Lesson 1: Listening and Analyzing Music

What are the key elements I notice when listening to this piece?
How does the composer use rhythm, melody, and harmony to create effect?

melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, form, dynamics, articulation, phrasing

NAfME 2.1 – Listen to and analyze musical works for structure, style, and expressive elements
NAfME 2.2 – Demonstrate critical thinking in identifying musical characteristics

Develops critical listening skills and awareness of musical components that influence performance and interpretation.

Students may focus only on melody and ignore rhythm or texture.
Students may confuse dynamics and articulation with phrasing.

Provide guided listening worksheets highlighting specific elements.
Use recordings of multiple styles for advanced students to identify subtler features.

• Completed listening analysis worksheets.

• Teacher observation during class discussion of identified musical elements.