Professional Documents
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K-12 Sample Music Curriculum
K-12 Sample Music Curriculum
Music Curriculum
for
Virginia Public Schools
Kindergarten – Grade Twelve
Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Education
Richmond, Virginia
2015
Copyright © 2015
by the
Virginia Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120
www.doe.virginia.gov
NOTICE
The Virginia Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin,
religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, or against otherwise qualified persons with
disabilities. The policy permits appropriate employment preferences for veterans and specifically prohibits
discrimination against veterans. The following position has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the
Department’s non-discrimination policies:
For further information on Federal non-discrimination regulations, contact the Office for Civil Rights at
[email protected] or call 1-800-421-3481.
You may also view Governor Terry McAuliffe’s Executive Order 1 (EO-1, 2014) (PDF), which specifically
prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, political affiliation, or
against otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. The policy permits appropriate employment preferences for
veterans and specifically prohibits discrimination against veterans.
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ...................................................................................................................... v
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. vii
General Music: Elementary, Middle, High ............................................................................. 1
Recommended Listening: Performing Artists and Ensembles ......................................................................... 1
Kindergarten General Music............................................................................................................................. 3
Grade One General Music ................................................................................................................................ 7
Grade Two General Music.............................................................................................................................. 11
Grade Three General Music............................................................................................................................ 16
Grade Four General Music ............................................................................................................................. 21
Grade Five General Music .............................................................................................................................. 26
Grade Six General Music................................................................................................................................ 30
Grade Seven General Music ........................................................................................................................... 33
Grade Eight General Music ............................................................................................................................ 36
High School General Music............................................................................................................................ 39
High School Music Theory............................................................................................................................. 43
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Acknowledgments
The Virginia Department of Education expresses sincere thanks to the music educators who contributed to the
creation of this Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools. The work and expertise of these persons
is greatly appreciated. In addition, the Virginia Department of Education wishes to extend special thanks to the
public schools of Chesterfield County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and Virginia
Beach City for allowing their K–12 music curricula to be used as resources for this project. The project is
particularly indebted to Prince William County Public Schools for permission to use and adapt the assessment
statements found in the Prince William County Public Schools K–12 Music Framework.
Project Director
Cheryle C. Gardner, Principal Specialist of Fine Arts, Virginia Department of Education
Project Consultant
Joyce S. Zsembery, Fine Arts Supervisor, Prince William County Public Schools
Project Editor and Resource Consultant
Bruce B. Stevens, Writer/Editor, Career and Technical Education Resource Center
Instructor in Music, University of Richmond
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Introduction
The curriculum in this publication reflects the intent of the music standards of learning found in the 2013 Fine
Arts Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools. Music educators from public schools in Chesterfield
County, Colonial Heights City, Culpeper County, Fairfax County, Isle of Wight County, Norfolk City,
Powhatan County, Prince William County, Virginia Beach City, as well as from Virginia Polytechnic Institute &
State University contributed to this curriculum to better delineate the scope of music education in Virginia’s
schools and to facilitate a high level of music instruction across the Commonwealth. Classroom teachers,
curriculum specialists, administrators, college faculty, and professional musicians assisted the music curriculum
development team with reviewing and refining drafts of the document.
The Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools presents the essential content that should be included
in school music education for various course offerings within four course areas: General Music, Instrumental
Music, Vocal/Choral Music, and Guitar. The General Music curricula are cumulative, progressing in complexity
from grade to grade. In each curriculum, course content is expressed as instructional objectives organized into
five content strands or topics: Music Theory/Literacy; Performance; Music History and Cultural Context;
Analysis, Evaluation, and Critique; and Aesthetics. Although the strands are presented separately in order to
define the musical experiences and instructional processes at all grade levels, the objectives overlap and
integrate in actual musical experience.
A vocabulary list is provided for each course for the purpose of enabling students to use course-specific music
terminology to discuss and analyze their musical experiences.
These comprehensive instructional objectives are suggested minimum attainments in music. They set reasonable
targets and expectations for what teachers should teach and students should learn by specifying clear, concise,
measurable, and rigorous expectations for young people. They may be used in whole or in part by educators to
design and deliver music instruction for each course. This curriculum does not prescribe how content should be
taught, nor is it intended to be restrictive. Teachers are encouraged to select a variety of instructional strategies
and assessment methods appropriate for their students as well as to go beyond the content presented here to meet
the needs of all students.
The development of the Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools is an important step in the
process of providing challenging educational programs in Virginia’s public schools. A comprehensive school
music program makes it possible for students to understand their own responses and the responses of others to
the many forms of musical experience. It also enables students to develop and express their musical creativity as
they progress toward full participation in musical culture, which is a defining characteristic of civilization.
Furthermore, through music instruction, students acquire essential knowledge and skills that include the ability
to think critically, solve problems resourcefully, make informed judgments, work cooperatively within groups,
appreciate different cultures, and use their imagination and be creative. They also gain new understandings that
enable them to apply their knowledge and skills in new situations and make critical connections.
The Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools is available on the Virginia Department of
Education’s website at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/fine_arts/index.shtml.
GOALS
The content of the music curriculum, like that of the music standards of learning, is intended to support the
following goals for students:
• Develop understanding of music through musical experiences including singing, playing instruments,
performing, composing, listening, and responding to music with movement.
• Develop the ability to read and notate music.
• Create works of music that transcribe their thoughts and emotions into forms of musical expression.
• Exercise critical-thinking skills by investigating and analyzing all facets of the music discipline.
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• Demonstrate awareness of and responsibility for the safe and responsible use of materials, equipment,
methods, and technologies.
• Demonstrate understanding of the relationship of music to history and culture.
• Make connections between music and other fields of knowledge.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply aesthetic criteria for making musical decisions.
• Develop awareness of copyright and royalty requirements when rehearsing, performing, or otherwise
using the works of others. (Note: Teachers will consistently model appropriate use of copyrighted and
royalty-protected materials.)
• Nurture a lifelong appreciation for music as an integral component of an educated, cultured society.
Performance
Students will demonstrate mastery of musical skills and concepts at levels of increasing difficulty. They will
learn to participate in music as a musician through singing, playing instruments, improvising, composing, and
responding to music with movement. Students will participate in all aspects of music performance,
demonstrating appropriate use of related materials, equipment, methods, and technologies.
Aesthetics
Students will reflect on the sensory, emotional, and intellectual qualities of music. They will examine various
cultural perspectives and factors that shape aesthetic responses to music. By experiencing and evaluating
musical compositions and performances, students will have the opportunity to understand meaning in music and
recognize the contribution music makes to the enrichment of the human experience.
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
Instrumental music and vocal/choral music students at the middle and high school levels will perform music
literature at appropriate levels in a wide variety of styles, from a wide range of time periods, and by numerous
composers/arrangers. Through this means, students will continue to develop basic musicianship and music
literacy while they perfect their individual technique and ensemble skills. Examples of compositions for study
and performance are listed under a Recommended Repertoire heading for each performance course.
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
Elementary students will develop an informed appreciation of music through guided listening to selected
musical compositions and study of selected composers. Examples of compositions for listening and study are
listed under a Recommended Listening heading at each grade level in K–5. Through familiarity with how these
compositions sound, as well as how they are constructed and performed, students will discuss and analyze the
compositions, using music terminology, and will come to a deeper love for various kinds of music and joy in
experiencing them. Middle and high school students will continue to develop their appreciation of music
through listening to a wide range of musical compositions. Listening to performances by various musicians and
ensembles that are exemplars for tone quality, technique, and musicianship in their respective styles will be
emphasized.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment provides useful and accurate information about student learning. It employs practices and methods
that are consistent with learning goals, curriculum, instruction, and current knowledge of how students learn in
the music education environment. Music educators assess and document student learning, using methods that
may include structured and informal observations and interviews, projects and tasks, presentations, musical
performances, and multiple-choice and short-answer tests.
Classroom assessment affects learning. It is integrated with curriculum and instruction so that teaching, learning,
and assessment constitute a continuous process. By documenting and evaluating student work, teachers obtain
information for understanding student progress in ways that can guide future instruction. Also, assessment
provides opportunities for students’ self-reflection, evaluation, and learning.
Teachers are encouraged to develop their own assessment techniques, strategies, and instruments and share them
with other music educators. Suggested assessment methods are listed at the end of each course.
VOCABULARY
Students will use music terminology pertaining to all aspects of music and specifically those based on the
content and skills found in the particular course objectives. Students will use these terms in oral and written
communications and apply them in musical experiences. Teachers are encouraged to supplement the identified
terminology, as appropriate.
TECHNOLOGY
Teachers are encouraged to integrate use of technology into all levels of the curriculum as a means of enhancing
and differentiating the learning experience for students. By using technological tools, teachers are empowering
students to use their technological skills while deepening their knowledge and understanding of music concepts.
COPYRIGHT
Through the study of issues related to copyright, fair use, public domain, plagiarism, use of primary resources,
and respecting creators’ rights, students will develop an understanding of an individual’s responsibilities and
rights as a creator and consumer of content. By demonstrating an understanding of legal and ethical
considerations involved in using the creative work of others, students will be accountable, responsible, and
literate creative citizens. Teachers may refer to the website of the National Association for Music Education
(NAfME) for guidance. Teachers are reminded that they are responsible for informing audiences of copyright
regulations at rehearsals and performances, including the use of video and still photography, audio recordings,
and social media postings.
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RESOURCES
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, opened in 1936 to
serve regional, statewide, national, and international audiences. Today, the mission of this state-supported,
privately endowed museum is “to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts,
and thus to enrich the lives of all.” VMFA supports and enhances the teaching of Virginia’s K-12 Standards of
Learning through exhibitions, programs, student tours, teacher workshops, publications, and Web-based
resources. The museum serves as an extension of the classroom through its collection of more than 33,000
objects that span 5,500 years and five continents. Visual arts educators and students across the state will find the
museum’s resources invaluable as they address art processes, art history, cultural context, art analysis and
evaluation, and aesthetics. More information is available on the VMFA’s Web site at http://vmfa.museum.
