Lesson Plan: Year 12 Music in Practice - Innovations in Jazz
Objective: Students will review the 6 Music Elements, discuss the concept of innovation in music, explore the defining features of jazz music, analyze “Ain’t Misbehavin” for examples of jazz innovations, and apply these innovations on their instruments.
Duration: 1 hour
Materials: - Whiteboard or projector for displaying information - Copies of the sheet music for “Ain’t Misbehavin” - Instruments for students to explore jazz innovations
Procedure:
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Introduction (5 minutes) a. Greet the students and briefly review the 6 Music Elements (melody, harmony, rhythm, form, timbre, and dynamics). b. Ask the students to share their understanding of the term “innovative” and how it can be seen through music.
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Discussion: Innovations in Jazz (10 minutes) a. Explain that jazz music is known for its innovative nature and discuss the defining features of jazz, such as improvisation, syncopation, swing rhythm, and blue notes. b. Show examples of jazz musicians who were considered innovative for their time, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker. c. Engage the students in a discussion about how these features and musicians contributed to the innovation of jazz music.
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Analysis of “Ain’t Misbehavin” (15 minutes) a. Distribute copies of the sheet music for “Ain’t Misbehavin” to the students. b. Play a recording of the song or perform it live if possible. c. Guide the students in analyzing the song for examples of jazz innovations, such as improvised solos, syncopated rhythms, and bluesy melodies. d. Encourage the students to actively listen and take notes on the innovations they identify.
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Exploration of Jazz Innovations (25 minutes) a. Divide the students into small groups based on their instruments (e.g., brass, woodwinds, rhythm section). b. Assign each group a specific jazz innovation to explore (e.g., improvisation, swing rhythm, blue notes). c. Instruct the students to experiment with their assigned innovation on their instruments, either individually or as a group. d. Circulate among the groups, providing guidance and feedback as needed. e. Encourage the students to collaborate and share their findings with the class.
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Conclusion (5 minutes) a. Bring the class back together and allow each group to briefly share their exploration of jazz innovations. b. Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson, emphasizing the importance of innovation in music. c. Assign a short reflection task for homework, asking the students to write a paragraph on how they can incorporate jazz innovations into their own musical practice.
Note: This lesson plan is based on the Queensland (QLD) Curriculum for Year 12 Music in Practice. Teachers should adapt the plan to meet the specific needs and requirements of their students and curriculum.
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