th
7 Grade
Music Book
Units of Study:

Music History: The Romantic Period and 20th Century Music
 Instrument Study: The Guitar
 American Musical Theater
Class Rules:
 Be respectful
 Be responsible
 Be ready
1
Table of Contents
Unit 1: Music History
The Romantic Period and 20th Century Music
The Romantic Period -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Franz Peter Schubert --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Franz Liszt ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- 6
Richard Wagner ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 7
Impressionism ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
20th Century Music ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Arnold Schonberg and Expressionism ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Avant-Guard Music -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Neoclassicism --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Unit 2: Instrument Study
The Guitar
Rules and Assessment ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Guitar Parts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- 15
Playing Technique ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Melody and the Guitar (Reading TAB) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
TAB on the Lower Strings ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
TAB on the Middle Strings ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
TAB on the Highest String ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21
Multi-String TAB Songs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21-22
Guitar Ensemble Song (Shadow of the Bull) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23-24
Harmony Guitar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- 25
C & G7 Chords --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26-27
D7 Chord ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28-29
Em Chord -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30
Am Chord ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31-32
D & A7 Chords --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33-34
A & E7 Chords ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35-37
Music Composition ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- 38
Unit 3: American Musical Theater
Unit Overview ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- 40
Review --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- 40
Historical and Cultural Events in Musicals ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
What Is A Critique? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
Sources ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- 42
2
UNIT 1
MUSIC HISTORY:
THE ROMANTIC PERIOD
and
20TH CENTURY MUSIC
3
The Romantic Period
The Romantic period was from 1820-1900. It followed the Classical Period of Mozart
and Beethoven. The term “romantic” often means feelings of love and affection, but Romantic
music has little to do with romance. The Romantic period got its name because of the large
artistic, literary and intellectual movement of the time. The European world at large saw a lot
of changes during this time and music was no exception.
The European world changed greatly during the Romantic period. Many countries had
civil wars and great political changes. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution was
beginning in Europe and America. This would change our world from a man-powered to a
machine-powered world. This in turn, would bring about a lot of social and economic change.
Music of the Romantic period is a reflection of these changes.
Romantic period music stressed emotion, imagination and individualism. The music
showed a rebellion against the strict rules and universal sound of the Classical period.
Romantic period composers were free from the patronage system which had made them the
servants of the wealthy. Composers wrote music to please themselves, not a wealthy boss.
Since a patron, or boss, was not ordering the composer, creativity expanded.
Romantic composers often chose to write music based on imaginary characters and
nature. Nationalism was also a big theme. Nationalism is a theme of specific national identity
such as folk songs, legends, and a country’s history. Composers were also interested in exotic
places and people. They would often write music about Africa, the Mediterranean, or the
Orient. A lot of the music was programmatic, or told a story through the music. Composers
were great storytellers.
Another change that happened in the music of the Romantic period was its size.
Romantic period music was much longer than in the Classical period. Classical music saw a lot
of miniature or smaller forms. Symphonies from the Classical period would last 15-20 minutes.
In the Romantic period a symphony could last as long as 2 hours. Some operas would have to
be viewed for several evenings to see the entire production. It is no exaggeration to say that
Romantic music was enormous.
The Romantic period was an interesting time. Not only was the world and the way
people lived changing, but the music world was having its own revolution. Composers were
finally free to write their own music. Music was used to tell great stories. It was a great time to
be a composer.
4
Franz Peter Schubert
Franz Peter Schubert was born in 1797 near Vienna. He was
very fortunate to be born near Vienna since this was the musical
capital of Europe. He learned the violin at a young age and later the
piano. In 1813, at the age of 16, he composed his first symphony.
Between 1811 and 1828 (only 17 years) Schubert composed over
1000 works. He wrote so fast that most of his works were never performed during
his short life. He died in 1828 at the age of 31.