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Instrumentalists
• Flute: James Galway, William Kincaid, Jean-Pierre Rampal
• Oboe: Alex Klein, Ray Still
• Bassoon: Willard Elliot, George Zuckerman
• Clarinet: Harold Boatwright, Stanley Drucker, Robert Marcellus
• Saxophone: Fred Hemke, Sigurd Rascher, Eugene Rousseau
• Trumpet: Maurice André, Louis Armstrong, Allison Balsom, Adolph “Bud” Herseth, Wynton
Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Phil Smith
• Horn: Herman Baumann, Dennis Brain, Peter Damm, Philip Farkas, David Jolley, Barry Tuckwell
• Euphonium: Phineas Bower, Brian Bowman, David Childs, Alex Mortimer, Herbert Scott
• Trombone: Joseph Alessi, Jay Friedman, Frank Rosolino, Dennis Wick
• Tuba: William Bell, Arnold Jacobs, Carol Jantsch, Harvey Phillips, Pat Sheridan
• Mallets: Keiko Abe, Gary Burton, Evelyn Glennie, William Ludwig, Leigh Howard Stevens
• Percussion: Anthony Cirone, Marc Damoulakis, Vadim Karpino, William Ludwig
• Violin: Joshua Bell, Sarah Chang, Hillary Hahn, Midori, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Itzhak Perlman,
Rachel Barton Pine
• Viola: Kim Kashkashian, William Primrose, Karen Tuttle
• Cello: Zuill Bailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich, Janos Starker, Wendy Warner, Alisa
Weilerstein
• String Bass: Gary Karr, Serge Koussevitzky, Edgar Meyer, Entcho Radoukanov, Esperanza Spalding
• Fiddle: Alasdair Fraser, Natalie MacMaster, Mark O’Connor
Instrumental Ensembles
• Detroit Concert Band • Eastman Wind Ensemble
• Indiana University Concert Band • Tokyo Kosie Wind Orchestra
• Northwestern University Concert Band • Boston Symphony Orchestra
• University of Illinois Concert Band • Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• University of Michigan Concert Band • Cleveland Orchestra
• University of North Texas Concert Band • National Symphony Orchestra
• United States Air Force Band • Berlin Philharmonic
• United States Army Band • Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
• United States Coast Guard Band • Vienna Philharmonic
• United States Marine Band • Academy of Saint Martin in the Field
• United States Navy Band • English Chamber Orchestra
• Cleveland Symphonic Winds • Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
• Dallas Wind Symphony • St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
Solo Singers
• Soprano: Kathleen Battle, Maria Callas, Renee Fleming, Elina Garanca, Alison Krauss, Audra
McDonald, Anna Netrebko, Leontyne Price, Beverly Sills
• Mezzo-soprano: Cecilia Bartoli, Grace Bumbry, Susan Graham, Denyce Graves, Marilyn Horne,
Dawn Upshaw
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• Alto: Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Maureen Forrester, Sherie Renee Scott
• Tenor: Roberto Alagna, Andrea Bocelli, Lawrence Brownlee, José Carreras, Roderick Dixon, Placido
Domingo, Juan Diego Flórez, Luciano Pavarotti, Carl Tanner
• Baritone: Josh Groban, Nathan Gunn, Thomas Hampson, Thomas Meglioranza, Samuel Ramey
• Bass: Carlo Colombara, Gerald Finley, Bryn Terfel, John Tomlinson
Vocal Ensembles
• Brigham Young University Choirs • Pentatonix
• Calgary Children’s Choir • PS22 Chorus
• Chanticleer • Robert Shaw Festival Singers
• Concordia Choir • Sine Nomine
• Fisk Jubilee Singers • St. Olaf College Choirs
• Indianapolis Children’s Choir • Sweet Adelines
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo • Tapiola Children’s Choir
• Luther College Nordic Choir • Vienna Boys’ Choir
• Moses Hogan Singers
Sources
The following sources for listening examples of specific composers, cultures, and time periods of music will be
helpful for locating instructional resources. This is not a comprehensive list, but it is a starting point for such
instructional resources.
• Kennedy Center’s ARTSEDGE
• Kennedy Center’s Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA)
• NAXOS Recordings
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
• Putumayo CD Series
• Smithsonian Folkways
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will read high and low pitches represented by traditional or nontraditional notations (e.g.,
icons, manipulatives).
MUS: K.1 │ E: K.3, K.5, K.6, K.7 │ H: K.3 │ M: K.2, K.5
2. The student will read simple rhythms represented by traditional or nontraditional notations (e.g., icons,
syllabic phrases).
MUS: K.1 │ E: K.3, K.5, K.6, K.7 │ H: K.3 │ M: K.2, K.5
Performance
Singing
3. The student will demonstrate various uses of the voice (e.g., sound effects, humming).
MUS: K.2 │ E: K.1, K.2
4. The student will demonstrate the difference between the singing voice and the speaking voice.
MUS: K.2.1 │ E: K.1, K.2
5. The student will match pitches within an appropriate range alone and with others.
MUS: K.2.2 │ E: K.1, K.2
6. The student will demonstrate expressive qualities of music, including loud/soft and fast/slow.
MUS: K.2.3 │ E: K.1, K.2
7. The student will sing a variety of two-pitch (sol, mi) songs (e.g., nursery rhymes, playground chants,
jump-rope songs) alone and with others, using echo and ensemble singing.
MUS: K.3.1 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ H: K.3
8. The student will sing a variety of songs of limited range alone and with others.
MUS: K.3 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ H: K.3
9. The student will sing at an appropriate time, following a vocal or instrumental introduction.
MUS: K.3.2 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ H: K.3
Playing Instruments
10. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments alone and with others to
demonstrate high and low.
MUS: K.4.1 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ S: K.4
11. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments alone and with others to
demonstrate loud/soft.
MUS: K.4.2 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ S: K.4
12. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments alone and with others to
demonstrate fast/slow.
MUS: K.4.2 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ S: K.4
13. The student will accompany songs and chants, using body percussion as well as instruments.
MUS: K.4.3 │ E: K.1, K.2 │ S: K.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Rhythms
16. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include sounds and silences, using body percussion,
instruments, and voice.
MUS: K.5 │ E: K.4
17. The student will demonstrate a steady beat, using body percussion, instruments, and voice.
MUS: K.6
Creating Music
25. The student will improvise simple melodic or rhythmic patterns.
MUS: K.8.1 │ E: K.1, K.4, K.9 │ H: K.2 │ M: K.2, K.5, K.16
26. The student will improvise music to enhance stories and poems.
MUS: K.8.2 │ E: K.1, K.4, K.9 │ H: K.2 │ M: K.2, K.5, K.16
Making Connections
29. The student will participate in music activities that involve sharing, taking turns, and other behaviors that
demonstrate good citizenship.
MUS: K.10 │ H: K.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
30. The student will recognize the relationships between music and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: K.11 │ E: K.9
Aesthetics
35. The student will express personal feelings evoked by a musical experience.
MUS: K.13 │ E: K.2, K.3, K.6
36. The student will communicate through movement personal response to expressive features of music.
MUS: K.14 │ E: K.2, K.3, K.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• How would you describe the sound of this music, using words? How would you describe it, using
movements?
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
band high pattern soft
chant instrument personal space solo
choir instrumentalist pulse song
chorus (ensemble) introduction repeat speak
clap loud rest speaking voice
compose low rhythm speed
composer lullaby shouting voice steady beat
concert march silence stomp
conductor move sing title
dance music singer voice
echo musician singing voice whispering voice
fast nursery rhyme slow
head voice pat snap
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will read and notate high and low pitches, using traditional and nontraditional notation.
MUS: 1.1.1 │ E: 1.5, 1.8 │ M: 1.1, 1.3, 1.17 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
2. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include quarter notes, paired eighth notes, and
quarter rests, using traditional and nontraditional notation.
MUS: 1.1.2 │ E: 1.5, 1.8 │ M: 1.1, 1.3, 1.17 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
3. The student will identify basic music words and symbols (forte, piano, largo, presto, repeat sign).
MUS: 1.1.3 │ E: 1.5, 1.8 │ M: 1.1, 1.3, 1.17 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
Performance
Singing
4. The student will sing high and low pitches.
MUS: 1.2.1 │ E: 1.1, 1.4, 1.6
5. The student will use the voice in speech and song.
MUS: 1.2.2 │ E: 1.1, 1.4, 1.6
6. The student will demonstrate expressive qualities of music, including changes in dynamics and tempo.
MUS: 1.2.3 │ E: 1.1, 1.4, 1.6
7. The student will sing a variety of songs alone and with others, matching pitches and using the head voice.
MUS: 1.3.1 │ E: 1.1, 1.3
8. The student will sing a variety of three-pitch (sol, mi, la) songs alone and with others, using echo and
ensemble singing.
MUS: 1.3.2 │ E: 1.1, 1.3
Playing Instruments
9. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments individually and in groups.
MUS: 1.4 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
10. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments to perform two-pitch melodies alone
and with others, using imitation.
MUS: 1.4.1 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
11. The student will demonstrate high and low pitches, using instruments.
MUS: 1.4
12. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments expressively with appropriate
dynamics and tempo.
MUS: 1.4.2 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
13. The student will accompany songs and chants, using body percussion as well as instruments.
MUS: 1.4.3 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
14. The student will use proper playing techniques to play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 1.4.4 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Rhythms
15. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include quarter notes, paired eighth notes, and quarter
rests, using instruments, body percussion, and voice.
MUS: 1.5 │ E: 1.1, 1.4 │ M: 1.17
16. The student will demonstrate the difference between melodic rhythm and steady beat.
MUS: 1.6 │ E: 1.4, 1.6
17. The student will demonstrate melodic rhythm, using instruments, body percussion, and voice.
MUS: 1.7 │ E: 1.4 │ M: 1.17
Creating Music
26. The student will improvise vocal responses to given melodic questions.
MUS: 1.9.1 │ E: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 │ M: 1.17
27. The student will improvise music, using body percussion, instruments, and voice.
MUS: 1.9.2 │ E: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 │ M: 1.17
28. The student will improvise music to enhance stories, songs, and poems.
MUS: 1.9.3 │ E: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 │ M: 1.17
29. The student will create melodies for familiar nursery rhymes and chants.
MUS: 1.9.3 │ E: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 │ M: 1.17
30. The student will compose simple rhythmic patterns, using traditional or nontraditional notation.
MUS: 1.9.4 │ E: 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 │ M: 1.17
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
33. The student will identify musicians in the school, community, and media.
MUS: 1.10.3 │ E: 1.7, 1.8 │ H: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
34. The student will describe how people participate in music experiences.
MUS: 1.10.4 │ E: 1.7, 1.8 │ H: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Making Connections
35. The student will identify behaviors appropriate to different types of musical events/situations (e.g.,
classical concert, rock concert, sporting event).
MUS: 1.11 │ E: 1.7, 1.8 │ H: 1.10, 1.11, 1.12
36. The student will identify the relationships between music and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 1.12 │ E: 1.7, 1.8 │ S: 1.1, 1.2
Aesthetics
48. The student will explain the purposes of music in various settings.
MUS: 1.16 │ E: 1.7, 1.8 │ H: 1.11, 1.12
49. The student will describe personal ideas and emotions evoked by music.
MUS: 1.17 │ E: 1.7, 1.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accompanied line dance percussion quarter note
ballet melodic rhythm performance quarter rest
beam melody piano (dynamic) repeat sign
body percussion mood piano (instrument) section (form)
circle dance movement piece of music staff
ensemble nonpitched instrument pitch stem
forte note pitched instrument tempo
instrumental note head poetry unaccompanied
largo paired eighth notes presto vocal
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will read and notate music, including identifying written melodic patterns that move upward,
move downward, and stay the same.
MUS: 2.1.1 │ E: 2.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
2. The student will use the musical alphabet to notate melodic patterns.
MUS: 2.1.2 │ E: 2.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
3. The student will read melodies based on a pentatonic scale.
MUS: 2.1.3 │ E: 2.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
4. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include half notes, half rests, whole notes, and
whole rests.
MUS: 2.1.4 │ E: 2.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
5. The student will use basic music words and symbols (mezzo forte, mezzo piano, allegro, andante,
moderato, crescendo, decrescendo).
MUS: 2.1.5 │ E: 2.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
6. The student will identify same and different melodic phrases.
MUS: 2.1.1 │ E: 2.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
7. The student will identify and categorize selected musical forms, including AB and ABA forms.
MUS: 2.10.3 │ E: 2.7, 2.9, 2.10 │ H: 2.1
Performance
Singing
8. The student will sing alone and with others a repertoire of songs consisting of melodic patterns that move
upward, move downward, and stay the same.
MUS: 2.2.1 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
9. The student will sing alone and with others a repertoire of songs within the range of a sixth.
MUS: 2.2.2 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
10. The student will increase pitch accuracy while singing phrases and simple songs.
MUS: 2.2.3 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
11. The student will sing music in AB and ABA forms.
E: 2.12 │ M: 2.20
12. The student will demonstrate sudden and gradual changes in expressive qualities of music, including
changes in dynamics and tempo, using the voice.
E: 2.4
Playing Instruments
13. The student will exercise increasing control while playing a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments
individually and in groups.
MUS: 2.3 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
14. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments alone and with others to perform
melodic patterns that move upward, move downward, and stay the same.
MUS: 2.3.1 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
15. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments expressively, following changes in
dynamics and tempo.
