Lesson 3: Music and Storytelling
Duration of Days: 180
Lesson Objective
Students will understand how songs can tell stories or communicate messages.
What story does this song tell?
How can singers use expression to communicate a message?
Narrative
Phrase
Dynamics
Tempo
Interpretation
National Core Arts Standards – Connecting
MU:Cn10.0.6 – Demonstrate how personal experiences influence the way music is interpreted and performed.
Students analyze song lyrics to identify the story or message being communicated. They explore how vocal expression, dynamics, and phrasing help convey meaning to an audience.
DOK Level: 3 (Strategic Thinking)
Provide simplified summaries of lyrics.
Allow students to illustrate the story visually if writing is challenging.
Model phrasing and expressive singing.
Offer guided discussion prompts.
Students perform a section of the song demonstrating expressive elements that reflect the story.