Schubert had a great passion for his music. He cared very little about whether
or not his works were performed; he only wanted to write as much music as he
could. Nine of his pieces were symphonies. A symphony is a 3-4 movement work
for full orchestra. Schubert was also known as a great song writer of vocal solos.
Schubert’s songs are some of the best ever written. They include “Gretchen am
Spinnrade” and “Erlkonig”. It is hard to say what else Schubert may have
accomplished if he had lived longer.
Schubert is considered the earliest composer of the Romantic Symphony. One
of his symphonies is called the “8th Symphony”. This symphony has come to be
known as the “Unfinished Symphony” because it has only 2 movements or sections.
Most symphonies have 3-4 movements. It was written in 1822 but was not
performed until 1865, 43 years after Schubert’s death. Many people believe
Schubert died before he finished the symphony, yet others believe he liked it as it
was and chose to keep it short. The “Unfinished Symphony” is Schubert’s most
famous symphony.
Schubert lived a very short time. He composed all day long and partied all
night long. He made very little money and lived in poor conditions. These things
took a toll on his body and eventually caused his death in 1828. He was friends
with Beethoven and requested to be buried near his friend. That wish was granted.
Even though Schubert died at 31 years of age, he accomplished a lot in that short
time.
5
Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer born in
1811. At the age of 11 he moved to Vienna and got to
meet both Beethoven and Schubert. In his teens, Liszt
moved to Paris and heard the great violinist, Paganini.
From that day forward, Liszt vowed to be as good on
the piano as Paganini was on the violin. Liszt would
spend nearly 12 hours a day practicing. After several
years of this practice schedule, Liszt emerged as the greatest pianist ever
heard in all of Europe.
Liszt became very wealthy performing for the aristocracy of Vienna.
He became notorious for his violent playing style. He would often break
2-3 pianos in a single concert. Part of the reason for this was the poorly
built pianos of this time, the other was the strength used by Liszt while he
played. The wealthy of Vienna couldn’t wait to see Liszt perform.
Liszt grew tired of the performing life at the age of 36 and decided to
become a composer and conductor. As a conductor he was vital in the
careers of several composers, including Berlioz, Schumann and Wagner.
Liszt also worked as a music critic and author. Most of the music written
by Liszt was very difficult piano music. Even today, his music is too
difficult for the best piano players. Liszt also wrote a number of
“Hungarian Rhapsodies” based on the music of gypsies. Liszt was
fortunate to find so much work after his performing days ended.
Liszt lived to be 75 years old. In Liszt’s final years, he wrote music
that was very different from anything heard before. People of his time
would call it “strange and curious”. It was just a taste of music that would
emerge in the 20th century. Liszt never married, but had three children
from a relationship with a married woman. Liszt died in 1886.
6
Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner was born in 1813 in Germany. Wagner was
a very smart child who was interested in literature, especially
Shakespeare. He wrote his first tragic play in the Shakespearean
style at the age of 14. He got a rather late start in music when he
began studying piano at age 12. He never became much of a
performer, but liked to compose music. He became interested in
vocal music and eventually turned his attention to opera.
Wagner liked to dream of big things for his operas. He wanted to use such
large orchestras and scenery that even the largest opera houses in Europe could not
meet his needs. For this reason, he would have a difficult time getting many of his
works performed. One of Wagner’s largest pieces is “The Ring of the Nibulungs”.
Like many Romantic operas, “The Ring of the Nibelungs” was based on German
folklore. This music drama had four parts and each part lasted 3-5 hours. The
entire drama would have to be staged over several days so that audiences could see
the whole work. Wagner’s operas are some of largest ever produced.
Wagner was very opinionated and felt that his ideas (and music) were the only
way. He was banished to Switzerland because of his political views. Wagner
believed he was the best composer around and that everyone should listen to him
and do things his way. Wagner’s attitude would often keep people from becoming
close to him. He even went so far as to create his own fan clubs which he called
“Wagner societies” and his own music festival where only his works were
performed. Today we would call Wagner an egocentric because he thought the
world should do and think exactly like him.
