Presenting Creations

Overview

In this final lesson (Lesson 8 of 8) of the unit "Exploring Rhythms and Sounds," Year 7 and 8 students will present their original musical compositions to the class. The session focuses on developing students’ skills in performing, reflecting on their creative process, and offering constructive feedback to peers. This lesson integrates performance, critical thinking, and communication competencies in line with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

Duration

60 minutes

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: The Arts - Music

Students will:

Communicate ideas, feelings, and stories through music (Learning area statement)
Explore and develop musical ideas using rhythm, sound, and structure
Perform their own compositions with expression and awareness of audience

Achievement Objectives (Year 7-8):

Develop and arrange musical ideas using rhythm, dynamics, pattern, and texture
Present musical compositions and performances, demonstrating understanding of musical elements and audience awareness
Evaluate musical works, describing characteristics and providing constructive feedback

Key Competencies:

Thinking: Reflect on their composing and performing processes; consider audience needs
Using language, symbols, and texts: Use musical and verbal language for presentation and feedback
Managing self: Prepare and present confidently
Relating to others: Listen attentively and give respectful, constructive feedback; participate positively

Learning Objectives

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

Confidently present their original music compositions to their peers.
Reflect on their creative process, identifying what worked well and challenges faced.
Provide and receive constructive, specific feedback on musical works.
Demonstrate awareness of audience through expressive performance techniques.

Resources Needed

Student-composed music pieces (instrumental, vocal, or digital recordings)
Music playback or performance area with instruments/technology as appropriate
Feedback sheets or rubric for peer assessment
Whiteboard or chart paper for noting reflection points

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Expectations (10 minutes)

Set the tone: Welcome students and remind them this is a celebration and sharing of creative work.
Review presentation guidelines: Emphasise clear introductions, audible playing/singing, expressive performance (body language, dynamics), and respectful listening.
Explain feedback process: Feedback should be kind, specific, and helpful. Use “I liked..., I wondered..., I suggest...” format.
Link to key competencies: managing self, relating to others, thinking.

2. Presenting Original Compositions (25 minutes)

Student presentations: Each student or group performs their musical piece (approx. 1-2 minutes each).
Encourage audience to listen attentively and take notes for feedback.
Teacher facilitates smooth transitions and maintains timing.

3. Reflecting on the Process (10 minutes)

Ask presenters to share briefly how they composed their piece and any challenges or discoveries they experienced.
Discuss as a class common themes about composition and performing, linking back to musical elements explored in previous lessons (e.g., rhythm patterns, dynamics).
Highlight the value of creative risk-taking and perseverance (managing self competency).

4. Peer Feedback Activity (10 minutes)

In pairs or small groups, students share constructive feedback using provided sentence starters or rubric:
"I liked how you..."
"I wondered about..."
"One idea to try next time..."
Teacher circulates supporting inclusive, respectful communication (relating to others competency).
Optionally, volunteers share feedback highlights with the class.

5. Closing & Self-Assessment (5 minutes)

Students complete a simple self-assessment reflection on their performance and response to feedback (e.g., “One thing I did well... One thing I want to improve...”).
Summarise key successes and congratulate everyone on their creative growth.

Assessment

Formative assessment through observation of presentations and student discussions.
Peer and self-assessment documented via feedback sheets or oral reflections.
Teacher notes on student confidence, expressive skills, and ability to give and receive feedback.
Assess alignment with Achievement Objectives for Year 7-8 music compositions and performances, particularly demonstration of musical ideas, performance skills, and reflections.

Teaching Tips

Create a supportive environment by setting clear expectations about respect and encouragement.
Use modelling by performing a short example yourself or sharing a story about your creative process and receiving feedback.
Encourage students with diverse abilities and cultural backgrounds to express themselves in their own preferred ways, incorporating multiple musical styles and instruments/technology.
Support students who may be anxious about performing by allowing them smaller groups, or alternative sharing formats (e.g. recorded playback).
Emphasise development over perfection, honouring creativity and effort.

This lesson plan leverages the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum’s emphasis on competency development and self-reflective learning, ensuring students not only showcase their music but also grow as confident, thoughtful communicators and collaborators.

Teaching Instructions