Celebrating NZ Musicians

Year Levels

Years 6-8
Class size: 25
Duration: 60 minutes

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Curriculum Links

Learning Area: The Arts - Music
Levels: 4-5 (corresponding to Years 6-8)

Achievement Objectives (New Zealand Curriculum)

• Develop ideas in music through exploring and experimenting with sounds, including exploring music from Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Use the elements of music (beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure) to compose, perform, and respond.
• Identify and describe features of music from different places and times, including music by New Zealand musicians, demonstrating developing understanding.
• Express preferences and give reasons for responses to music.
• Use key competencies: Thinking, Managing self, Relating to others, and Using language, symbols, and texts in music activities.

Key Competencies Focus

• Thinking: Compare and analyse different musical styles and the cultural context of NZ musicians.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Communicate findings and ideas about music using musical vocabulary.
• Relating to others: Collaborate in group music activities.
• Managing self: Take responsibility for preparing and presenting musical responses.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify at least three famous New Zealand musicians and their contributions to NZ music culture.
2. Describe unique elements of New Zealand music styles or genres these musicians represent.
3. Reflect on how local culture influences NZ music styles.
4. Collaborate to recreate a simple rhythm or melody inspired by a NZ musician’s work.

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Resources Needed

• Audio clips of songs by well-known NZ musicians (e.g., Lorde, Six60, Maisey Rika, Fat Freddy’s Drop)
• Music playback equipment
• Images and brief bios of the selected musicians
• Simple percussion instruments (e.g., clapping, drums, shakers) or classroom rhythm tools
• Worksheets for note-taking and reflection
• Whiteboard & markers or digital presentation

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details	Curriculum Connection
0-10 mins	Introduction & Warm-Up	Introduce New Zealand Music Month. Seed curiosity by asking students to name their favourite NZ musicians or songs. Briefly outline the lesson objective. Show images of musicians to familiarise.	Developing interest and curiosity about NZ music (Vision & Principles). Encourages Thinking and Using language competencies.
10-25 mins	Explore Famous NZ Musicians	Play audio clips + brief bios of 3-4 famous NZ musicians from different genres. Include at least one Māori/Pasifika artist to reflect local culture (e.g., Maisey Rika). Highlight musical elements and cultural influences. Students take notes on key features.	Achievement objective: Identify and describe features of NZ music. Supports Thinking competency, exploring cultural ties to music.
25-40 mins	Group Music Activity	Students split into 5 groups. Each group chooses one musician/style presented. They create a short rhythmic pattern or simple melody inspired by that style, using clapping and instruments. Teachers guide use of musical elements like beat and rhythm.	Develop ideas in music, use elements like rhythm and beat. Builds Relating to others and Managing self key competencies through collaboration and self-management.
40-50 mins	Group Presentations and Discussion	Groups share their rhythmic patterns/melodies. Class discusses differences and uniqueness of styles. Teacher prompts reflection: How do these NZ musicians express culture? How does music reflect who we are as New Zealanders?	Students respond and reflect, using Using language and Thinking competencies. Meets aims for describing music features & expressing preferences.
50-60 mins	Reflect and Summarise	Students complete a reflection on a worksheet: Name one NZ musician they liked, why, what musical elements stood out. Teacher summarises key points about NZ music's diversity and cultural importance. Explain ways to explore more music during NZ Music Month.	Self-assessment and reflection support Managing self. Consolidates learning objectives and achievement aims.

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Assessment

Formative Assessment Throughout Lesson

• Teacher observation of student participation in discussions and group music activities.
• Worksheet reflections to assess understanding of NZ musicians and music features.
• Use a simple rubric addressing:
  • Identification of NZ musicians
  • Description of music features
  • Participation in group work
  • Use of musical vocabulary in discussions

Reflective Questions for Assessment

• Can students name and describe key NZ musicians and their music?
• Do students recognize influences of NZ culture in music?
• Are students able to collaborate and contribute musically inspired by NZ styles?
• Can students express personal preferences with reasons linked to musical elements?

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Suggested Extensions

• Students create a short digital presentation or poster about their favourite NZ musician.
• Invite a local musician or group to perform and talk to the class.
• Create a NZ music playlist as a class for shared listening.

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By following this plan, teachers will engage Year 6-8 students with meaningful, curriculum-aligned activities that celebrate New Zealand music and culture during New Zealand Music Month while developing key musical skills and competencies.

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Curriculum References

• The New Zealand Curriculum, The Arts – Music Learning Area, Levels 4-5
• Key Competencies: Thinking, Using language, symbols and texts, Managing self, Relating to others
• Values and Principles: Cultural diversity, Community engagement, Inclusion
• Achievement Objectives related to exploring and creating music from New Zealand sources