MUS: 2.3.2 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
16. The student will accompany songs and chants with ostinatos and single-chords, using a variety of pitched
and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 2.3.3 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
17. The student will play music in AB and ABA forms, using instruments and body percussion.
18. The student will use proper playing techniques to play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 2.3.4 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
Performing Rhythms
19. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include half notes, half rests, whole notes, and whole
rests, using instruments, voice, body percussion, and movement.
MUS: 2.4.1 │ M: 2.3, 2.20
20. The student will use aural skills to imitate given phrases containing rhythmic patterns that include half
notes, half rests, whole notes, and whole rests.
MUS: 2.4.2 │ M: 2.3, 2.20
21. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include half notes, half rests, whole notes, and whole
rests, using traditional notation.
MUS: 2.4.3 │ M: 2.3, 2.20
Creating Music
30. The student will improvise simple rhythmic question-and-answer phrases.
MUS: 2.6.1 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 2.10 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
31. The student will create lyrics to mirror the rhythms and phrasing of familiar melodies.
E: 2.4
32. The student will improvise accompaniments, including ostinatos.
MUS: 2.6.2 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 2.10 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
33. The student will improvise musical sounds to enhance stories, songs, and poems.
MUS: 2.6.3 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 2.10 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
34. The student will compose simple pentatonic melodies, using traditional notation.
MUS: 2.6.4 │ E: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 2.10 │ M: 2.3, 2.20 │ S: 2.1
Making Connections
40. The student will demonstrate audience and participant behaviors appropriate for the purposes and settings
in which music is performed.
MUS: 2.8 │ H: 2.10
41. The student will identify the relationships between music and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 2.9 │ E: 2.7 │ H: 2.3
Aesthetics
47. The student will explain how music expresses ideas, experiences, and feelings.
MUS: 2.13 │ E: 2.2, 2.3, 2.12
48. The student will describe how music evokes personal ideas and emotions.
MUS: 2.14 │ E: 2.2, 2.3, 2.12
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
AB form allegro bourdon, bordun call-and-response
ABA form andante brass canon
accelerando audience breathing choreography
14
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
15
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will read and notate music, including identifying written melodic movement as step, leap, or
repeat.
MUS: 3.1.1 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
2. The student will demonstrate the melodic shape (contour) of a written musical phrase.
MUS: 3.1.2 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
3. The student will describe the melodic shape (contour) of a musical phrase, including how notes move
upward, move downward, or stay the same.
MUS: 3.1.2 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
4. The student will use traditional notation to write melodies on the treble staff.
MUS: 3.1.3 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
5. The student will read melodies of increasing complexity based on a pentatonic scale.
MUS: 3.1.4 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
6. The student will divide rhythms into measures.
MUS: 3.1.5 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
7. The student will identify strong and weak beats.
MUS: 3.5.1 │ E: 3.4 │ M: 3.3, 3.12, 3.19
8. The student will identify sets of beats grouped in twos and threes.
MUS: 3.5.2 │ E: 3.4 │ M: 3.3, 3.12, 3.19
9. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes, single eighth notes, eighth
rests, and dotted half notes.
MUS: 3.1.6 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
10. The student will explain the functions of basic music words and symbols (fortissimo, pianissimo, fermata,
coda, legato, staccato, bar line, measure).
MUS: 3.1.7 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
11. The student will sight-read rhythm patterns that include paired eighth notes, quarter notes, quarter rests,
half notes, half rests, whole notes, and whole rests.
MUS: 3.4
12. The student will sight-read melodic patterns, using a pentatonic scale (do, re, mi, sol, la).
MUS: 3.1.4 │ E: 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 │ M: 3.3
13. The student will identify and explain examples of musical form, including rondo form.
MUS: 3.11.1 │ E: 3.11
Performance
Singing
14. The student will sing in tune with a clear tone quality a varied repertoire of songs alone and with others.
MUS: 3.2.1 │ E: 3.2, 3.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
15. The student will sing melodies within the range of an octave.
MUS: 3.2.2 │ E: 3.2, 3.3
16. The student will sing melodies written on the treble staff.
MUS: 3.2.3 │ E: 3.2, 3.3
17. The student will sing with expression, using a wide range of tempos and dynamics.
MUS: 3.2.4 │ E: 3.2, 3.3
18. The student will sing rounds, partner songs, and ostinatos in two-part ensembles.
MUS: 3.2.5 │ E: 3.2, 3.3
19. The student will demonstrate proper posture for singing.
MUS: 3.2.6 │ E: 3.2, 3.3
Playing Instruments
20. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments to perform music in two-part
ensembles.
MUS: 3.3.1 │ E: 3.4
21. The student will play a variety of pitched instruments to perform melodies written on the treble staff.
MUS: 3.3.2 │ E: 3.4
22. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments with expression, using a wide range
of tempos and dynamics.
MUS: 3.3.3 │ E: 3.4
23. The student will accompany songs and chants with I and V (V7) chords, using a variety of pitched
instruments.
MUS: 3.3.4 │ E: 3.4
24. The student will demonstrate proper playing techniques when playing a variety of pitched and nonpitched
instruments.
MUS: 3.3.5 │ E: 3.4
Performing Rhythms
25. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes, single eighth notes, eighth rests,
and dotted half notes, using voice, body percussion, and pitched and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 3.4
26. The student will demonstrate understanding of meter by determining strong and weak beats.
MUS: 3.5.1 │ E: 3.4 │ M: 3.3, 3.12, 3.19
27. The student will demonstrate understanding of meter by performing sets of beats grouped in twos and
threes.
MUS: 3.5.2 │ E: 3.4 │ M: 3.3, 3.12, 3.19
Creating Music
32. The student will improvise rhythmic question-and-answer phrases.
MUS: 3.7.1 │ E: 3.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
40. The student will recognize and investigate the role that music plays in the oral tradition of a culture.
MUS: 3.8
41. The student will describe and discuss orchestral music careers (e.g., conductor, instrumentalist, vocalist,
general manager, stage manager).
E: 3.1, 3.6, 3.7
42. The student will demonstrate audience and participant behaviors appropriate for the purposes and settings
in which music is performed.
MUS: 3.3.9 │ E: 3.4
43. The student will describe the relationships between music and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 3.10 │ E: 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 3.11 │ H: 3.7, 3.8
Aesthetics
49. The student will examine ways in which the music of a culture reflects its people’s attitudes and beliefs.
MUS: 3.14 │ E: 3.1, 3.2
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
50. The student will explain personal motivations for making music.
MUS: 3.15 │ E: 3.1, 3.2
51. The student will describe why music has quality and value.
MUS: 3.16
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
19
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
VOCABULARY
I–V–I chord progression fortissimo motif shape
a cappella grand staff (system) movement (section of a single eighth note
bar line harmony composition) sixteenth notes
bass clef improvisation musical score skip (melodic movement)
brass family interlude octave staccato
breath mark jazz oral tradition step
chord leap partner song string family
coda ledger lines pentatonic scale timbre
composition legato percussion family treble clef
dotted half note measure pianissimo woodwind family
double beam melodic shape rondo world music
fermata meter scat
20
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will read melodies based on a hexatonic scale (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la).
MUS: 4.1.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
2. The student will use traditional notation to write melodies containing stepwise motion.
MUS: 4.1.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
3. The student will read two-note accompaniment patterns (bordun).
MUS: 4.1.3 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
4. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include a dotted quarter note followed by an eighth
note.
MUS: 4.1.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
5. The student will use a system (e.g., Kodaly, conversational solfege, Gordon) to sight-read melodic and
rhythmic patterns.
MUS: 4.1.5 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
6. The student will sight-read melodic patterns based on a pentatonic scale of increased complexity (e.g., do,
re, mi, sol, la, do; sol, la, do, re, mi, sol).
MUS: 4.1.5
7. The student will sight-read rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes, single eighth notes, eighth rests,
paired eighth notes, quarter notes, quarter rests, half notes, dotted half notes, half rests, whole notes, and
whole rests.
MUS: 4.1
8. The student will identify the meaning of the upper and lower numbers of simple time signatures ( 24 , 34 , 44 ).
MUS: 4.1.6 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
9. The student will identify dynamic markings (e.g., p, mp, mf, f) and interpret them in performance.
MUS: 4.1.7 │ E: 4.1, 4.4 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
10. The student will identify and explain expanded rondo form (ABACADA…).
MUS: 4.10.5 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
Performance
Singing
11. The student will sing with a clear tone quality and accurate intonation a varied repertoire of songs alone
and with others.
MUS: 4.2.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.3
12. The student will sing diatonic melodies.
MUS: 4.2.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.3
13. The student will sing melodies written on the treble staff.
MUS: 4.2.3 │ E: 4.1, 4.3
14. The student will sing with expression, using dynamics and phrasing.
MUS: 4.2.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.3
21
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Playing Instruments
17. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments alone and with others to perform
music of increasing difficulty in two-part ensembles.
MUS: 4.3.1 │ E: 4.3, 4.6
18. The student will play a variety of pitched instruments alone and with others to perform melodies of
increasing difficulty written on the treble staff.
MUS: 4.3.2 │ E: 4.3, 4.6
19. The student will play a given melody on a recorder or other similar instrument.
MUS: 4.3.3 │ E: 4.3, 4.6
20. The student will play with expression, using dynamics and phrasing, a variety of pitched and nonpitched
instruments alone and with others.
MUS: 4.3.4 │ E: 4.3, 4.6
21. The student will accompany songs and chants with I, IV, and V(V7) chords, using a variety of pitched and
nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 4.3.5 │ E: 4.3, 4.6
22. The student will demonstrate proper playing techniques when playing a variety of pitched and nonpitched
instruments.
MUS: 4.3.6 │ E: 4.3, 4.6
Performing Rhythms
23. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include a dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note,
using voice, body percussion, and pitched and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 4.4
Creating Music
28. The student will improvise melodies and rhythms, using a variety of sound sources.
MUS: 4.6.1 │ E: 4.3, 4.6, 4.9 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
29. The student will compose short melodic and rhythmic phrases within specified guidelines.
MUS: 4.6.2 │ E: 4.3, 4.6, 4.9 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
30. The student will compose melodic and rhythmic motives to enhance literature.
MUS: 4.6
31. The student will create music, using contemporary media and technology.
MUS: 4.6.3 │ E: 4.3, 4.6, 4.9 │ M: 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.9, 4.15
22
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
36. The student will demonstrate audience and participant behaviors appropriate for the purposes and settings
in which music is performed.
MUS: 4.8 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4, USI.5, USI.9, CE.4
37. The student will describe the musical activities of composers, arrangers, and lyricists.
E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.7, 4.9
38. The student will compare the relationships between music and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 4.9 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4, USI.5, USI.9
Aesthetics
47. The student will explain personal preferences for musical works and performances, using music
terminology.
MUS: 4.13 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4, USI.5, USI.9
48. The student will explain how criteria used to value music may vary from one culture to another.
MUS: 4.14 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
23
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
49. The student will describe how personal beliefs influence responses to music.
MUS: 4.15 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9
24
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
I–IV–V7–I chord progression dal segno opera tenor
alto dotted quarter note pentatonic scale texture
arranger fine recorder tie
articulation intonation Romantic time signature
Baroque lyricist scale tonguing
bass (voicing) major sight-read tonic
Classical minor slur
coda Modern soprano
da capo musical (stage/screen production) syncopation
25
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will identify the treble (G) and bass (F) clefs.
MUS: 5.1.1 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
2. The student will use a system to sight-read melodies based on the diatonic scale.
MUS: 5.1.2 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
3. The student will sight-read rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes, a dotted quarter note followed
by an eighth note, single eighth notes, eighth rests, paired eighth notes, quarter notes, quarter rests, half
notes, dotted half notes, half rests, whole notes, and whole rests.
MUS: 5.1.4 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
4. The student will use traditional notation to write melodies containing skips and leaps.
MUS: 5.1.3 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
5. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns of increasing complexity, including syncopation.
