Creative Connections

Lesson Overview

This 20-minute lesson is designed for Years 12-13 Music students in New Zealand. It serves as an icebreaker to foster collaboration and creativity while introducing students to the fundamentals of research in music. This lesson aligns with the Level 2-3 NCEA Music Curriculum, focusing on "Participating and Contributing" and the exploration of music as an expression of culture, identity, and context as outlined in the curriculum’s Big Ideas.

The activities will encourage ākonga to engage with one another, think critically, and reflect on how music connects to broader ideas, fostering an inclusive and collaborative classroom environment.

---

Learning Objectives

• Engage socially and creatively: Students will build connections through discussion and shared musical preferences.
• Develop research foundations: Students will identify and explore the significance of research in music contexts.
• Explore cultural identity in music: Students will analyse how music reflects personal and shared cultural narratives.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Whakawhanaungatanga Icebreaker (6 minutes)

Purpose: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment, encouraging students to build rapport.

1. Activity Name: "The Soundtrack of Me"

   • Each student selects one piece of music (can be from any genre or era) that reflects their personal identity or a significant moment in their life.
   • In pairs, they briefly share their music choices and explain why they picked it. Encourage the use of te reo Māori if comfortable (e.g., “This waiata represents my tūrangawaewae because…”).
   • Invite 2-3 students to share their choices with the whole class.

2. Reflection Questions (after sharing):

   • What did you learn about your peers through their music choices?
   • How does your music reflect your own identity or culture?

Time Management Tip: Monitor closely to ensure all students have time to share in pairs and keep group sharing concise.

---

2. Introduction to Research (8 minutes)

Purpose: Build foundational research skills by exploring music's connection to culture and history.

1. Mini-Discussion: Pose the question, “Why is research important in music?”

   • Ask students to think about how understanding the context of a piece of music enhances the meaning behind it.
   • Provide examples:
     • Researching the historical background of a protest song.
     • Understanding the cultural significance of a haka.

2. Activity Name: "Trace the Roots"

   • Divide students into four groups of three.
   • Write four types of music on the board (e.g., waiata Māori, jazz, reggae, electronic).
   • Each group selects one type of music and brainstorms:
     • What they know about its cultural, historical, or social roots.
     • Any well-known artists or themes within that genre.

3. Groups quickly report their brainstorming to the class (1-minute summary each). Encourage connections to real-world examples in Aotearoa where possible.

---

3. Reflection and Wrap-Up (6 minutes)

Purpose: Consolidate learning and set the stage for future lessons on music analysis and context-driven understanding.

1. Quickfire Question Chain: Go around the room, with each student answering one of the following questions in 30 seconds or less:

   • "What surprised you in today’s discussions?"
   • "What’s one thing you’d like to research further about music?"
   • "How does music help tell our stories?"

2. Teacher Reflection Summary: Highlight key points discussed, reinforcing that music is deeply connected to culture, identity, and place. Explain how these aspects will inform their upcoming projects or assessments.

---

Teaching Resources

Materials Needed:

• Whiteboard or large sheets of paper for group brainstorming.
• Students’ personal devices (optional, if they need to refer to music or online resources).

Key Links to NCEA Curriculum Standards:

• Big Idea: Music as an expression of culture, identity, and place.
• Significant Learning: Students explore how music in Aotearoa and beyond reflects cultural identities and contributes to the community.
• Achievement Standard: AS91271 or AS91416 - Researching significant aspects of a musical work(s), aligning with their chosen genre/context.

---

Teacher Tips

• Inclusivity: Some students may not feel comfortable sharing personal music choices immediately. Offer the option to share anonymously or suggest universally popular works they enjoy.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Celebrate diverse genres and contexts while being mindful of the cultural backgrounds represented in the classroom.
• Extension Ideas: If time allows, play short clips of student-nominated songs as a class and discuss their potential research connections.

---

Next Steps

In the following lessons:

• Students will delve deeper into research using specific case studies (e.g., waiata Māori or global genres like blues and hip-hop).
• Focus on historical, cultural, or thematic analysis of selected works, preparing students for project-based assessments exploring music’s role in shaping identity.

This vibrant lesson promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and the celebration of Aotearoa's rich and diverse musical tapestry while embedding essential research practices.