Wagner often had musical ideas that were ahead of his time. The size and
instrumentation of his operas are proof of this. Like Liszt, Wagner would set the
stage for the music that was to come in the 20th Century. His most recognizable
work is probably “Ride of the Valkyries”. Wagner married twice. His second
marriage was to Liszt’s daughter, Cosima. She was 24 years younger than Wagner.
The marriage ended a long friendship between Wagner and Franz Liszt. Wagner
died in 1883 in Venice, Italy.
7
Impressionism
Impressionism is a form of art that occurred in the late
1800s in France. These artists would use short strokes of
paint or flecks of color to show their subject. When viewing
these paintings up close it would just look like blurry globs of
color, but when viewed from further away recognizable
structures and forms could be seen. Some famous Impressionist artists
include Claude Monet and August Renoir. The music world would follow
behind these artists in creating Impressionistic music.
In Impressionistic music a composer would try to give an impression
of an idea or object. Composers would try to show a certain mood or
atmosphere in their music. As stated on classicsforkids.com,
impressionistic music had “an air of mystery, magic and wonder” to it.
Impressionist composers included Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and
Lily Boulanger. Of these, Claude Debussy is the best known.
The most famous of the Impressionistic composers was Claude
Debussy. He was born in France in 1862 and died in 1918. In the
beginning of his career, his music was not well liked. As the years went
by he grew a larger audience. He won the Prix de Rome twice which gave
him an opportunity to study music in Rome, Italy. His works include
“Clouds” and “Au Clair de la Lune”.
All in all, Impressionistic art and music would be very pleasant to
audiences. Later in the unit you will read about a reaction against this
form of art called Expressionism. Expressionism did NOT focus on the
nice things of nature, but rather on the dark side of the human mind. For
now, we will focus on the lighter side of music, Impressionism.
8
20th Century Music
The 20th century began in the year 1900. This new century would usher in
new types of music. Many composers from the 20th century would abandon
everything traditional. A variety of new styles and sounds would emerge. Many of
these new styles and sounds were hated by audiences and critics.
The most shocking of these styles was a form of music called avant garde
music. This form of music explored the sounds of music outside of the traditional
form. Different forms of avant garde include chance music, expressionism,
surrealism, and minimalism. In all of these forms composers have sought to show
audiences music as they have never seen or heard before. Most audiences were not
impressed, but a small following developed among the composers of avant garde
music.
Neoclassicism would emerge in reaction to the avant garde music. Composers
who favored more traditional sounds began writing more traditional music. They
wrote this music for traditional groups, such as symphony orchestras and bands. In
America, composers like Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and John Williams
wrote some of the most memorable classical-type music of the 20th Century.
Jazz and Rock and Roll were developed in the United States. Jazz become the
first “popular” music in early 20th century America. It would lead the way for other
popular music heard today, including rock and roll and even rap. Rock and roll
gained popularity in the 1950s. It is still popular today around the world.
Another major development in music was the use of technology. Electric
instruments became more popular as did synthesizers. A synthesizer is an electronic
instrument (usually a keyboard) that can change sounds at the push of a button. A
synthesizer can mimic the sound of just about any instrument and many other
sounds found in nature. Synthesizers brought forth new possibilities never before
dreamt of in music.
The music of the 20th century can best be described as new and different. In
many cases it has led to the popular music enjoyed today by many. Today there are
all kinds of music being created. Forms from the past and new developments are
currently under way and have never been heard before. As we continue through the
21st century it is hard to guess what new developments and discoveries will be made
in the field of music.
9
Arnold Schonberg and Expressionism
Arnold Schonberg was born in Vienna in 1874.
Schonberg began his musical career when he was fired from
a bank where he was a clerk. At this time, he turned to
music. He was a self-taught musician who began a musical
rebellion against traditional sounds and styles. During
World War II he immigrated to the United States. He remained here for
the remainder of his life and died in 1951.