MUS: 5.1.4 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
6. The student will identify the meaning of the upper and lower numbers of compound time signatures ( 68 ).
MUS: 5.1.5 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
7. The student will identify tempo markings.
MUS: 5.1.6 │ E: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7
8. The student will identify and explain theme-and-variations form.
MUS: 5.11.4 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 6.8, 5.9 │ S: 5.2
Performance
Singing
9. The student will demonstrate beginning choral behaviors and skills in ensemble singing during class time,
in rehearsal, and in performance.
MUS: 5.2.1 │ E: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9
10. The student will sing a varied repertoire of songs alone and with others with attention to blend, balance,
intonation, and expression.
MUS: 5.2.2 │ E: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9
11. The student will sing melodies of increasing complexity written on the treble staff, using indicated
dynamics, phrasing, and other directions for expression.
MUS: 5.2.3 │ E: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9
12. The student will sing in two- and three-part harmony.
MUS: 5.2.4 │ E: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9
13. The student will model proper seated and standing postures while singing.
MUS: 5.2.5 │ E: 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Playing Instruments
14. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments alone and with others to perform
music of increasing difficulty in a variety of ensembles.
MUS: 5.3.1 │ E: 5.2 │ S: 5.1, 5.2
15. The student will play melodies and accompaniments of increasing difficulty written on the treble staff.
MUS: 5.3.2 │ E: 5.2 │ S: 5.1, 5.2
16. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments with expression.
MUS: 5.3.3 │ E: 5.2 │ S: 5.1, 5.2
17. The student will demonstrate proper playing techniques when playing a variety of pitched and nonpitched
instruments.
MUS: 5.3.4 │ E: 5.2 │ S: 5.1, 5.2
Performing Rhythms
18. The student will perform rhythms of increased complexity, including syncopations, using voice, body
percussion, and pitched and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 5.4
Creating Music
22. The student will improvise melodies and rhythms of increasing complexity.
MUS: 5.6.1 │ E: 5.3 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.17
23. The student will compose a short original composition within specified guidelines.
MUS: 5.6.2 │ E: 5.3 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.17
24. The student will create music, using contemporary media and technology.
MUS: 5.6.3 │ E: 5.3 │ M: 5.4, 5.6, 5.17
27
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
30. The student will recognize various professional music careers (e.g., music producer, recording engineer,
composer, arranger, music-business attorney, arts administrator, music therapist, music teacher).
MUS: 5.7.4 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4, USI.5, USI.9
Making Connections
31. The student will exhibit acceptable performance behavior as a participant and/or listener in relation to the
context and style of music performed.
MUS: 5.8 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: CE.4
32. The student will compare and contrast the relationships between music and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 5.9 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: CE.14 │ M: 5.17
33. The student will describe the roles of music and musicians in society.
MUS: 5.10 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4, USI.5, USI.9
Aesthetics
41. The student will describe and discuss how the role of music may differ in various cultures.
E: 5.3, 5.9 │ H: VS.4, VS.9
42. The student will develop personal criteria to be used for determining the quality and value of musical
compositions.
MUS: 5.15 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9
43. The student will analyze preferences among musical compositions, using music terminology.
MUS: 5.16 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9
44. The student will examine factors that may inspire musicians to perform or compose.
MUS: 5.17 │ E: 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.3, USI.4, USI.5, USI.9
28
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental critic key sharp
advocate critique key signature style
arpeggio dotted eighth note natural theme
bass clef duple meter participant theme-and-variations
consumer flat performer triple meter
copyright genre repertoire
29
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will identify melodic patterns when reading music.
MUS: 6.1.1 │ E: 6.4 │ M: 6.1, 6.2
2. The student will recognize diatonic intervals when reading music.
MUS: 6.1.2 │ E: 6.4 │ M: 6.1, 6.2
3. The student will identify notes written on the treble staff.
MUS: 6.1
4. The student will identify notes written on the bass staff.
MUS: 6.1.3 │ E: 6.4 │ M: 6.1, 6.2
5. The student will notate melodies on the treble staff, with emphasis on steps and skips.
MUS: 6.1.4 │ E: 6.4 │ M: 6.1, 6.2
6. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, half notes, quarter notes,
eighth notes, and corresponding rests.
MUS: 6.1.5 │ E: 6.4 │ M: 6.1, 6.2
7. The student will identify the meaning of the upper and lower numbers of time signatures.
MUS: 6.1.6 │ E: 6.4 │ M: 6.1, 6.2
Performance
Performing Music
8. The student will demonstrate acceptable performance behaviors when performing a varied repertoire of
music.
MUS: 6.2.1 │ E: 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
9. The student will follow dynamic and tempo markings when performing a varied repertoire of music.
MUS: 6.2.2 │ E: 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
10. The student will sing or play music in unison and simple harmony from a varied repertoire of music.
MUS: 6.2.3 │ E: 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
11. The student will sing or play melodies and accompaniments written on the treble staff, using a variety of
pitched and nonpitched instruments.
MUS: 6.3.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
12. The student will play music in a variety of ensembles, using a variety of pitched and nonpitched
instruments.
MUS: 6.3.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
13. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth
notes, and corresponding rests, using voice, body percussion, or instruments.
MUS: 6.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ M: 6.4
30
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Creating Music
16. The student will improvise four-measure melodic and rhythmic phrases, using a variety of sound and
notational sources.
MUS: 6.6.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ M: 6.6, 6.16 │ S: 6.1
17. The student will compose four-measure melodies and rhythms, using a variety of sound and notational
sources.
MUS: 6.6.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ M: 6.6, 6.16 │ S: 6.1
Making Connections
20. The student will investigate and describe various professional music careers, focusing especially on those
concerned with music performance and creation (e.g., instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, composer,
arranger).
MUS: 6.7.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.7, USII.8, USII.9, CE.14
21. The student will describe how people participate in music within the community as performers,
consumers of music, and music advocates.
MUS: 6.7.3
22. The student will investigate significant innovations in the history and development of musical
instruments.
MUS: 6.7.2
23. The student will identify the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 6.7.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.7, USII.8, USII.9, CE.14
24. The student will identify ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: 6.7.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.7, USII.8, USII.9, CE.14
25. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener or participant.
MUS: 6.7.6 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.7, USII.8, USII.9, CE.14
31
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
29. The student will describe performances of music, using music terminology.
MUS: 6.9.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
30. The student will apply accepted criteria for critiquing musical performances of self and others.
MUS: 6.9.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
Aesthetics
31. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music.
MUS: 6.10.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
32. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: 6.10.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
33. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the school community.
MUS: 6.10.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles beginning on page 1.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accompaniment diatonic measure solo
advocate downbeat melody staff
arrange dynamics meter style
arranger eighth note/rest notate tempo
bar line ensemble notation theme
bass clef etiquette perform time signature
beat form performer treble clef
choreography half note/rest pitch unison
compose harmony phrase upbeat
conductor improvise pulse variation
consumer instrumental quarter note/rest vocal
copyright instrumentalist repeat sign vocalist
criteria interval repertoire whole note/rest
32
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will identify melodic patterns containing steps, skips, and leaps when reading music.
MUS: 7.1.1 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ M: 7.1, 7.3 │ S: LS.1
2. The student will notate melodies on the treble staff and/or bass staff.
MUS: 7.1.2 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ M: 7.1, 7.3 │ S: LS.1
3. The student will read melodic patterns using the diatonic scale.
MUS: 7.1.3 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ M: 7.1, 7.3 │ S: LS.1
4. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes, dotted notes, and
corresponding rests.
MUS: 7.1.4 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ M: 7.1, 7.3 │ S: LS.1
Performance
Performing Music
5. The student will demonstrate acceptable performance behaviors when performing a varied repertoire of
music.
MUS: 7.2.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
6. The student will sing or play music written in two or more parts from a varied repertoire of music.
MUS: 7.2.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
7. The student will sing or play melodies and accompaniments written on the treble staff and/or bass staff in
a varied repertoire of music.
MUS: 7.2.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
8. The student will play music of increasing levels of difficulty on a variety of pitched and nonpitched
instruments.
MUS: 7.3 │ E: 7.2, 7.4, 7.6
9. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes, dotted notes, and corresponding
rests, using voice, body percussion, or instruments.
MUS: 7.4 │ M: 7.1, 7.3
33
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Creating Music
12. The student will improvise eight-measure melodic and rhythmic phrases of increasing complexity, using a
variety of sound sources.
MUS: 7.6.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7 │ M: 7.4 │ S: LS.1
13. The student will compose eight-measure melodies and rhythms, using a variety of notational systems.
MUS: 7.6.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7 │ M: 7.4 │ S: LS.1
14. The student will identify contemporary media and technology used to create music.
MUS: 7.6.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7 │ M: 7.4 │ S: LS.1
Making Connections
18. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: 7.7.4 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
19. The student will investigate and describe various professional music careers, focusing especially on those
concerned with the business and technical aspects of music (e.g., music producer, music/arts
administrator, artist manager, music-business attorney, recording engineer, sound engineer).
MUS: 7.7.5 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
20. The student will investigate the historical significance of music as an agent of social change.
MUS: 7.7.3, 7.7.4
21. The student will examine the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 7.7.6 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
22. The student will explain ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: 7.7.7 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
23. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener or participant.
MUS: 7.7.8 │ E: 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
34
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
28. The student will describe how time and place influence the characteristics that give meaning and value to
a work of music.
MUS: 7.10.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
29. The student will describe personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music.
MUS: 7.10.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
30. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: 7.10.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
31. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the community.
MUS: 7.10.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles beginning on page 1.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accompanist leap recording engineer step
artist manager music/arts administrator sixteenth note/rest vocal
chord music-business attorney skip
dotted note music producer sound engineer
elements of music octave staves
35
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
1. The student will identify melodic patterns, using specific interval names (e.g., third, fifth), when reading
music.
MUS: 8.1.1 │ E: 8.4 │ M: 8.1, 8.2 │ S: PS.1
2. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns of increasing complexity, including syncopation and
music written in duple and triple meters.
MUS: 8.1.2 │ E: 8.4 │ M: 8.1, 8.2 │ S: PS.1
Performance
Performing Music
3. The student will consistently demonstrate acceptable performance behaviors when performing a varied
repertoire of music.
MUS: 8.2.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7
4. The student will sing or play music written in two or three parts on the treble and bass staves from a
varied repertoire of music.
MUS: 8.2.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7
5. The student will use indicated dynamics, phrasing, and other elements of music when performing a varied
repertoire of music.
MUS: 8.2.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7
6. The student will play a variety of pitched and nonpitched instruments to perform melodies and
accompaniments written on the grand staff.
MUS: 8.3.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 │ S: PS.8
7. The student will play music of increasing difficulty in a variety of ensembles, using traditional and
nontraditional instruments.
MUS: 8.3.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 │ S: PS.8
8. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include syncopation in duple and triple meters, using
voice, body percussion, and instruments.
MUS: 8.4.1 │ M: 8.2 │ S: PS.1
36
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Creating Music
12. The student will improvise sixteen-measure melodic and rhythmic phrases of increasing complexity, using
a variety of sound sources.
MUS: 8.6.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 │ M: 8.1, 8.2, 8.13 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
13. The student will compose sixteen-measure melodies and rhythms of increasing complexity, using a
variety of notational systems.
MUS: 8.6.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 │ M: 8.1, 8.2, 8.13 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
14. The student will use contemporary media and technology to create music.
MUS: 8.6.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 │ M: 8.1, 8.2, 8.13 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
Making Connections
19. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: 8.7.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4, CE.14
20. The student will investigate and describe various professional music careers, focusing especially on those
concerned with music education and therapy (e.g., private music teacher, classroom music educator,
music critic/writer, music therapist).
MUS: 8.7.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4, CE.14
21. The student will explain the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: 8.7.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4, CE.14
22. The student will explain ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: 8.7.7 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4, CE.14
23. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener or participant.
