Music Module

As they (students) express their initial thoughts, feelings, and ideas about music, analyse the musical choices that are made, and explore the context in which music was created, they will build the knowledge and language they need to communicate about music as well as through music.

-The Ontario Curriculum - Grades 1-8, The Arts

Listen Up! began with the Gryphon Trio and for that reason music is the primary subject area for the program. This component begins at the end of or following the Poetry Module and the poet mentor and composer mentor may work together with classes later in the program when required.

The composer mentor works with classes for up to 6 sessions to introduce and/or explore more deeply musical elements (depending on the experience of the students). Throughout the sessions students develop an understanding of:

• Motifs

• Chord progressions

• Melodic structure

• Phrasing

• Rhythm

Through their work with the composer mentor students create simple melodies and phrases. This process enables them to engage with elements of music composition that lead to a deeper understanding of song structure and possibilities. The student work is inspired both by the student poetry that has been created earlier and by exploration of the program theme.

Following the Music Module, the composer mentor develops up to 5 original pieces that include and/or are inspired by the students’ melodies and phrases along with their poetry. These compositions are for piano trio and student choir and are presented as the featured component of the culminating community concert.