Schonberg created a new style of music that came to be known as
Expressionism. Expressionism was a reaction against the pleasant sounds
of Impressionism. A popular form of Expressionism is atonal music in
which a composition has no center pitch or tone. Another form of
Expressionism is 12-tone music in which a composer must use all twelve
tones of music within one piece before repeating another tone.
Schonberg’s first 12-tone composition was “Suite for Piano”.
Expressionism was met with a great deal of hostility. The music was
so different from the music that came before it. Audiences booed the
music and often walked out of concerts when Expressionistic music was
performed. Most people never fully understood what the composer was
trying to express. Despite this, Schonberg continued to write his music.
Arnold Schonberg eventually founded a school in which he trained
composers to write music in the Expressionistic style. He greatly
influenced Alban Berg and Anton von Webern. Along with Schonberg,
these composers represented the Expressionist period. The composers,
like painters in Expressionism, tried to show feelings of fear, turmoil and
anguish in their creations. Often the scenes and sounds were distorted and
not pleasing to the eyes or ears, but it changed the music world forever.
10
Avant-Guard Music
As stated earlier in the unit, the 20th century brought forth a lot of new and exciting music
forms. We’ve already heard about Expressionism and Arnold Schonberg. Schonberg would be
the first in a long line of composers to experiment with music to create new forms. Many of
these new forms were shocking because they were so different from the music of the past. We
could classify all these new sounds as being avant garde which means experimental or
inventive. Avant garde music includes chance music, surrealism, and minimalism.
Another name for chance music is aleatory music. This is music that is
composed based on chance procedures such as rolling a dice or flipping a coin.
John Cage (1912-1992) was the first man to write a completely chance
composition. It was called “Music of Chances”. Cage was a controversial
composer because his music was very different. His most famous composition,
“4’33””, was 4 minutes and 33 seconds of complete silence. The music was said
John Cage
to be the environmental sounds heard during the silence. Other composers of
chance music were Charles Ives (1874-1959) and Henry Cowell (1897-1965).
Surrealism is another form of music from the 20th Century. Surrealism is best described
as a combination of expressionism and neoclassicism. In easier terms, the music is classical in
style but with many atonal aspects. The two composers best known for this form of music were
Erik Satie (1866-1925) and Kurt Weill (1900-1950). Both of these composers wrote music
based on the classical elements of the past, but with modern harmonies.
Minimalism is different from all other music before it. Minimalism was believed to have
begun among a small group of composers in 1960s New York City. Among these composers
were Steve Reich (born in 1936) and Philip Glass (born in 1937). Minimalism would become
one of the most popular forms of music in the late 20th century. In minimalism, small is better.
Minimalist composers wrote with very few notes, rhythms or instruments. Everyday objects
such as wheels and glasses would be used as instruments in minimal music. The popular act
STOMP could be considered minimal music.
While chance, surreal, and minimal music are only three examples of avant garde music,
they represent the way composers thought in the 20th century. It was an “anything goes” era of
musical creation. Rules did not matter and new sounds were encouraged. While not many
audiences and musicians embraced these new forms, they have had an effect on those people
that make their living as composers today. It is impossible to guess what new and exciting
musical forms will develop in our lifetime.
11
Neoclassicism
We have spent much time discussing avant garde music. However, many
composers from the 20th century embraced music from the past. These composers
began calling their music New Classicism or Neoclassicism. This meant that
composers were writing music in the same form and style as composers from earlier
periods, such as the Classical or Baroque periods. Aaron Copland and John
Williams both represent Neoclassicism.
