Middle School

Virtual Concert: Gaelynn Lea

Gaelynn Lea is a violinist and songwriter from Duluth, MN. Meet Gaelynn and learn a little about her disability and how she adjusts to play the violin!

What is HARMONY?

Explore the basic concept of musical harmony improvising to create simple harmonies using visual prompts! For elementary age students, but adaptable for all ages.

Music & Geography: Around the World

Music is a cultural expression. Visit different regions around the world to learn about unique genres of music and their core characteristics.

Music & Math: Numbers

Composer Shruthi Rajasekar was inspired to write a piece of music that helps us explore and think about all the ways numbers influence our lives.

Music & Geography: Maps! (Part Two)

Build on your understanding of musical mapping to create an instrument map for Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #2. This is part two of a two-lesson series.

Music & Geography: Maps! (Part One)

Understand different types of maps and consider what it means to map out a piece of music.

Virtual Concert: Featuring Women Composers

Meet some notable women composers who have contributed to classical music over the past 100+ years.

Music & Math: Cryptograms

Cryptograms are puzzles and can also be used as a way to structure a musical composition. For elementary and middle school students.

Listening Lesson: 'The Unanswered Question'

A musical phrase describes a series of notes that communicate a musical idea. Learn about musical questions and answers, and listen to “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives.

What is FERMATA?

Fermata means to hold a note longer than usual. Go on a fermata scavenger hunt as you listen to several musical examples.

What is an ETUDE?

The word "etude" means "study" in French. Listen to etudes for piano, guitar, cello, snare drum, and trumpet in this lesson.

Meet the Composer: Zoltán Kodály

Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) lived and composed in Hungary. The story of Zoltán Kodály provides a good example of history's influence on music.

Music & Science: Pendulums

Learn the science behind pendulums and how composer Steve Reich used pendulums to create a unique piece of music.

What is ABA FORM?

Music is full of patterns. Learn about the ABA pattern in music and use it to create your own composition!

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

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