Looking for music resources for secondary music classes that have been tried and tested in the classroom? I am passionate about music and drama education and have taught in secondary schools in the UK and internationally for 25 years.
Looking for music resources for secondary music classes that have been tried and tested in the classroom? I am passionate about music and drama education and have taught in secondary schools in the UK and internationally for 25 years.
Choir Piece Review worksheet for music / choral classes.
This 2 page worksheet was created to help students start to think about the choral works they sing in class in more detail.
On the first page are general music questions about the composer, genre of music and musical elements (tempo, etc). On the second page students are to answer simple self-reflection questions about the piece to encourage them to consider how to practice and improve their own performance. They need to identify challenging passages of rhythm and melody and then to consider how they can practice these outside of the classroom.
This is an editable 2 page worksheet. It can be used as a homework task, classroom activity or for a sub lesson.
Concert review self-reflection worksheet for music / band / choir classes.
This 2 page worksheet was created to help students start to think and self-reflect on their performance in a concert.
On the first page students self evaluate their preparation and performance in the concert. They give themselves a mark out of 4. There are 11 questions to answer.
On the second page students answer in more detail simple self-reflection questions about the concert and are encouraged to review what they enjoyed, learnt and need to develop in preparation for the next concert performance.
This is an editable 2 page worksheet. It can be used as a homework task, classroom activity or for a sub lesson.
Classical music worksheet KS3 - comparing two pieces by Mozart
This is a great introduction lesson to the Classical composer Mozart. It’s a chance for students to learn to compare two contrasting pieces (these are easily accessible on music streaming sites - Rondo alla Turca and Marriage of Figaro Overture). This single lesson activity will work perfectly for class lessons, homework or a substitute / cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic historical facts about Mozart and simple comprehension questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to Rondo alla Turca and Marriage of Figaro Overture. These pieces are easily found on music streaming sites. Students will describe the musical features of both pieces and then look for similarities. This is a great opportunity to develop understanding of musical elements and lead into to class discussion work about the music that they are listening to.
This worksheet links with the secondary / middle school music curriculum that is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education page.
Classical music worksheet - comparing two pieces by Beethoven.
This is a great introduction lesson to the composer Beethoven. It’s a chance for students to learn to compare two contrasting pieces (these are easily accessible on YouTube - 1st Mvt of Moonlight Sonata and Für Elise). This single lesson activity will work perfectly for class lessons, homework or a cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic historical facts about Beethoven and simple comprehension questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to 1st Mvt of Moonlight Sonata and Für Elise. These pieces are easily found on music streaming sites. Students will describe the musical features of both pieces and then look for similarities. This is a great opportunity to develop understanding of musical elements and lead into to class discussion work about the music that they are listening to.
This worksheet links with the Middle School Music Curriculum that is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education page.
This project will work perfectly for KS3 & KS4 music classes or as a cover work project.
The idea is that students listen to different genres of ‘popular’ music, select their genre and complete a series of tasks. Students can work independently, in pairs or small groups on this task. It can be completed using a variety of different technology - depending on what you have available in your school. You can also swap, omit or add slides to meet the needs of your students and the equipment available in your classroom.
The powerpoint has 24 slides. Included are the tasks, a listening exercise with YouTube links, example band logos, example album covers and example merchandise.
The task is to be a band manager and students are to create the following:
A band name, logo and names of band members
To decide on what style or genre of popular music will be performed
What instruments the band will play
Create an album of 8 songs (covers or originals) and decide which one is going to be released as the first single
Design merchandise for selling on tour. T-Shirts, posters, cups, calendars, etc.
There are two practical extension tasks in the advice for teachers slide.
The project should last between 3 - 5 lessons depending on how many tasks you include. It links perfectly with the middle school / KS3 music curriculum Year 3 Term 1 module that is for sale on this page.
Classical Music Bundle for Secondary general Music classes
In this bundle you will find a wealth of different resources that are perfect for KS3 / middle and KS4 / high school general music classes.
Resources include powerpoints, worksheets and more.
Topics include listening to classical composers, programme music and composing using classical music as an inspiration.
All resources have been used and taught in the classroom and cater for a variety of different musical abilities.
This is one worksheet that comes from a series of 10. The bundle can be purchased separately on the shop page.
Each worksheet explores a different genre and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task or could even be expanded into a longer class project.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music.
There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical and musical context already learned by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
Fun music theory activity based on the Christmas carol - Away in a Manger.
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce or develop music theory?
This fun worksheet encourages basic understanding of music theory, note naming and how to apply it to a piano / tuned percussion or their own instrument.
Students can then use the music theory sheet to play Away in a Manger on an instrument of their choice either in class or at home.
A perfect exercise for any music teachers working remotely or in a non-music classroom.
This is a great powerpoint resource for introducing students to music from African cultures.
The powerpoint includes video links to traditional instruments and musical terms. Students have the opportunity to learn a traditional folk song and then use it as a basis for a composition task.
Links with Year 2 topic 3 from the Middle School music curriculum that is for sale.
A great introduction resource for students taking GCSE and IB music.
Fun music theory activity based on a holiday season favourite - Jingle Bells!
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce or develop music theory?
This fun worksheet encourages basic understanding of music theory, note naming and how to apply it to a piano / tuned percussion.
Students can then use the music theory sheet to play Jingle Bells on an instrument of their choice either in class or at home.
Welcome to the Exploring Musical Genres and Styles Project Book 2!
Following the popularity of the first project book, I have created a new series of worksheets specifically designed to support music teachers teaching KS3 and KS4 music.