Aaron Copland is an American composer from New York
City. He was born in 1900 and died in 1990. Copland studied
musical composition in France as a teenager and returned to the
United States ready to begin his career as a composer. While
Copland began his career writing music for the orchestra, he
eventually branched out and began writing music in varying
forms including ballet and opera. His music had a very American
sound. His ballets “Billy the Kid” and “Rodeo” are all set in
America’s Old West. Copland even composed music for radio, television and even
motion pictures. While Copland dabbled in movie music, John Williams would
become the most revered movie composer.
John Williams was born in 1932 in New York but spent
most of his life in Los Angeles, California. John Williams is still
an active composer and conductor today. He has composed
music in nearly every musical form, but is most known by his
music for film scores. When you watch the movies Harry Potter,
Jaws, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, you are hearing the music of
John Williams. He has won over 45 Academy Awards for his
work on film scores. John Williams and Aaron Copland are just
two composers in a long list of composers writing in the neoclassical style.
Other composers of Neoclassicism include Bela Bartok (1881-1945), Igor
Stravinski (1883-1971) and Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975). These composers,
along with Aaron Copland, John Williams and many others developed a new type of
modern classical music. Neoclassicism showed people that new music could still
be created from past forms and periods. Neoclassical composers stayed true to the
music of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven while adding their own special touches.
Neoclassical music is still written and enjoyed around the world today.
12
UNIT 2
INSTRUMENT STUDY:
THE GUITAR
13
Rules and Assessment
Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Be gentle with your guitar – it is not a toy.
Be polite to your partner.
Use correct guitar playing posture.
Keep finger nails short.
Report damage to guitars/accessories as soon as they occur or you notice the damage.
Only use the guitar assigned to you.
Put all items back where you found them.
Play, talk and sing only when asked. Stop playing, singing and talking when I say
“STOP”.
Consequences
1. Strike 1 - Warning
2. Strike 2 – Incident recorded in behavior log
3. Strike 3 - Loss of guitar privileges, work sheets and write-up. If this happens more than
once during the guitar unit, the student will have to do an alternative assignment and will
not be allowed to play the guitar again or participate in any game days.
Rewards
1. Free-play time
Assessments
1.
2.
3.
4.
Guitar parts Test
Unit Test on guitar and music theory
Playing Test
Student composition (must be turned in for points but
can also be performed for bonus points)
14
Guitar Parts
Memorize the parts of the guitar below.
15
Playing Technique
Holding the Guitar





Guitar neck should be to the left of your body
Sit with your bottom the entire way back on the chair
Lean forward slightly
Hold Guitar with the notch of the body over your left leg
Hold guitar back flat agains your chest & stomach
Right-Hand Technique (Strumming)





Students can use either the pick or thumb
Hold pick between 1-2 fingers and the thumb or stick thumb out if not using a pick
Strum from the top string (6) to the bottom string (1) in a straight motion
It is okay to rub the pick or thumb on the wood below the strings
DO NOT flick the pick or thum outward at the end of your strum
Left-Hand Technique (Fingering chords)
 Thumb must be placed behind the 2nd fret
 DO NOT allow the thumb to over the top of the neck
 DO NOT lay thumb down on back of the neck – only place the part of the thumb behind
your fingernail on the guitar
 DO NOT allow your palm to touch the guitar
 Use only the tip of your finger
 Press that finger against (not on top) of the fret bar closest to the body of the guitar, and
 Squeeze VERY firmly.
16
Melody and the Guitar
Melody is the tune or theme of a song. Usually melody is created by singing the words to a
song, but instruments can create the melody too. In guitar we sometimes call the melody part
the “lead” part. The melody should be heard above all other parts.
Reading Tablature (TAB)
TAB is short for tablature and is a way of reading music on a fretted instrument. It is like a
number code unique to the guitar. We use TAB to read melody.
The example above is an example of TAB. One must focus on the numbers above all else.
The lines show us:
 What string to play (wherever the number is, that is the string we play)
 The top line is string 1 (or your thinnest, highest sounding string)
 The bottom line is string 6 (or your thickest, lowest sounding string)
The numbers represent:
 What fret to place your finger in
 What finger to use
The first note in the example shows a TAB note played on the 4th string. Because the number is
a 0, we would not put any fingers down. We would simply play the string open.