MUS: 8.7.8 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4, CE.14
37
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
28. The student will analyze how time and place influence the characteristics that give meaning and value to a
work of music.
MUS: 8.10.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
29. The student will describe personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music.
MUS: 8.10.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
30. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: 8.10.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
31. The student will explain the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: 8.10.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles beginning on page 1.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
arrangement interpretation music educator triple meter
duple meter music critic music therapist
grand staff music editor syncopation
38
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Reading and Notating Music
1. The student will read and notate original musical ideas on the treble and bass staves, using traditional
notation.
MUS: HG.1.1 │ E: 9.2 │ S: ES.2
2. The student will identify and use the standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, tempo,
articulation, and expression.
MUS: HG.1.2 │ E: 9.2 │ S: ES.2
3. The student will notate music from dictation, using traditional melodic and rhythmic notation.
MUS: HG.1.3 │ E: 9.2 │ S: ES.2
4. The student will use contemporary technology to notate music.
MUS: HG.1.4 │ E: 9.2 │ S: ES.2
Composing Music
5. The student will compose and arrange music within specified guidelines, incorporating appropriate
voicings and ranges and using appropriate staves.
MUS: HG.2.1 │ E: 9.2 │ S: ES.2
6. The student will compose and arrange music within specified guidelines, using a variety of sound,
notational, and technological sources.
MUS: HG.2.2 │ E: 9.2 │ S: ES.2
Performance
Performing Music
7. The student will sing with increased vocal proficiency when performing a varied repertoire of music.
MUS: HG.3.1 │ E: 9.2
8. The student will recognize and demonstrate proper instrumental technique when performing a varied
repertoire of music.
MUS: HG.3.2 │ E: 9.2
9. The student will play instrumental music representative of diverse styles, forms, and cultures.
MUS: HG.3.3 │ E: 9.2
Improvising Music
10. The student will improvise melodic and rhythmic patterns and accompaniments in a variety of styles.
MUS: HG.4.1 │ E: 9.2, 9.4 │ S: ES.2
11. The student will improvise variations on a simple melody.
MUS: HG.4.2 │ E: 9.2, 9.4 │ S: ES.2
39
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
19. The student will identify the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: HG.6.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11 │ S: ES.2
20. The student will research career options in music (e.g., music education, music therapy, performance,
music creation, music business, sound technology, advertising, social media).
MUS: HG.6.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11 │ S: ES.2
21. The student will explain ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HG.6.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11 │ S: ES.2
22. The student will examine various opportunities to experience music in the community as performers,
consumers, and/or music advocates.
MUS: HG.7.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
23. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette at musical performances by comparing and contrasting
audience behavior appropriate for various musical settings.
MUS: HG.8.1 │ E: 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
24. The student will exhibit acceptable behavior as an active listener.
MUS: HG.8.2 │ E: 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
40
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
25. The student will show respect for the contributions of others within performance settings.
MUS: HG.8.3 │ E: 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4
Aesthetics
33. The student will explain how the context of a musical work’s creation may influence its meaning and
value.
MUS: HG.11.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
34. The student will analyze and justify personal responses to works of music.
MUS: HG.11.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
35. The student will examine and apply aesthetic criteria for determining the quality of a musical work.
MUS: HG.11.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
36. The student will explain the value of music to the community and to society.
MUS: HG.11.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles beginning on page 1.
41
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing, singing, and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using verbal and/or written rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists) or spoken (to teacher or other students), using
rubrics
• Listening journal
• Interviews
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Question-and-answer (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accompaniments dictation melodic patterns rhythms
advertising diction melody social media
advocates dynamics music education styles
aesthetics etiquette music technology technical
arrange expression nontraditional sound tempi
articulation form source texture
bass staff genre notation therapy
business improvisation performance tonality
concerts improvise performers traditional sound
consumers instrumental pitch source
copyright instrumentation recitals treble staff
creation interpret repertoire vocal
critique intonation rhythmic patterns
42
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Understanding Pitch
3. The student will demonstrate understanding of pitch locations in aural, keyboard, and notation activities
by correlating the grand staff pitch locations to placements on the keyboard.
MUS: HMT.2.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.2, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
4. The student will explain the symbols for sharp, flat, and natural.
MUS: HMT.2.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.2, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
5. The student will identify enharmonic equivalents.
MUS: HMT.2.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.2, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
Understanding Rhythm
6. The student will demonstrate understanding of the components of rhythmic notation by explaining beat
(pulse), rhythm, and tempo.
MUS: HMT.3.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
7. The student will read and notate rhythmic patterns that include
• whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and corresponding rests
• grouplets (e.g., triplets, quadruplets)
• beaming practices
• ties vs. slurs
• dotted notes and rests.
MUS: HMT.3.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
8. The student will identify and explain anacrusis, syncopation, and hemiola.
MUS: HMT.3.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
9. The student will perform simple rhythmic patterns, using a counting system.
MUS: HMT.3.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
10. The student will notate simple rhythmic dictation from aural examples.
MUS: HMT.3.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
Understanding Meter
11. The student will demonstrate understanding of the components of meter by defining the terms measure,
bar line, and time signature.
MUS: HMT.4.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
12. The student will explain meters, including simple, compound, and complex/asymmetrical.
MUS: HMT.4.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ S: BIO.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Understanding Scales
13. The student will demonstrate understanding of scales by defining the term interval as the distance
between two pitches.
MUS: HMT.5.1 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
14. The student will explain the interval of a half step (m2) and a whole step (M2).
MUS: HMT.5.2 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
15. The student will explain tetrachord patterns.
MUS: HMT.5.3 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
16. The student will explain major, minor, and chromatic scales.
MUS: HMT.5.4 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
17. The student will notate ascending and descending major, minor, and chromatic scales, using key
signatures and accidentals.
MUS: HMT.5.5 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
18. The student will perform major, minor, and chromatic scales, using the voice and keyboard.
MUS: HMT.5.6 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
19. The student will differentiate scale patterns from aural examples.
MUS: HMT.5.7 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
Understanding Intervals
25. The student will demonstrate understanding of diatonic and chromatic intervals by explaining and
notating intervals by size and quality (M, m, P, d, A), including inversions.
MUS: HMT.7.1 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
26. The student will define the terms consonance and dissonance.
MUS: HMT.7.2 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
27. The student will identify and explain harmonic and melodic intervals.
MUS: HMT.7.3 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
28. The student will identify and explain simple and compound intervals.
MUS: HMT.7.4 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
29. The student will identify examples of simple intervals presented aurally.
MUS: HMT.7.5 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
30. The student will perform simple intervals.
MUS: HMT.7.6 │ E: 10.3, 10.5, 10.6 │ M: G.1 │ S: BIO.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles beginning on page 1.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual written assessment, using rubrics
• Dictation: rhythmic, melodic, intervallic, harmonic progression, chord recognition
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Written compositions
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accent chromatic interval form natural
accidental circle of fifths grand staff nonharmonic
acoustics consonance grouplets oblique motion
anacrusis contrary motion half step overtone series
anticipation diatonic scale degrees hemiola parallel motion
appoggiatura diminished interval passing note
augmentation diminution inversion perfect
augmented dissonance key signature resolve
aural skill dominant leading tone rhythm
bar line dotted note major ritardando
beam dynamics mediant sharp
beat (pulse) enharmonic melody similar motion
cadence (authentic, figured bass meter slur
perfect authentic, flag meter signature subdominant
plagal, deceptive) flat minor submediant
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Instrumentalists
• Flute: James Galway, William Kincaid, Jean-Pierre Rampal
• Oboe: Alex Klein, Ray Still
• Bassoon: Willard Elliot, George Zuckerman
• Clarinet: Harold Boatwright, Stanley Drucker, Robert Marcellus
• Saxophone: Fred Hemke, Sigurd Rascher, Eugene Rousseau
• Trumpet: Maurice André, Louis Armstrong, Allison Balsom, Adolph “Bud” Herseth, Wynton
Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Phil Smith
• Horn: Herman Baumann, Dennis Brain, Peter Damm, Philip Farkas, David Jolley, Barry Tuckwell
• Euphonium: Phineas Bower, Brian Bowman, David Childs, Alex Mortimer, Herbert Scott
• Trombone: Joseph Alessi, Jay Friedman, Frank Rosolino, Dennis Wick
• Tuba: William Bell, Arnold Jacobs, Carol Jantsch, Harvey Phillips, Pat Sheridan
• Mallets: Keiko Abe, Gary Burton, Evelyn Glennie, William Ludwig, Leigh Howard Stevens
• Percussion: Anthony Cirone, Marc Damoulakis, Vadim Karpino, William Ludwig
• Violin: Joshua Bell, Sarah Chang, Hillary Hahn, Midori, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Itzhak Perlman,
Rachel Barton Pine
• Viola: Kim Kashkashian, William Primrose, Karen Tuttle
• Cello: Zuill Bailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich, Janos Starker, Wendy Warner, Alisa
Weilerstein
• String Bass: Gary Karr, Serge Koussevitzky, Edgar Meyer, Entcho Radoukanov, Esperanza Spalding
• Fiddle: Alasdair Fraser, Natalie MacMaster, Mark O’Connor
Instrumental Ensembles
• Detroit Concert Band • Eastman Wind Ensemble
• Indiana University Concert Band • Tokyo Kosie Wind Orchestra
• Northwestern University Concert Band • Boston Symphony Orchestra
• University of Illinois Concert Band • Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• University of Michigan Concert Band • Cleveland Orchestra
• University of North Texas Concert Band • National Symphony Orchestra
• United States Air Force Band • Berlin Philharmonic
• United States Army Band • Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
• United States Coast Guard Band • Vienna Philharmonic
• United States Marine Band • Academy of Saint Martin in the Field
• United States Navy Band • English Chamber Orchestra
• Cleveland Symphonic Winds • Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
• Dallas Wind Symphony • St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use basic standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: EI.1.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
2. The student will read and sing selected lines from music being studied.
MUS: EI.1.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
3. The student will echo, read, and perform simple rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include whole notes,
half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, and corresponding rests.
MUS: EI.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6 │ M: 5.4
4. The student will identify and demonstrate half-step and whole-step patterns.
MUS: EI.3 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
5. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C).
MUS: EI.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6 │ M: 5.2
6. The student will identify and notate key signatures of scales and literature being performed.
MUS: EI.5 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
7. The wind/mallet student will read, notate, and perform one-octave ascending and descending concert F
and B-flat major scales.
MUS: EI.6.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
8. The string student will read, notate, and perform one-octave ascending and descending D and G major
scales.
MUS: EI.6.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
9. The student will identify and perform music written in binary (AB) form.
MUS: EI.7 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
10. The student will define and use musical terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: EI.9 │ E: 4.1, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.6
11. The student will use contemporary technology to notate a composition in standard notation.
MUS: EI.8.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.6, 4.9, 5.1, 5.6, 5.9
Composing Music
12. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by creating a four-measure rhythmic
and/or melodic composition.
MUS: EI.8.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.6, 4.9, 5.1, 5.6, 5.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
13. The student will identify and select an appropriate instrument.
MUS: EI.10.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
14. The student will identify the parts of the instrument.
MUS: EI.10.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
15. The student will demonstrate procedures for care of the instrument.
MUS: EI.10. 3 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
16. The student will demonstrate proper playing posture and instrument position.
MUS: EI.10.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
17. The string student will demonstrate proper bow hold and left-hand position.
MUS: EI.10.5 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
18. The wind student will demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: EI.10.6 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
19. The percussion student will demonstrate varied proper grips for mallets.
MUS: EI.10.7 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
20. The percussion student will demonstrate varied proper grips for snare drum sticks.
MUS: EI.10.7 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
29. The student will match dynamic levels and playing style when playing in an ensemble.
MUS: EI.12.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6 │ S: 5.4
30. The student will respond to and demonstrate conducting patterns and gestures.
MUS: EI.12.5 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6 │ S: 5.4
31. The student will maintain a steady beat at various tempos in the music literature being studied.
MUS: EI.12.6 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6 │ S: 5.4
Performing Music
32. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 0 and 1.
