2. Community Ensembles and Orchestras
    3. Music Industry Careers
    4. Independent Music Projects and Entrepreneurship
    5. Music Technology and Production Careers

  • Discuss the key points they need to cover: networking opportunities, educational pathways, and potential careers in each area.

• Research Time (15 minutes):

  • Students use their devices to find information on their assigned topic.
  • Encourage them to look for specific examples, such as notable colleges, local community ensembles, or successful independent musicians.

• Group Collaboration and Note-Taking (10 minutes):

  • Each group collates their findings and prepares a 3-minute presentation.

3. Group Presentations (25 minutes)

• Group Presentations (15 minutes):

  • Each group presents for 3 minutes, sharing their research findings.
  • Students should focus on the importance of continuous engagement with music, networking opportunities, and career pathways.

• Q&A Session (10 minutes):

  • Allow time for questions after each presentation.
  • Facilitate a discussion on how these opportunities can be pursued and what steps are needed to take advantage of them.

4. Reflective Discussion and Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

• Class Discussion (5 minutes):

  • Discuss the common themes found across presentations.
  • Emphasize the importance of networking, continuous learning, and the diversity of opportunities available in the music field.

• Individual Reflection (5 minutes):

  • Students write a short reflection in their notebooks on which opportunities they found most appealing and why, as well as any new insights they gained about pursuing music post-high school.

Assessment

• Presentations:

  • Assess students based on their presentation’s clarity, depth of research, and ability to answer questions.
  • Look for understanding of the importance of networking and continuous education.

• Participation:

  • Evaluate students’ engagement during discussions and collaboration within their groups.

Homework/Extended Activity

• Explore Additional Resources:
  • Instruct students to identify one additional resource or organisation related to their chosen musical opportunity and prepare a short summary to share in the next class.

Closing Remarks

• Highlight the importance of exploring diverse opportunities and maintaining a commitment to musical growth beyond the classroom.
• Encourage students to use their newfound knowledge to network and seek out further information on their areas of interest.

By the end of this lesson, students will be more aware of the numerous pathways and opportunities in music available to them after high school, equipped to make informed decisions about their musical futures.