This series of worksheets was originally created for general music classes during online teaching. The series have been popular with music teachers as it offers a set of projects that work for general music classes, extended projects and cover work for non-specialist teachers.
The worksheets are designed to focus on listening, musical appreciation and improve understanding of different historical and musical contexts.
These worksheets work for any teacher who is teaching students who have no or limited access to instruments at school or home. However, the projects do give freedom to supplement the tasks with practical work of your choice where and when possible.
Each worksheet explores different genres and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task or could even be expanded into a longer class project. The idea is to share a musical appreciation and life-long love of music with students, even if practical work is limited.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music. There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical / context already learned by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
I hope your students enjoy these tasks!
This powerpoint is part of a series of lessons on TES exploring popular music history. This one is all about Rock ‘n’ Roll from the 1950s!
The powerpoint has links to relevant online music recordings, facts, diagrams and allows students to explore the instruments, style of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the 12 bar blues chord sequence.
The powerpoint can also be used as a starting point for practical work or a composition task based around this musical time frame.
This powerpoint links with the Year 3 topic 1 (Popular Music) of the Middle School Curriculum that is for sale. However, this lesson will work perfectly for High School students.
This powerpoint is one of a series of lessons based around famous music and composers that is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint explores the composer, has links to relevant online music recordings, and allows students to relate to the music and key theory. Homework / extension tasks have been included.
The powerpoint can also be used as a starting point for practical work or a composition task based around this famous and much loved work.
Links with Year 1 topic 1 from the Middle School curriculum that is for sale.
Pop music worksheet - comparing two singles. This is a great introduction lesson to The Beatles and learning to compare two songs. Works perfectly for class, homework or even a cover lesson.
The worksheet starts with some basic history about the band and simple questions.
Then there is a comparison question where students listen to Love Me Do and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club. Students will describe the musical features of both singles and then look for similarities.
This links with Year 3, 1st Unit module from the Middle School Music Curriculum that is available to purchase on Passionate About Music Education page.
This is one worksheet that comes from a series of 10. The bundle can be purchased separately on the shop page.
Each worksheet explores a different genre and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task, cover work or could even be expanded into a longer class project.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music.
There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical and musical context already learnt by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
This is one worksheet that comes from a series of 10. The bundle can be purchased separately on the shop page.
Each worksheet explores a different genre and styles of music and will make a great one-off lesson, homework task or could even be expanded into a longer class project.
Each worksheet has an opportunity for students to complete initial individual research of the specific genre of music.
There is a listening exercise that expands upon the historical / context already learnt by the students.
Each worksheet finishes with the opportunity for independent project work where students can pick a task from the list and use it as a final assessment piece that can be assessed by the teacher. Students will have the flexibility in how they present the work for assessment making this a great student-led project.
This task is linked to Year 2 module 3 of the middle school curriculum (Instrumental music).
This powerpoint is one of a series of lessons based around famous programme music that is perfect for inspiring students in middle and high school.
The powerpoint explains programme music, has links to relevant online music recordings, and allows students to relate to the musical themes that the composer uses. Homework / extension tasks have been included.
The powerpoint can also be used as a starting point for practical work or a composition task based around this famous and much loved work.
Book 3 & 4 Teacher Guide
Book 3 & 4 Student Guide
These booklets are full of great rhythm exercises to challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestral classrooms. All 10 exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube music theory made simple.
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 21 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 22 - 4/4 time signature. Basic beat values and rests - minims, crotchets and quavers
Worksheet 23 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and crotchet rests
Worksheet 24 - 3/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and crotchet rests
Worksheet 25 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 26 - 4/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms and quaver rests
Worksheet 27 - 2/4 time signature. Quavers and semiquavers
Worksheet 28 - 2/4 time signature. Quavers and semiquavers
Worksheet 29 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Worksheet 30 - 6/8 time signature. Dotted rhythms.
Worksheet 31 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 32 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 33 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 34 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 35 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 36 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 37 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 38 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 39 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 40 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. Each of the 12 rhythm patterns consist of a 3 bar pattern and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
The booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
Book 4 Student Guide - Rhythm Reading exercises for secondary school music classrooms
This booklet is full of great rhythm exercises to challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestral classrooms.
All 10 exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube @musictheorymadesimple.
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 31 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 32 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 33 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 34 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 35 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 36 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 37 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 38 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 39 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 40 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. Each of the 12 rhythm patterns consist of a 3 bar pattern and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
Book 4 Teacher Guide - Rhythm Reading exercises for KS3 & KS4 school music classrooms
This booklet is full of great rhythm exercises to challenge your young musicians and can be applied in the choral, general music, band and orchestral classrooms. All 10 exercises have play-along videos that can be found for free on YouTube @musictheorymadesimple.
Each worksheet comes with a new rhythmic challenge.
Worksheet 31 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 32 - 9/8 time signature. dotted rhythms and rests
Worksheet 33 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 34 - 5/4 time signature. Dotted rhythms, triplets and rests
Worksheet 35 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 36 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, triplets and semiquavers
Worksheet 37 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 38 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, ties and semiquavers
Worksheet 39 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
Worksheet 40 - 4/4 time signature. Quavers, semiquavers and rests
For each worksheet there are 12 lines. Each of the 12 rhythm patterns consist of a 3 bar pattern and then a bar for resting and breathing. This gives students a chance to look ahead at the next line…
The booklet also comes with suggestions of uses and how to vary the tasks in the classroom setting. The tasks can be used as warm up activities, a starting point for composing, homework exercises and rhythm reading assessments.
There is a play-along recordings of each worksheet on my Youtube channel - Music Theory Made Simple that can be used in the classroom.