The second note tells us to use our 2nd finger, in the second fret, on the 4th string.
17
Beginning Rhythms
TAB shape
n
Name of Rhythm
Beats
Quarter Note
1
Eighth Notes
½ beat each
n n
‘n’ represents any number
TAB on the Lower Strings
A
B
18
Basics of Music Notation
Double
Bar
Line
More TAB Rhythms
TAB shape
n
Name of Rhythm
Beats
Whole note
4
Half Note
2
Dotted-Half Note
3
n
n
19
TAB on the Middle Strings
C
D
E
20
TAB on the Highest String
F
Multi-String TAB Songs
21
22
Guitar Ensemble Song
23
24
Harmony Guitar
When talking of harmony we mean a combination of pitches sounding together. In 7th grade music we play
harmonies that have concord, or they sound pleasant. The opposite of concord is discord and sounds
unpleasant. In guitar music, harmony is usually produced by playing chords. The chords are the background
music of a song.
Reading a Chord
Chart







X means do not play
O means play the string open (no
fingers down)
Lines going down are the strings
Lines across are the frets
Thick line across the top is the nut
of the guitar
Circled numbers in the chart show
which finger to use
The location of the circle tells us
what string and fret to use
Rhythm Chart for Strumming Chords
Strum shape
Name of Rhythm
Whole note
Beats
4
Half Note
2
Dotted-Half Note
3
Quarter Note
1
Eighth Notes
½ beat each
Quarter rest
1
25
The C Chord (Full)
X
O
The G Chord (Full)
O
O O O
1
2
2
1
3
2
1
2
3
26
3
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands
27
The D7 Chord and the G Chord Progression
D7 Chord
X X O
1
2
4
5
28
3
This Land Is Your Land
29
Minor Chords
All chords that we have learned so far have been major chords. Major chords almost always have a
“happy” sound. Now it is time to learn a minor chord which has a “sadder” sound.
Em Chord
O
O
2
3
6
7
30
O O
Another Minor Chord
A minor (Am) is another chord that works well with the Em chord. The fingering is very simple. Move
fingers 2 & 3 down one string each and place finger 1 in the first fret, second string.
Am Chord
X
O
O
1
2
3
8
9
31
Drunken Sailor
32
The D & A7 Chords
D Chord
x x o
1
A7 Chord
x o
o
o
2
1
2
3
The D Chord Progression
The D chord progression is made up of the following chords: D, G and A7. Try the following exercises which use
this chord progression:
10
11
33
Auld Lang Syne
34
The A and E7 Chords
A Chord
x o
o
E7 Chord
x
o o o
2
1
2
3
1
The A Chord Progression
The A chord progression uses A, D, & E7 chords. Try the following exercises
which use these chords.
12
13
35
The Midnight Special
36
37
Music Composition
We are now going to write a musical composition. We will write one together as a class,
but then you and your partner will need to create your own for a grade. Your finished
product is a graded assignment and you and your partner can perform your composition
for bonus points. Follow the steps below to create your composition.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Place your name in the upper, right corner of your paper
Choose the chord progression you wish to use.
A. G chord progression: G, C, & D7
B. Minor progression: Em, Am, & D
C. D chord progression: D, G, & A7
D. A chord progression: A, D, & E7
Write a time signature on your first line of music, as far left as possible
Begin your composition with the first chord listed in the progression you chose. Write
this chord above the first measure in your music
Decide how many measures to devote to your first chord.
Count past those measures devoted to your first chord and write your second chord
where you want your chord change to be.
Decide how many measures to devote to your second chord.
Count past those measures devoted to your second chord and write your third chord
where you want your chord change to be.
Decide how many measures to devote to your third chord.
