Third Grade Music Curriculum

This curriculum outline provides a comprehensive overview of the music topics covered in third grade, focusing on developing musical skills and knowledge through various activities and performance opportunities.

I. Music Elements and Notation

• Rhythmic Notation and Values: Students learn to identify and perform rhythmic notation, including whole, half, quarter, dotted notes, and rests. They explore rhythmic patterns, meter, and measures, using various activities like rhythmic dictation, math games, and ensemble performances.
• Melodic Notation: Students learn about melody, melodic lines, and the treble clef. They practice reading and writing notes on the staff, identifying upward and downward tonal patterns, steps, leaps, and repeated tones. They also explore melodic contour and create original melodies using diatonic bells.
• Meter: Students learn about meter and its purpose, focusing on 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time signatures. They practice completing musical measures and participate in rhythmic drills and games.
• Dynamics and Tempo Markings: Students explore dynamics (loudness and softness) and tempo (speed) in music. They learn to identify, demonstrate, and incorporate dynamic markings like piano, forte, crescendo, and decrescendo into their performances. They also learn about tempo markings such as allegro, largo, presto, andante, and practice performing ritardando, accelerando, and a tempo.

II. Composition

Students develop compositional skills by creating original musical pieces. They learn to compose six-measure melodies with rhythmic notation, dynamics, and tempo markings, and may add lyrics. They perform their compositions for classmates using diatonic bells and vocals.

III. Performance

Students have various performance opportunities throughout the year, including vocal performances, bell band and steel drum ensembles, and character education singing groups. They develop performance skills, stage presence, and learn about appropriate concert attire and audience etiquette.

IV. Instrumental Families

Students learn about the four instrumental families: brass, woodwind, string, and percussion. They explore the characteristics of each family, identify instruments within each family, and learn how sound is produced on different instruments. They also learn about the differences between a concert band and an orchestra.

V. Music History and Culture

Students explore music from different cultures and traditions around the world. They learn about various holidays, instruments, and musical styles, and participate in songs, dances, and activities representing different cultures. They also learn about the history and development of the steel drum and perform in a steel drum band.

This comprehensive curriculum aims to foster a love of music and develop well-rounded musicians through a variety of engaging activities and learning experiences.