MUS: EI.13 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6
33. The student will begin to use articulations and dynamic contrasts as means of expression.
MUS: EI.14 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.6
34. The student will perform simple rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response styles.
MUS: EI.15 │ E: 4.1, 4.6, 5.1, 5.6
Creating Music
35. The student will improvise rhythmic variations of four-measure excerpts taken from folk songs, exercises,
or etudes.
MUS: EI.16 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9
Making Connections
42. The student will identify ways in which technology influences music.
MUS: EI.18.3 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
43. The student will identify the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.
MUS: EI.18.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
44. The student will identify career options in music.
MUS: EI.18.5 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
45. The student will identify ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: EI.18.6 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
46. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: EI.18.7 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
Aesthetics
52. The student will investigate aesthetic concepts related to music by proposing a definition of music.
MUS: EI.20.1 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
53. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: EI.20.2 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
54. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: EI.20.3 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
55. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the school community.
MUS: EI.20.4 │ E: 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9 │ H: VS.1, VS.4, USI.1, USI.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 0 and 1. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories should include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, and sacred.
This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested instructional literature.
Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for assessment.
Representative works include the following:
• Andrew Balent – Procession of the Nobles; Sousa Sounds
• Brian Balmages – Midnight Suite; Conquest
• John Edmondson – Beginning Band Series, Grade 1: Concert Band Music (Anasazi and others)
• Gary Fagan – Renaissance Faire
• John Kinyon – Air and Dance; Royal March
• Anne McGinty – Beginning Band Series, Grade 1: Concert Band Music
• Michael Oare – To Reach the Summit
• John O’Reilly – Starship Overture
• James Ployhar – Safari
• Mark Williams – March Royale
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Written or improvised compositions, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental beat coda double bar
accompaniment binary (AB) form compose downbeat
allegro bow lift composer down-bow
alto clef bow speed conductor duet
andante bow weight da capo (D.C.) dynamics
arco call-and-response D.C. al fine eighth note
arranger canon détaché embouchure
bar line chord dotted half note ensemble
bass clef clef dotted quarter note etiquette
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
55
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use basic standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: MIB.1.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
2. The student will read and sing selected lines from music being studied.
MUS: MIB.1.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
3. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, half
notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, and corresponding rests.
MUS: MIB.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
4. The student will identify and demonstrate half-step and whole-step patterns.
MUS: MIB.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
5. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C).
MUS: MIB.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
6. The student will identify and notate key signatures of scales and literature being performed.
MUS: MIB.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
7. The wind/mallet student will read, notate, and perform one-octave ascending and descending concert F,
B-flat, E-flat, and A-flat major scales and small chromatic patterns.
MUS: MIB.6.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
8. The string student will read, notate, and perform one-octave ascending and descending G and D major
scales and a D harmonic minor scale.
MUS: MIB.6.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
9. The student will identify and perform music written in binary (AB) form.
MUS: MIB.7 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
10. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: MIB.9 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
Composing Music
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing a four-measure rhythmic-
melodic variation.
MUS: MIB.8.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4
12. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: MIB.8.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
13. The student will identify and select an appropriate instrument.
MUS: MIB.10.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
14. The student will identify the parts of the instrument.
MUS: MIB.10.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
15. The student will demonstrate procedures for care of the instrument.
MUS: MIB.10.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
16. The student will demonstrate proper playing posture and instrument position.
MUS: MIB.10.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
17. The wind student will demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: MIB.10.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
18. The string student will demonstrate proper bow hold and left-hand position.
MUS: MIB.10.6 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
19. The percussion student will demonstrate
• varied proper grips for mallets
• varied proper grips for snare drum sticks
• setup of timpani, mallet instruments, and auxiliary instruments.
MUS: MIB.10.7 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
27. The student will make adjustments to facilitate accurate intonation at a beginning level when playing in an
ensemble.
MUS: MIB.12.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2
28. The student will match dynamic levels and playing style at a beginning level when playing in an
ensemble.
MUS: MIB.12.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2
29. The student will respond to and demonstrate conducting patterns and gestures at a beginning level.
MUS: MIB.12.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2
30. The student will maintain a steady beat at various tempos in the music literature being studied.
MUS: MIB.12.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2
Performing Music
31. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 1 and 2.
MUS: MIB.13 │ E: 6.1, 6.2
32. The student will begin to use articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression.
MUS: MIB.14 │ E: 6.1, 6.2
33. The student will perform simple rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response styles.
MUS: MIB.15 │ E: 6.1
Creating Music
34. The student will create, through playing and writing, rhythmic variations of four-measure selections taken
from folk songs, exercises, or etudes.
MUS: MIB.16 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.9
Sight-Reading Music
39. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Levels 0 and 1.
MUS: MIB.18 │ E: 6.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
42. The student will describe the relationship of instrumental music to the other fine arts and other fields of
knowledge.
MUS: MIB.19.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
43. The student will describe career options in music.
MUS: MIB.19.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
44. The student will describe ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: MIB.19.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
45. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MIB.19.6 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
Aesthetics
51. The student will propose a definition of music and support that definition.
MUS: MIB.21.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
52. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: MIB.21.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
53. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: MIB.21.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
54. The student will describe aesthetic criteria used for determining the quality of a work of music or
importance of a musical style.
MUS: MIB.21.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 1 and 2. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories should include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, sacred, and
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Andrew Balent – Procession of the Nobles
• Brian Balmages – Midnight Suite
• James Curnow – Sea to Shining Sea
• John Edmondson – Beginning Band Series, Grade 1: Concert Band Music (Anasazi and others)
• Gary Fagan – Renaissance Faire
• John Kinyon – Air and Dance; Chorale and Variations; Royal March
• Anne McGinty – Beginning Band Series, Grade 1: Concert Band Music
• Michael Oare – Camden Crossing; Spirit of the Wolf
• John O’Reilly – Starship Overture
• James Ployhar – Safari; The Water Is Wide
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
VOCABULARY
accidental D.C. al fine ledger line rest
accompaniment da capo (D.C.) legato rhythm
allegro détaché martelé ritardando
alto clef dotted half note measure round
anacrusis dotted quarter note melody rudiments
andante double bar meter scale
arco downbeat metronome second ending
arranger down-bow moderato sharp
articulation duet mute simile
bar line dynamics natural slur
bass clef eighth note notate solo
beat embouchure notation staccato
binary (AB) form ensemble octave staff
bow lift etiquette partial subdivide
bow speed fermata phrase tempo
bow weight fine piano tie
call-and-response first ending pickup note time signature
canon flat pitch treble clef
chord form pizzicato trio
chromatic forte pulse tuning
clef half note quarter note up-bow
coda harmony quartet variation
composer intonation register whole note
conductor key signature repeat sign
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: MII.1.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6 │ M: 7.1, 7.3
2. The student will read and sing independent parts selected from the music being studied.
MUS: MII.1.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6 │ M: 7.1, 7.3
3. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes,
eighth-note triplets, dotted eighth notes, corresponding rests, and syncopations.
MUS: MII.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6 │ M: 7.2
4. The student will identify, read, and perform music in 22 (alla breve or cut time) and 68 meters.
MUS: MII.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6 │ M: 7.2
5. The student will identify and notate key signatures of scales and literature being performed.
MUS: MII.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6
6. The wind/mallet student will perform
• ascending and descending concert C, G, and D major scales
• a G harmonic minor scale
• a chromatic scale.
MUS: MII.5.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6
7. The string student will perform
• one-octave C and F major scales
• two-octave G and D major scales (double bass dropping to lower string as needed).
MUS: MII.5.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6
8. The student will identify and perform music written in rondo and ternary forms.
MUS: MII.6 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6
9. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: MII.8 │ E: 7.1, 7.4 │ S: 6.6
Composing Music
10. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing a four-measure rhythmic-
melodic variation.
MUS: MII.7.1 │ E: 7.4
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: MII.7.2 │ E: 7.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
12. The student will demonstrate care and basic maintenance of the instrument.
MUS: MII.9.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
13. The student will consistently demonstrate proper playing posture, instrument position, and hand positions.
MUS: MII.9.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
14. The student will monitor personal physiological changes to adjust for proper instrument size.
MUS: MII.10.1
15. The student will evaluate his/her instrument to match it with personal skill level.
E: 7.1 │ S: PS.8
16. The student will demonstrate basic tuning of the instrument, with and without an electronic tuner.
MUS: MII.9.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
17. The wind student will consistently demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: MII.9.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
18. The string student will consistently demonstrate proper bow hold and left-hand position.
MUS: MII.9.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
19. The percussion student will consistently demonstrate
• varied proper grips for mallets
• varied proper grips for snare drum sticks
• basic tuning of two timpani
• setup of timpani, mallet instruments, and auxiliary instruments
• changing instruments during performance.
MUS: MII.9.5 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Music
30. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 1–3.
MUS: MII.12 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
31. The student will demonstrate use of articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression.
MUS: MII.13 │ E: 7.4
32. The student will perform simple rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response styles.
MUS: MII.14 │ E: 7.1, 7.2
Sight-Reading Music
33. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Levels 1 and 2.
MUS: MII.17 │ E: 7.1, 7.4
Creating Music
34. The student will create, through playing and writing, rhythmic and melodic variations of four-to-eight-
measure selections taken from folk songs, exercises, or etudes.
MUS: MII.15 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
43. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: MII.18.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
44. The student will compare and contrast career options in music.
MUS: MII.18.5 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
45. The student will relate instrumental music to the other fine arts.
MUS: MII.18.6 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
46. The student will apply ethical standards in the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: MII.18.7 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
47. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MII.18.8 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.3, CE.14
Aesthetics
53. The student will explain how the factors of time and place influence the characteristics that give meaning
and value to a work of music.
MUS: MII.20.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
54. The student will describe personal responses to works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: MII.20.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
55. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: MII.20.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
56. The student will apply aesthetic criteria for determining the quality of a work of music or importance of a
musical style.
MUS: MII.20.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
65
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 1 and 2. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories should include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, and sacred.
This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested instructional literature.
Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for assessment.
Representative works include the following:
• Andrew Balent – Billboard March
• Brian Balmages – Gettysburg; A Civil War Portrait
• Bill Carleton – JaDa
• John Edmondson – Beginning Band Series, Grade 1: Concert Band Music
• Gary Fagan – Daydreaming
• Sandy Feldstein and John O’Reilly – Evening at the Symphony; Blues Go a Rockin’
• David Gorham – March of the Royal Guard
• Hilliard and Elledge – Chesapeake March
• John Kinyon – Appalachian Suite; Wildwood Overture
• Anne McGinty – Clouds; Beginning Band Series, Grade 1: Concert Band Music
• Michael Oare – Camden Crossing; Spirit of the Wolf; Cassini’s Rings
• John O’Reilly – A Shaker Hymn
• Michael Story – Legacy of Heroes
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
66
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accelerando concertmaster intervals sforzando
accents contemporary marcato slurred staccato
alla breve crescendo march subdivide
allegretto cut time mezzo forte syncopation
anacrusis decrescendo mezzo piano tenuto
arpeggio descending music business timbre
articulation diminuendo music educator tone color
ascending divisi music therapist trill
balance enharmonic ornamentation triplet
Baroque forte-piano partial tuning
blend fortissimo pianissimo tutti
caesura half step rallentando whole step
chromatic harmonic minor romantic
Classical harmonic series score
common time hooked bow score order
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use advanced standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter,
articulation, dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: MIAD.1.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ M: 8.1, 8.2
2. The student will read and sing assigned parts in combination with other parts from the music being
studied.
