YEAR 10 TERM 3: DANCE MUSIC

Lesson 1: Introduction to Dance Music

● Objective: Understand the concept of Dance Music and its historical context.
● Activities:
○ Introduction to the inquiry question: Evolution of Dance Music genres.
○ Discussion on the role of culture and technology in shaping dance music.
○ Listening exercises to identify characteristics of different dance music genres.

Lesson 2: Music History: Disco Era

● Objective: Explore the Disco era as a foundational period in Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Historical overview of Disco music and its cultural impact.
○ Analysis of disco beats, instrumentation, and production techniques.
○ Listening and analyzing classic Disco tracks.

Lesson 3: Music History: Techno Era

● Objective: Investigate the emergence and characteristics of Techno music.
● Activities:
○ Historical overview of Techno music and its origins.
○ Comparison with Disco in terms of production techniques and cultural
influences.
○ Listening and analyzing key Techno tracks.

Lesson 4: Form and Structure in Dance Music

● Objective: Understand the common forms and structures in Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Study of typical song structures in Disco and Techno.
○ Analyze how form and structure influence the danceability of music.
○ Group activity: Analyze and map out the structure of a chosen dance track.

Lesson 5: Instruments and Technology in Dance Music

● Objective: Explore the role of instruments and technology in shaping Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Study of electronic instruments used in Disco and Techno.
○ Overview of music technology advancements and their impact on production.
○ Demonstration of basic music production software/tools.

Lesson 6: Vocabulary of Dance Music

● Objective: Learn specific terminology and vocabulary used in Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Introduction to terms like BPM, drop, bassline, synth, etc.
○ Group activity: Create a glossary of terms related to Disco and Techno music.

Lesson 7: Rhythm and Beat in Dance Music

 ● Objective: Understand the importance of rhythm and beat in Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Analysis of rhythmic patterns in Disco and Techno.
○ Practical exercises in identifying and creating danceable beats.
○ Group composition task: Create a rhythmic pattern for a dance track.

Lesson 8: Time Signature in Dance Music

● Objective: Explore different time signatures used in Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Introduction to common time signatures in Disco and Techno.
○ Listening exercises to identify time signatures in selected tracks.
○ Group discussion on how time signatures affect dance music composition.

Lesson 9: Cultural Influences in Dance Music

● Objective: Investigate how cultural influences shape Dance Music.
● Activities:
○ Case studies on how Disco and Techno reflect cultural movements.
○ Discussion on the global impact of these genres.
○ Research task introduction: Compare cultural influences in two chosen dance
music styles.

Lesson 10: Research Task Preparation

● Objective: Prepare for the research task comparing two dance music styles.
● Activities:
○ Guidelines and expectations for the research task.
○ Library or online research session to gather information.
○ Outline and planning for the research report.

Lesson 11: Practical Project Introduction

● Objective: Introduce the practical project of creating a dance music remix.
● Activities:
○ Explanation of project requirements and objectives.
○ Demonstration of remix techniques using software/tools.
○ Example remix analysis and discussion.

Lesson 12: Practical Project Work Session 1

● Objective: Start working on the practical project - remix creation.
● Activities:
○ Software/tool familiarization session.
○ Individual or group work on remixing a chosen non-dance song.
○ Teacher guidance and support during project work.

Lesson 13: Practical Project Work Session 2

● Objective: Continue and finalize practical project - remix creation.
● Activities:
○ Refinement of remix based on feedback and self-assessment.
○ Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
 ○ Preparation of final presentation or performance.

Lesson 14: Project Presentations and Reflection

● Objective: Present and reflect on the practical project.
● Activities:
○ Peer presentations of remix projects.
○ Self-assessment and reflection on the remix process.
○ Discussion on lessons learned and insights gained from the project.

This scheme of work integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and inquiry-based
learning, aligning with the IB MYP objectives while focusing on the evolution of Dance Music
and its cultural significance.

IB MYP MUSIC CRITERIA:

Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding

● Explanation: Students will develop knowledge and understanding of dance music
genres such as Disco and Techno, focusing on their historical development,
production techniques, instrumentation, and cultural influences.
● Specific Alignments:
○ Lesson 1: Introduction to Dance Music
■ Explore the historical context and characteristics of Disco and Techno
music.
■ Analyze and compare rhythmic elements and instrumentation of
selected tracks.

Criterion B: Developing Skills

● Explanation: Students will develop skills in performing, composing, and arranging
dance music, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.
● Specific Alignments:
○ Lesson 2: Music History: Disco Era
■ Learn and perform basic Disco dance moves.
■ Create rhythmic patterns inspired by Disco music using percussion
instruments.
○ Lesson 3: Music History: Techno Era
■ Experiment with creating Techno-style loops using digital audio
workstations (DAWs).
■ Collaboratively compose Techno-inspired rhythmic patterns.

Criterion C: Thinking Creatively

● Explanation: Students will explore and experiment with creative processes involved
in composing and remixing dance music, applying theoretical concepts to practical
tasks.
● Specific Alignments:
○ Lesson 11: Practical Project Introduction
■ Demonstrate remixing techniques using software/tools.
■ Brainstorm ideas and begin planning for remixing a non-dance song
into a dance music style.
Criterion D: Responding
● Explanation: Students will critically analyze and evaluate dance music tracks,
reflecting on their own and others' performances and compositions.
● Specific Alignments:
○ Lesson 7: Rhythm and Beat in Dance Music
■ Analyze the rhythmic patterns and beats of Disco and Techno tracks.
■ Perform different rhythmic patterns and evaluate their impact on
danceability.

