TECHNOLOGY

(SECONDARY)

SELECTIVE UNIT 12 (S12)

(Music Creation)
(JULY 2010)

Unit Statement: The student will learn and apply the basic principles of music writing,
from importing or editing notes to a final output for performance. The performance can be
completed for other classmates, or else can be done at an outside assembly.
The student may additionally research and discuss how digital music making has shaped
the practice and theory of music, how digital music is helpful to both composing and
playing musicians and potential careers in music
Essential Outcomes: (assessed for mastery)
1. The Student Will compare and contrast hand-written versus digital music notation
and explain the value of each.
2. TSW explain the elements of music, including melody, harmony, accompaniment,
dynamics, and rhythm, and describe how each can be used to produce
emotional effect.
3. TSW set up a score appropriate for the intended playing group, considering how
many and which types of instruments will be used, tempo, key and time
signature.
4. TSW enter notes via computer keyboard and MIDI keyboard.
5. TSW change note timings and locations.
6. TSW add articulation and dynamics markings.
7. TSW change the length of the piece by adding or removing measures.
8. TSW play music through the computer and make modifications based on student
critique.
9. TSW perform an original piece to an audience.
Introduced and practiced outcomes: (advanced skills)
1. The Student Will play or record music with a live group from the printed score.
2. TSW scan and modify an existing score.

QSI TECHNOLOGY SEC S12

Copyright 1988-2010

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Suggested Materials:
Software:
Sibelius 6 or newer OR
Finale 2010 or newer
Free, less powerful alternative:
Noteflight.com
Hardware:
MIDI interface with MIDI keyboard (strongly recommended)
Suggested Assessment Tools & Strategies:
1. Student composes a piece for a single instrument.
2. Student composes a piece for an instrument with accompaniment.
3. Student composes a piece for small ensemble.
4. Student composes a piece for large group.
5. Student composes pieces of different atmospheres: slow, dreary, energetic, sad, etc.

Assessment Rubric found on following page.

QSI TECHNOLOGY SEC S12

Copyright 1988-2010

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QSI Technology Curriculum

Selective Unit 12 (S12)
Digital Music Creation
Assessment Rubric
Rubric Item
Melody

"A" level mastery

Melody is shaped with up, down and
skipping movement to create a sing
able line that most people could
remember after hearing only once or
twice.

"B" level mastery

Melody is present but is
not as clearly
distinguishable

Harmony

Matches the melody in 3rds, 4ths,

and 5ths as appropriate to the
melody, but uses surprises and some
experimentation with 20th century
harmonies (e.g., Quartal and Quintal
harmonies, whole tone scales)

Matches the melody in

3rds, 4ths, and 5ths as
appropriate to the melody

Accompaniment Accompaniment supports the

melody in proper chord structure.
Judicious use of block chords,
broken chords, and arpeggios as is
fitting to the mood.

Accompaniment supports
the melody in proper chord
structure.

Mood

Establishes mood via major and

minor key, tempo and melody. Also
incorporates a richer sense of mood
by using instrumentation and
dynamics.

Establishes mood via major

and minor key, tempo and
melody

Basic settings

Score is set up for the correct

ensemble or solo instrument,
including time signature, timing
AND key as appropriate to the range
of the instrument.

Score is set up for the

correct ensemble or solo
instrument, including time
signature and timing.

Performance

The performance was accomplished

with the student in appropriate dress
and taking a bow as appropriate.

The performance was

accomplished.

QSI TECHNOLOGY SEC S12

Copyright 1988-2010

65