MUS: MIAD.1.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ M: 8.1, 8.2
3. The student will read, perform, and compose rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include quarter-note
triplets and corresponding rests.
MUS: MIAD.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ M: 8.2
4. The student will identify, read, and perform music in compound meters ( 38, 68 ).
MUS: MIAD.3.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ M: 8.2
5. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple mixed meters.
MUS: MIAD.3.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ M: 8.2
6. The student will aurally identify music in asymmetrical meters.
MUS: MIAD.3.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ M: 8.2
7. The student will identify and notate key signatures of scales and literature being performed.
MUS: MIAD.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
8. The wind/mallet student will read, perform, and notate
• ascending and descending concert C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, G, D A, and E major scales
• G and D harmonic minor scales
• an extended chromatic scale, commensurate with VBODA district requirements.
MUS: MIAD.5.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
9. The string student will read, perform, and notate
• two-octave C, F, B-flat, G, D, and A major scales
• A, D, and E harmonic minor scales, commensurate with VBODA regional requirements.
MUS: MIAD.5.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
10. The student will identify and perform music written in theme-and-variations form.
MUS: MIAD.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
11. The student will define and consistently apply music terminology found in the music literature being
studied.
MUS: MIAD.8 │ E: 8.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Composing Music
12. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing an eight-measure
rhythmic-melodic variation.
MUS: MIAD.7.1 │ E: 8.4
13. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: MIAD.7.2 │ E: 8.4
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
14. The student will independently demonstrate procedures for care and maintenance of the instrument.
MUS: MIAD.9.1 │ E: 8.4 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
15. The student will independently demonstrate consistent use of proper playing posture, instrument position,
and hand positions.
MUS: MIAD.9.2 │ E: 8.4 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
16. The student will monitor personal physiological changes to adjust for proper instrument size.
MUS: MIAD.10.1
17. The student will evaluate his/her instrument to match it with personal skill level.
E: 8.4 │ S: PS.8
18. The student will independently demonstrate tuning of the instrument, with and without an external source.
MUS: MIAD.9.3 │ E: 8.4 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
19. The wind student will independently demonstrate adjustment of embouchure, as appropriate.
MUS: MIAD.9.4 │ E: 8.4 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
20. The percussion student will independently demonstrate
• tuning of three or more timpani to a reference pitch
• stick grip for snare drum and mallets
• setup of timpani, mallet instruments, and auxiliary instruments.
MUS: MIAD.9.5 │ E: 8.4 │ S: PS.1, PS.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Music
30. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 2–4.
MUS: MIAD.12 │ E: 8.2, 8.4
31. The student will consistently use articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression.
MUS: MIAD.13 │ E: 8.2, 8.4
32. The student will perform increasingly complex rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response
styles.
MUS: MIAD.14 │ E: 8.2
Sight-Reading Music
33. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Levels 1–3.
MUS: MIAD.17 │ E: 8.2, 8.4
Creating Music
34. The student will create, through playing and writing, rhythmic and melodic variations of selections taken
from folk songs, exercises, or etudes, incorporating a variety of expressive elements.
MUS: MIAD.15 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
43. The student will describe opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the community.
MUS: MIAD.18.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12,
WHI.13
44. The student will research career options in music.
MUS: MIAD.18.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12,
WHI.13
45. The student will explain the relationship of instrumental music to other fields of knowledge.
MUS: MIAD.18.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12,
WHI.13
46. The student will research the use of ethical standards as applied to social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: MIAD.18.7 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12,
WHI.13
47. The student will consistently demonstrate exemplary concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MIAD.18.8 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.3, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12,
WHI.13
Aesthetics
53. The student will analyze personal responses to works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: MIAD.20.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13
54. The student will analyze aesthetic criteria used for evaluating works of music or critiquing musical
performances.
MUS: MIAD.20.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
55. The student will identify the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: MIAD.20.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 2 and 3. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories should include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, sacred, and
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Andrew Balent – various marches and orchestral transcriptions
• Brian Balmages – Moscow 1941
• Paul Clark – Blues Is My Favorite Color
• James Curnow – Renaissance Suite; In the Bleak Midwinter; Psalm Tunes Variations; various
marches
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• John Edmondson – Developing Band Series, Grades 2 and 3: Concert Band Music
• Frank Erickson – Air for Band; Sonatina for Band
• Gary Fagan – Daydreaming; Jamestown Trilogy; Ancient Legends
• Philip Gordon – Elizabethan Suite; Italian Masters Suite
• John Kinyon – Air and March (after Purcell); Irish Tune from County Derry; Londonderry Air
• Anne McGinty – Developing Band Series, Grades 2 and 3: Concert Band Music
• Michael Oare – Camden Crossing; Portsmouth Reflections; To Dream in Brushstrokes
• John O’Reilly – Jefferson County Overture; Prince William Overture
• Eric Osterling – Bunker Hill March
• Bruce Pearson – Renaissance Festival and Dances
• Alfred Reed – If Thou Be Near (from Bach)
• Richard Saucedo – Fanfare for the Third Planet
• Robert Sheldon – Gently Touch the Sky
• Michael Story – Legacy of Heroes
• Michael Sweeney – Lament and Tribal Dances
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
a tempo dal segno leadership spiccato
alternate fingering dal segno al coda maestoso symphony
articulation diminution melodic minor tenuto
asymmetrical double stop natural minor theme-and-variations
augmentation expression ostinato tone quality
chamber music glissando partial transposition
circle of fifths grace note position (e.g., III, IV) tremolo
coda harmonic senza sordino trill
con sordino harmonic minor sforzando vibrato
concerto improvisation shift
contrast instrumentation sonata
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use basic standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: HIB.1.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
2. The student will read and sing selected lines from music being studied.
MUS: HIB.1.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
3. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, half
notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, corresponding rests, and
syncopations.
MUS: HIB.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
4. The student will identify and demonstrate half-step and whole-step patterns.
MUS: HIB.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
5. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C, 68 ).
MUS: HIB.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
6. The student will identify and notate key signatures of scales and literature being performed.
MUS: HIB.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
7. The wind/mallet student will read, notate, and perform
• one-octave ascending and descending concert C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, and G major scales
• G harmonic minor scale
• a chromatic scale.
MUS: HIB.6.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
8. The string student will read, notate, and perform
• one-octave ascending and descending C, F, G, and D major scales
• a D harmonic minor scale.
MUS: HIB.6.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
9. The student will identify and perform music written in binary, ternary, and theme-and-variations forms.
MUS: HIB.7 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
10. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: HIB.9 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
Composing Music
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing a four-measure rhythmic-
melodic variation.
MUS: HIB.8.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
12. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: HIB.8.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
13. The student will identify and select an appropriate instrument.
MUS: HIB.10.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
14. The student will identify the parts of the instrument.
MUS: HIB.10.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
15. The student will demonstrate procedures for care of the instrument.
MUS: HIB.10.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
16. The student will demonstrate proper playing posture and instrument position.
MUS: HIB.10.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
17. The wind student will demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: HIB.10.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
18. The string student will demonstrate proper bow hold and left-hand position.
MUS: HIB.10.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
19. The percussion student will demonstrate
• varied proper grips for mallets
• varied proper grips for snare drum sticks
• setup of timpani, mallet instruments, and auxiliary instruments
• changing instruments during performance
• tuning timpani to reference pitches.
MUS: HIB.10.7 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Music
31. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 1 and 2.
MUS: HIB.13. │ E: 9.1, 9.3
32. The student will use articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression.
MUS: HIB.14. │ E: 9.1, 9.3
33. The student will perform simple rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response styles.
MUS: HIB.15. │ E: 9.1, 9.3
Creating Music
34. The student will create, through playing and writing, rhythmic variations of four-measure selections taken
from folk songs, exercises, or etudes.
MUS: HIB.16. │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
Sight-Reading Music
39. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Levels 0–2.
MUS: HIB.18. │ E: 9.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
42. The student will describe the relationship of instrumental music to the other fine arts and other fields of
knowledge.
MUS: HIB.19.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
43. The student will describe career options in music.
MUS: HIB.19.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
44. The student will describe ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HIB.19.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
45. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HIB.19.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
Aesthetics
51. The student will propose a definition of music and support that definition.
MUS: HIB.21.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
52. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: HIB.21.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
53. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: HIB.21.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
54. The student will describe aesthetic criteria used for determining the quality of a work of music or
importance of a musical style.
MUS: HIB.21.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
55. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the school community.
MUS: HIB.21.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 1 and 2. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories may include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, sacred, and
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Andrew Balent – various marches and orchestral transcriptions
• Brian Balmages – Midnight Suite
• Bill Carleton – JaDa
• Paul Clark – Blues Is My Favorite Color
• John Edmondson – Developing Band Series, Grades 2 and 3: Concert Band Music
• Gary Fagan – Ancient Legends
• Anne McGinty – Canterbury Overture
• Michael Oare – Camden Crossing; Spirit of the Wolf; Cassini’s Rings
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental composer half note pizzicato
accompaniment conductor harmony pulse
allegro D.C. al fine intonation quarter note
alto clef da capo (D.C.) key signature quartet
anacrusis détaché ledger line register
andante dotted half note legato repeat sign
arco dotted quarter note martelé rest
arranger double bar measure rhythm
articulation downbeat melody ritardando
bar line down-bow meter round
bass clef duet metronome scale
beat dynamics moderato second ending
binary (AB) form eighth note mute sharp
bow lift embouchure natural simile
bow speed ensemble notate slur
bow weight etiquette notation solo
call-and-response fermata octave staccato
canon fine partial staff
chord first ending phrase subdivide
chromatic flat piano tempo
clef form pickup note tie
coda forte pitch time signature
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and apply standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: HII.1.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.4, 10.5
2. The student will read and sing similar and contrasting parts from the music being studied.
MUS: HII.1.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.4, 10.5
3. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes,
dotted eighth notes, quarter-note triplets, half-note triplets, and corresponding rests.
MUS: HII.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.4, 10.5
4. The student will identify, read, compare, contrast, and perform music in 38, 58, 54, 64, and 22 (alla breve or cut
time) meters.
MUS: HII.3 │ E: 10.1
5. The student will identify and notate key signatures of scales and literature being performed.
MUS: HII.4 │ E: 10.1
6. The wind/mallet student will read, perform, and notate
• ascending and descending concert C, F, B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat, G, D, A, and E major scales
• G and D harmonic minor scales
• a chromatic scale in eighth notes with M.M. quarter note = 100.
MUS: HII.5.1 │ E: 10.1
7. The string student will read, perform, and notate
• two-octave C, F, B-flat, E-Flat, G, D, and A major scales
• G and A harmonic minor scales (double bass: one octave) in eighth notes with M.M. quarter note =
100.
MUS: HII.5.2 │ E: 10.1
8. The student will identify, compare, contrast, and perform music written in sonata, theme-and-variations,
and compound binary forms.
MUS: HII.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
9. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: HII.8 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.7
Composing Music
10. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing an eight-measure
rhythmic-melodic variation.
MUS: HII.7.1 │ E: 10.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: HII.7.2 │ E: 10.1
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
12. The student will demonstrate care and basic maintenance of the instrument.
MUS: HII.9.1 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1, BIO.4
13. The student will identify and repair minor problems of the instrument.
MUS: HII.9.2 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1, BIO.4
14. The student will demonstrate basic tuning of the instrument, with and without an electronic tuner.
MUS: HII.9.3 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1, BIO.4
15. The student will describe and demonstrate proper posture, instrument position, and hand positions.
MUS: HII.9.4 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1, BIO.4
16. The student will monitor personal physiological changes to adjust for proper instrument size.
MUS: HII.10.1
17. The student will evaluate his/her instrument to match it with personal skill level.
E: 10.1
18. The wind student will describe and demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: HII.9.5 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1, BIO.4
19. The percussion student will demonstrate
• varied proper grips for mallets
• varied proper grips for snare drum sticks
• setup of timpani, mallet instruments, and auxiliary instruments
• changing instruments during performance
• tuning timpani to reference pitches
• changing timpani pitches during performance.
