History of Rock and Roll Scope and Sequence
Level: Honors
Grade: 10-12
½ Credit
Course Description: This course is designed for those students who have
an interest in music, but may not enjoy singing or playing an instrument. It
will explore the development of Rock and Roll from its roots to present day.
It is primarily a lecture course, with the lecture supplemented with videos,
and listening examples.
National Standards:
This Scope and Sequence meets the National Standards for Music Education,
numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9
I.
Turn of the Century to 1930’s
a. Copyrights and laws
b. Symphonies, vaudeville, minstrel shows
c. The oral tradition
d. Inventions: radio and 78s
e. Tin Pan Alley
f. Jazz, Blue, and Hillbilly
g. Listening: Frank Sinatra, Ragtime
h. The Charleston
Approximately 7 classes
II.
1940’s
a. Segregation and African American Music
b. Effects of war on recording
c. Swing music
d. Inventions: television and tape recorder
e. Teenager’s role and influence on music industry
f. Alan Freed
g. Tempo, Form, Dynamics, Lyrics
h. Listening: Big Band Music
i. Interview someone in their 70’s
Approximately 8 classes
III.
1950’s
a. Rhythm and Blues
b. Disc Jockeys
c. Independent record companies
d. Elvis, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Richie
Valens
e. Pretty Boy Rock
f. American Bandstand
g. Payola
h. Chuck Berry
i. Listening: Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers, Elvis, Chuck Berry
j. Interview someone in their 60’s
k. The Stroll
Approximately 14 classes
IV.
1960’s
a. Elvis
b. Diversification of music: folk, rock, Motown, surf, etc.
c. Song writing teams
d. Dance crazes
e. Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan
f. Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, and Altamont
g. Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Janis Joplin
h. Interview someone in their 50’s
i. Twist
While this is course is a historical look at the development of Rock and Roll
chronologically, students will also explore connections of past styles to
current music, analyze lyrics of both past and present music, and explore
career opportunities in the music industry.
All notes given will use the guided note, skeletal note and key word formats.
Assessments: Written assessments will be given throughout the semester.
Written assessments use multiple choice, matching, true and false and
application type questions on unit tests, and use short answer for aural
testing of listening examples.
Several group performance assessments are given throughout the semester.
One original dance assessment is given to small groups. One Rock Video
assessment is given to large groups.
Goals and Outcomes:
The student will be able to identify and apply historical content given
per era
The student will be able to listen and identify musical concepts in rock
music
The student will be able to help produce a Rock Video
The student will be able to demonstrate various dance crazes of
various eras
The student will be able to apply historical content to current music
trends
The student will analyze lyrics for content
Revised August 2015