Lesson 2: EXPLORE

How do musicians experiment with musical ideas?
How can changing one musical element affect the whole piece?
What role does risk-taking play in creativity?
T

Dynamics, articulation, tempo, timbre, texture, experimentation

MU:Cr1.1.E.Ia
MU:Cr2.1.E.Ia

Students evaluate options, test solutions, and explain outcomes.

Students explore musical possibilities through experimentation.
DOK 1: Students identify musical elements within examples.
DOK 2: Students modify musical elements such as tempo, articulation, or dynamics.
DOK 3: Students analyze how modifications affect musical expression.
DOK 4: Students independently develop multiple creative solutions for a musical task.

Professional musicians continually experiment while rehearsing, arranging, and composing.

Students may believe experimentation means random changes rather than intentional decision-making.

Choice-based activities, guided experimentation, small-group collaboration, teacher conferencing, and visual organizers.

DOK 1: Students identify musical elements.
DOK 2: Students alter musical elements within an example.
DOK 3: Students explain how modifications change musical outcomes.
DOK 4: Students develop and defend multiple creative approaches.