Lesson Plan: Exploring Traditional Māori Instruments and Contemporary Music Fusion

Subject: Music

Year Level: Year 9-13

Duration: 90 minutes

Number of Students: 15

Overview:

This lesson plan is designed to fit the New Zealand Curriculum's Music Learning Area at levels 4 and 5, focusing on the strands of 'Developing Practical Knowledge in Music' and 'Understanding Music in Context'. The goal for this lesson is to provide students an immersive understanding of traditional Māori instruments (taonga pūoro) and their use in contemporary music, enhancing cultural identity and modern artistry.

Objectives:

• Students will learn about traditional Māori instruments and their cultural significance.
• Students will examine the fusion of taonga pūoro with contemporary music styles.
• Students will engage in a creative group task to compose their own short piece of music incorporating traditional Māori sounds.

Resources:

• A variety of taonga pūoro (either physical instruments, if available, or images/video demonstrations).
• Video clips of modern musicians incorporating Māori instruments.
• Internet access for research.
• Musical instruments available in the classroom (keyboard, guitar, drum kit, etc.).
• Recording equipment for documenting student compositions.

Lesson Plan Details:

Part 1: Introduction to Taonga Pūoro (15 minutes)

1. Introduction:

   • Brief introduction to the day's topic.
   • What are taonga pūoro? Discuss the cultural and historical importance of these instruments.

2. Video Presentation:

   • Show a video of an artist demonstrating various taonga pūoro (Example resource).
   • Discuss the sounds, construction, and specific uses in traditional ceremonies.

Part 2: Fusion in Contemporary Music (20 minutes)

1. Video Viewing:

   • Watch clips of modern New Zealand bands or musicians integrating Māori instruments into their music (suggestions include Maisey Rika, Rob Ruha).
   • Discussion: How do these instruments change or enhance the music?

2. Group Discussion:

   • What feelings and images do these sounds evoke?
   • How can the integration of such instruments into contemporary music serve to preserve Māori culture?

Part 3: Group Activity - Composing Music (45 minutes)

1. Group Formation:

   • Divide the class into groups of three.

2. Composition Brief:

   • Each group is tasked with creating a short piece of music (1-2 minutes) that combines any traditional or modern instrument with elements inspired by taonga pūoro.

3. Research and Composition:

   • Students use the internet to gather ideas and understand different ways to integrate sounds.
   • Utilise classroom instruments to experiment and compose their piece.

4. Practice:

   • Groups rehearse their compositions, refine their ideas, and prepare for a performance.

Part 4: Performances and Reflection (20 minutes)

1. Performances:

   • Groups perform their compositions to the class.
   • Record performances for future analysis and feedback.

2. Reflection and Feedback:

   • Group feedback session: peers and teacher provide constructive feedback on creativity, use of traditional sounds, and overall performance.
   • Reflect on the learning experience and discuss any new insights gained about the use of taonga pūoro in music.

Assessment:

• Observation of group engagement and cooperation.
• Quality and creativity of music composition.
• Reflections on the learning process and understanding of the cultural significance of integration.

Links:

• NZ Curriculum Music Levels 4-5: Arts Online
• Taonga Pūoro Introduction: Te Papa Website

This lesson plan is structured to engage Year 9-13 students by combining cultural education with creative expression, adhering closely to the New Zealand educational standards and promoting a deeper understanding of Māori heritage in contemporary contexts.