Criterion E: Contextual Understanding

● Explanation: Students will develop an understanding of the social, cultural, and
historical contexts of dance music genres, applying this understanding to their
practical and research tasks.
● Specific Alignments:
○ Lesson 9: Cultural Influences in Dance Music
■ Research and present on the cultural contexts influencing Disco and
Techno music.
■ Discuss how cultural elements manifest in the rhythm,
instrumentation, and lyrics (if applicable) of selected tracks.

Integration of Skills and Knowledge:

● Explanation: The scheme integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills,
encouraging students to apply their understanding of music history, form, structure,
and cultural context to practical tasks such as performing, composing, and remixing.
● Specific Alignments:
○ Project Work: Creating a dance music remix involves applying specific
elements of Disco or Techno music learned throughout the scheme,
demonstrating both theoretical understanding and practical application.
○ Reflection and Evaluation: Students reflect on the creative processes
involved in remixing and performing dance music, evaluating their own work
against established criteria and peer feedback.

By structuring each lesson and activity according to these specific criteria, students will
develop a comprehensive understanding of dance music while honing their musical skills,
critical thinking abilities, and cultural awareness as outlined in the IB MYP Music curriculum.

EPORTFOLIO EVIDENCE:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Dance Music

● Potential Evidence:
○ Reflection on the historical development of Disco and Techno music.
○ Analysis of rhythmic elements and instrumentation of selected tracks.
○ Digital or handwritten notes on key concepts discussed in class.

Lesson 2: Music History: Disco Era

● Potential Evidence:
○ Video recording or documentation of learning basic Disco dance moves.
○ Written or digital composition of a rhythmic pattern inspired by Disco music.
 ○ Historical timeline or infographic detailing key events in the Disco era.

Lesson 3: Music History: Techno Era

● Potential Evidence:
○ Recording of Techno-style loops created using DAWs or apps.
○ Collaborative composition of a Techno-inspired rhythmic pattern.
○ Comparative analysis between Disco and Techno music production
techniques.

Lesson 4: Form and Structure in Dance Music

● Potential Evidence:
○ Written analysis of the structure of a chosen Disco or Techno track.
○ Recording or score of a simplified version of a Disco or Techno track.
○ Peer feedback on group presentations analyzing structural differences.

Lesson 5: Instruments and Technology in Dance Music

● Potential Evidence:
○ Documentation of hands-on experience with electronic instruments (e.g.,
synthesizers, drum machines).
○ Screenshots or video clips demonstrating basic sound manipulation
techniques using music production software.
○ Reflection on the impact of technology on the evolution of dance music.

Lesson 6: Vocabulary of Dance Music

● Potential Evidence:
○ Creation of flashcards or posters with key terms related to Disco and Techno
music.
○ Vocabulary quiz or assessment based on terms discussed in class.
○ Use of terms in written responses analyzing specific musical elements from
selected tracks.

Lesson 7: Rhythm and Beat in Dance Music

● Potential Evidence:
○ Video recording of group activity creating and performing rhythmic patterns
using body percussion.
○ Composition of rhythmic patterns in various tempos and styles.
○ Self-assessment of the impact of rhythmic variations on danceability.

Lesson 8: Time Signature in Dance Music

● Potential Evidence:
○ Recording or notation of rhythmic phrases composed in different time
signatures.
○ Reflection on how different time signatures affect the feel and groove of
dance music.
○ Peer feedback on compositions demonstrating understanding of time
signatures.
Lesson 9: Cultural Influences in Dance Music
● Potential Evidence:
○ Research report or presentation on cultural influences in Disco and Techno
music.
○ Comparison chart or infographic highlighting cultural elements in selected
tracks.
○ Video recording or script of oral presentation discussing cultural contexts
influencing dance music.

Lesson 10: Research Task Preparation

● Potential Evidence:
○ Outline or draft of the research report comparing two dance music styles.
○ Bibliography of sources consulted for research.
○ Peer feedback on research outline and initial findings.

Lesson 11: Practical Project Introduction

● Potential Evidence:
○ Documentation of remixing techniques demonstrated or practiced using
software/tools.
○ Brainstorming notes and initial ideas for remixing a non-dance song into a
dance music style.
○ Outline or storyboard for the practical project.

Lesson 12: Practical Project Work Session 1

● Potential Evidence:
○ Work-in-progress recordings or screenshots of remix creation process.
○ Peer feedback on preliminary remix versions.
○ Reflection on challenges faced and strategies used during remixing.

Lesson 13: Practical Project Work Session 2

● Potential Evidence:
○ Final recording or performance of the dance music remix.
○ Self-assessment rubric evaluating the final remix based on established
criteria.
○ Reflection on the evolution of the remix from initial concept to final product.

Lesson 14: Project Presentations and Reflection

● Potential Evidence:
○ Video recording or live performance of the dance music remix project.
○ Peer evaluations or feedback forms from audience members.
○ Final reflective essay or video reflecting on the creative process, challenges,
and learning outcomes of the remix project.

Integration of Evidence:
● Ensure that evidence includes both practical outcomes (such as recordings,
performances, compositions) and theoretical reflections (such as analyses, research
reports, and reflections). This comprehensive approach will demonstrate students'
knowledge, skills, and understanding across all criteria of the IB MYP Music e-
portfolio.