Count past those measures devoted to your third chord and write your first chord again
where you want your chord change to be. This will be the last chord change in your
song.
Decide how many measures to devote to your last chord.
Place a double bar at the end of your composition
Go back and add rhythm notation to each measure. Use the chart on the cheat sheet to
help you pick rhythms. YOU ARE WRITING STRUM RHYTHMS, NOT TAB
RHYTHMS! Remember each measure must add up to four counts.
Name your composition. The name should fit the mood of your song. (Major chords
= pleasant; minor chords = sad)
38
UNIT 3
AMERICAN MUSICAL
THEATER
39
Unit Overview
In this unit we will study musical theater. A great emphasis will be placed on
critiques and historical/cultural events within musicals. Students will be responsible for a
daily individual worksheet, participation in a group assignment, and group responses. A
unit test will end the unit for us.
Review
In sixth grade music class, we were introduced to the musical. Below you will find
some facts for review. These things are important to understand before we move any
further in the unit:
 Musical theater is a play with music having an important role in telling the story
 Musical theater involves all four art forms: music, dance, art, and drama
 The book musical is a musical play that tells a complete story
 New York City’s theater district is called Broadway
 London, England’s theater district is called The West End
 The four parts of a musical are:
1. Character
2. Vocal music (songs)
3. Instrumental or background music
4. Story line or plot
Historical and Cultural Events in Musicals
Musicals can have different settings. A setting is the location and time period a
musical belongs in. For example, a movie about Beethoven would be set in the early 1800s
in Germany or Austria. In the musical we will study, you will see either a musical based on
a historical setting or a musical with cultural significance.
Historical settings show the past and usually the setting has historical significance.
An example of this would be a musical set during World War II or revolving around
Western expansion. Musicals with cultural significance can be past or present, but show
something that has or will change the way people live. Examples of this would be a
musical based on the poor neighborhoods of the city or the fight against slavery. Many
times musicals will have historical and cultural significance.
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What Is A Critique?
A great emphasis will be placed on critiquing of musicals. A critique is a detailed
opinion of a work. The person writing the critique is a critic. We will be looking at a
positive and a negative critique of the musical we will watch. You will be expected to show
your support of or your argument against the critiques. Critiques are VERY detailed,
giving many examples and opinions on every facet of the musical. Below is a list of things
that many musical critics focus on when writing a critique:
 The Plot
o Did it tell a good story, was it interesting?
 The Acting
o Were the actors believable in portraying the character?
o Did their gestures and body movement stay true to the character?
 The Design
o Set: Did it establish a definite mood and correct time period for the play?
o Lights:
Did they convey appropriate mood, emphasis, and brightness?
o Costumes and Makeup: Were they true to the period of the show and to the
characters?
o Sound: How did the sound effects and music contribute to the show’s mood?
 The Reaction - What is the musical’s effect on the class (audience)?
o Was the audience (our class) attentive?
o Was the audience interested?
o What was your opinion of the show as a whole?
We will be looking at a positive and a negative critique of the musical we will watch. You
will be expected to show your support of or your argument against the critiques.
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Music History Sources
Music AD 450-1995 by Mark Ammons, D.M.A.; Mark Twain Media Inc., Publishers
Accent on Composers by Jay Althouse and Judith O’Reilly; Alfred Publishing Company, Inc.
Don Michael Randel: The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians
www.dsokids.com
www.classicsforkids.com
www.paganpressbooks.com
www.tumblr.com
www.analogartsensemble.net
www.rhythmontherock.com
www.melaman2.com
Guitar Unit Sources
Images from:
guitarsforkids.com
guitarlone.blogspot.com
guitar.about.com
driskillfan.tripod.com
Definitions From:
www.classicsforkids.com
The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians
American Musical Theater Unit Sources
www.angelfire.com
Book compiled and written by Mrs. Jessica Show, music teacher at Penn Cambria Middle School, 2012-2013
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