7th Grade Music Class Syllabus
Period: 5 (12:30-1:20)
Instructor: Mrs. Johnson
Stephanie.Johnson@K12.sd.us
Course Description: 7th music is required for all 7th graders. This course will
continue where 6th grade elementary music ended. Students will be focusing on American
Music history from the 1900’s to present day, studying the definition of music and how it
relates to our lives, and how music is used in different genres such as classical, jazz, and
film music. Students will also work on the fundamentals of music such as reading music,
singing, listening and analyzing music, and composing.
Class Expectations: Students are expected to be respectful of others and the teacher.
Students are required to complete the assignments that are given them and are required to
participate in the Winter and Spring Concert which will be apart of their grade for this
class. Students are expected to be in their seats with the proper materials by the bell.
Tardiness will factor into the student’s participation grade. Students are allowed to bring
water into class as long as it has a lid that is secure. No gum or food will be allowed.
Any and all assignments for this class will be posted on the class wiki. Go to the faculty
page on the New Underwood School Website. Click on wiki under Stephanie Johnson
and click on 7th/ 8th grade music page for all assignments and announcements.
Materials: A folder, a notebook, and pencil are all that required. The rest of the
materials will be provided by the instructor.
Class Outline:
Unit 1: Music from the Inside Out: What is music and how does it work in our
lives?
-
create a definition for music
describe and learn how music is used in our lives
create music with others in class using instruments and body
percussion
- Listening and describing various pieces of music as heard in class
Unit 2: Classical Destinations Europe
-
learn about various composers from Europe including Mozart, Bach,
and Beethoven
Learn about symphonies and various musical forms
Learn to play and read famous pieces of music
Learn about culture and history of Europe during the Classical/
Romantic eras
Unit 3: Film music vs. Concert Music
- compare and contrast how music is used in the concert setting versus
movies
- study different film music and how they changed through the decades
- perform different pieces from musicals and opera
- study the composition process and all the different parts that go into
- create their own movie and music to go with it
Unit 4: History of Jazz to Rock and Roll
- learn about various genres of music ranging from ragtime, swing, pop and rap
- sing and perform music from various time periods
- listen, compare, contrast, and analyze music from these time periods
- learn about the culture and history of the 1900s to the present
- Create music based on the characteristics of certain styles of music
such as blues and rap
Grades: Grades will be based on the following criteria:
1. Attendance 5 points per day- two points will be subtracted each day the
student is tardy
2. Preparation 10 points per day- this means that students bring their notebook,
pencil, and folder to class each day (two points is subtracted each time the
student forgets to bring their materials to class)
3. Participation 10 points per day- this means that students are answering/ asking
questions, participating in group discussions/ work and following directions; 8
points if the student participates 80% of the time, and 5 points if the student
barely participates in class
4. Unit tests, quizzes, and projects will be accompanied by a rubric
5. Composing assignments will also be accompanied by a rubric
6. Each Concert is worth 30% of their overall grade
Extra credit may be earned by doing one of the following projects:
1. Attending an outside musical event (a musical event outside of New
Underwood School District) with a signed program by a parent to
verify the attendance and a 1 page summary of the concert- 60 points
2. A 1-3 page report on a musical topic that must be approved prior to
turning in the report 80 points
Dates for the Winter and Spring Concerts will be announced at a later date. If you have
any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Mrs. Johnson.