Lesson 3: INTERPRET

How do performers communicate meaning?
How do musical choices affect audience understanding?
Can multiple interpretations be valid?

Interpretation, expression, phrasing, articulation, style, communication

MU:Cn10.0.E.Ia
MU:Re8.1.E.Ia

Students support interpretations and conclusions with evidence.

Students interpret music using expressive and contextual understanding.
DOK 1: Students identify expressive elements within repertoire.
DOK 2: Students explain how articulation, phrasing, and dynamics communicate meaning.
DOK 3: Students analyze how interpretation affects audience understanding.
DOK 4: Students justify interpretive decisions using contextual and musical evidence.

Interpretations vary across performers, cultures, and historical traditions.

Students may believe there is only one correct interpretation of a piece.

Guided listening, score annotation, collaborative discussion, teacher modeling, and reflection prompts.

DOK 1: Students identify expressive elements in repertoire.
DOK 2: Students explain how musical choices communicate meaning.
DOK 3: Students analyze the effectiveness of interpretive decisions.
DOK 4: Students justify interpretations using evidence.