MUS: HII.9.6 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1, BIO.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• proper playing techniques on timpani, mallet instruments, and auxiliary instruments, including single-
stroke roll
• changing instruments during performance.
MUS: HII.10.5 │ E: 10.1
Performing Music
30. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 2–4.
MUS: HII.12 │ E: 10.1
31. The student will apply articulations, dynamic contrasts, phrasing, various tempos, and tempo changes as
means of expression.
MUS: HII.13 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
Creating Music
32. The student will create and perform simple rhythmic and melodic examples, using call-and-response and
basic improvisation.
MUS: HII.14 │ E: 10.1
33. The student will compose and perform rhythmic and melodic variations based upon original ideas or folk
songs, exercises, or etudes.
MUS: HII.15 │ E: 10.1, 10.4, 10.5
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Sight-Reading Music
39. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Levels 2–4.
MUS: HII.17 │ E: 10.1
Making Connections
43. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: HII.18.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
44. The student will compare and contrast career options in music.
MUS: HII.18.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
45. The student will relate instrumental music to the other fine arts.
MUS: HII.18.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
46. The student will apply ethical standards to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HII.18.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
47. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HII.18.8 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
Aesthetics
53. The student will analyze and explain how the factors of time and place influence characteristics that give
meaning and value to a work of music.
MUS: HII.20.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6
54. The student will describe personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music, using music
terminology.
MUS: HII.20.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
55. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: HII.20.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6
56. The student will apply aesthetic criteria for determining the quality of a work of music or importance of a
musical style.
MUS: HII.20.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6
57. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the community.
MUS: HII.20.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakoff, arranged by Dackow – “Dance of the Tumblers” from The Snow Maiden;
arranged by Dackow – Slava; arranged by Dackow – Russian Easter Overture
• Gioachino Rossini, arranged by McLeod – The Barber of Seville
• Jean Sibelius – Andante Festivo
• Alan Lee Silva – Sweet Moment
• Bedřich Smetana, arranged by Dackow – “Country Wedding” from The Moldau
• Richard Stephan – Variations on a Well-Known Sea Chantey; When Johnny Comes Marching Home
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Gruselle – “Trepak” from The Nutcracker Suite, op. 71a;
arranged by Dackow – “Mother Ginger” from The Nutcracker; arranged by Dackow – 1812 Overture
• Mark Williams – Fiddles on Fire; Dramatic Essay
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 2–4. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories may include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, sacred, and
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Various marches by Henry Fillmore and Karl King
• Andrew Balent – marches and orchestral transcriptions
• Brian Balmages – Among the Clouds
• James Curnow – Sovereign Variants; Nathan Hale Trilogy; Korean Folk Rhapsody
• Frank Erickson – Balladair; Rhythm of the Winds
• Gary Fagan – Of Still Meadows and Mountains Bold
• Philip Gordon – Russian Masters Suite; Italian Masters Suite
• Clare Grundman – Kentucky 1800; Little English Suite
• Michael Oare – Portsmouth Reflections; To Dream in Brushstrokes; Liberty Eagle March
• Bruce Pearson – Psalm and Celebration
• Alfred Reed – If Thou Be Near (from Bach); Greensleeves
• Richard Saucedo – Fanfare for the Third Planet
• Robert Sheldon – Celebration and Song, op. 132
• Michael Sweeney – Lament and Tribal Dances
• Frank Ticheli – Sun Dance; Shenandoah; Fortress
• Johnny Vinson – Lincolnshire Posey (from Percy Grainger)
• Clifton Williams – Variation Overture
• John Zdechlik – Chorale and Shaker Dance II
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accelerando common time hooked bow score
accents concertmaster instrumentation score order
alla breve contemporary intervals sforzando
allegretto crescendo marcato shift
arpeggio cut time march slurred staccato
articulation decrescendo mezzo forte subdivide
ascending descending mezzo piano syncopation
balance diminuendo music business tenuto
Baroque divisi music educator timbre
blend enharmonic music therapist tone color
caesura forte-piano partial triplet
chromatic fortissimo pianissimo tuning
circle of fifths glissando rallentando tutti
Classical half step romantic whole step
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and apply advanced standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter,
articulation, dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: HIAD.1.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4
2. The student will read and sing assigned parts while others sing or play contrasting parts from the music
being studied.
MUS: HIAD.1.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4
3. The student will read, analyze, perform, and compose varied rhythmic patterns in complex meters,
demonstrating technical facility and precision commensurate with VBODA Levels 4 and 5.
MUS: HIAD.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4
4. The student will identify and notate all key signatures.
MUS: HIAD.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3
5. The student will read, notate, and perform all ascending and descending major scales as per VBODA All-
Virginia audition requirements, as well as selected minor scales.
MUS: HIAD.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4
6. The wind/mallet student will perform an ascending and descending chromatic scale as per VBODA All-
Virginia audition requirements.
MUS: HIAD.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
7. The student will identify, compare, contrast, and perform music written in fugal and theme-and-variations
forms.
MUS: HIAD.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7
8. The student will apply and differentiate music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: HIAD. 8 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3
Composing Music
9. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing a rhythmic-melodic
variation.
MUS: HIAD.7.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7
10. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating the composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: HIAD.7.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
11. The student will arrange or compose accompanying harmonies and/or counter melodies to a given
melody.
MUS: HIAD.10 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
12. The student will demonstrate procedures for care and basic maintenance of the instrument.
MUS: HIAD.11.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
13. The student will describe and demonstrate the process for tuning the instrument.
MUS: HIAD.11.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
14. The student will identify and repair minor problems of the instrument.
MUS: HIAD.11.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
15. The student will analyze, describe, and demonstrate proper posture, instrument position, and hand
positions.
MUS: HIAD.11.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
16. The student will monitor personal physiological changes to adjust for proper instrument size.
MUS: HIAD.11.1
17. The student will evaluate his/her instrument to match it with personal skill level.
E: 11.1
18. The wind student will analyze, describe, and demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: HIAD.11.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3 │ S: CH.1
19. The student will identify intonation problems within the ensemble and provide a solution.
MUS: HIAD.11.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.3 │ S: CH.1
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Music
32. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 4 and 5.
MUS: HIAD.14 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
33. The student will demonstrate the use of articulations, dynamic contrasts, phrasing, various tempos, and
tempo changes as means of expression.
MUS: HIAD.15 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
Creating Music
34. The student will create and perform rhythmic and melodic examples to a I-IV-V(V7)-I chord progression,
using call-and-response and improvisation.
MUS: HIAD.16 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
35. The student will create and perform accompanying harmonies and/or counter melodies to a given melody.
MUS: HIAD.17 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
36. The student will improvise a melody to a I-IV-V(V7)-I chord progression.
MUS: HIAD.9 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
41. The student will analyze, describe, and demonstrate rehearsal and concert etiquette as a performer (e.g.,
using critical aural skills, following conducting gestures, maintaining attention in rest position).
MUS: HIAD.18.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
Sight-Reading Music
42. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Levels 2–4.
MUS: HIAD.19 │ E: 11.1, 11.3
Making Connections
46. The student will describe opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the community.
MUS: HIAD.20.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15,
CE.4, CE.14
47. The student will research career options in music.
MUS: HIAD.20.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15,
CE.4, CE.14
48. The student will explain the relationship of instrumental music to other fields of knowledge.
MUS: HIAD.20.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15,
CE.4, CE.14
49. The student will research the use of ethical standards as applied to social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HIAD.20.7 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15,
CE.4, CE.14
50. The student will consistently demonstrate exemplary concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HIAD.20.8 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15,
CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
55. The student will apply accepted criteria for critiquing musical performances of self and others.
MUS: HIAD.21.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
Aesthetics
56. The student will analyze and explain personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music,
using music terminology.
MUS: HIAD.22.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
57. The student will analyze aesthetic criteria used for evaluating works of music or critiquing musical
performances.
MUS: HIAD.22.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
58. The student will explain the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: HIAD.22.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grades 4 and 5. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and
time periods. Categories may include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, sacred, and
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Various marches by Kenneth Alford, Henry Fillmore, Karl King, John Philip Sousa, H. L.
Blandenburg, Carl Teike, and Julius Fucik
• Brian Balmages – The Awakening; Symphonic Episodes
• Leonard Bernstein – Slava
• John Barnes Chance – Elegy; Variations on a Korean Folksong
• James Curnow – Sovereign Variants; Nathan Hale Trilogy; Where Never Lark or Eagle Flew
• Frank Erickson – Toccata for Band; Deep River Suite
• Philip Gordon – Russian Masters Suite
• Clare Grundman – American Folk Rhapsodies nos. 1, 3, and 4; Hebrides Suite
• Gustav Holst – The Planets; First Military Suite in E-flat; Second Military Suite in F
• Gordon Jacob – An Original Suite
• Robert Jager – Trail of Tears; Esprit de Corps
• W. Francis McBeth – Chant and Jubilo; Of Sailors and Whales
• Vincent Persichetti – Psalm for Band; Pageant
• Alfred Reed – Hounds of Spring; A Festival Prelude; Symphonic Prelude
• Robert Sheldon – Celebration and Song, op. 132; Intrada for Winds
• Frank Ticheli – Sun Dance; Shenandoah; Cajun Folksongs
• Ralph Vaughn Williams – English Folksong Suite
• Johnny Vinson – Lincolnshire Posey (from Percy Grainger)
• Franz von Suppé – Light Cavalry Overture
• Clifton Williams – The Sinfonians
• Meredith Willson – Music Man
• John Zdechlik – Chorale and Shaker Dance; Psalm 46
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
a tempo diminution maestoso spiccato
alternate fingering double stop melodic minor symphony
articulation expression mute tacet
asymmetrical rhythm fugue natural minor tenor clef
augmentation glissando ostinato tenuto
chamber music grace note partial theme and variations
circle of fifths grouplet position (i.e., III, IV) tone quality
coda harmonic rubato transpose
con sordino harmonic minor rudiments transposition
concerto hemiola senza sordino tremolo
contrast improvisation sforzando trill
dal segno instrumentation shift vibrato
dal segno al coda leadership sonata
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and apply advanced standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter,
articulation, dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: HIAR.1.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
2. The student will read and sing assigned parts while others sing or play contrasting parts.
MUS: HIAR.1.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
3. The student will read, analyze, perform, and compose advanced rhythmic patterns in complex meters,
demonstrating technical facility and precision commensurate with VBODA Levels 5 and 6.
MUS: HIAR.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
4. The student will identify and notate all key signatures.
MUS: HIAR.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
5. The student will read, notate, and perform all ascending and descending major scales, as per VBODA All-
Virginia audition requirements, as well as selected minor scales and tonic arpeggios in eighth notes.
MUS: HIAR.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
6. The wind/mallet student will perform an ascending and descending chromatic scale, as per VBODA All-
Virginia audition requirements.
MUS: HIAR.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
7. The student will identify, compare, contrast, analyze, and perform music written in standard and
nonstandard musical forms.
MUS: HIAR.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
8. The student will identify, explain, and apply music terminology found in the music literature being
studied.
MUS: HIAR.8 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
Composing Music
9. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by composing a rhythmic-melodic
variation for two or more instruments.
MUS: HIAR.7.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
10. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: HIAR.7.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4
11. The student will arrange and compose accompanying harmonies and/or counter melodies to a given
melody.
MUS: HIAR.10 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
12. The student will demonstrate procedures for care and maintenance of the instrument.
MUS: HIAR.11.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
13. The student will describe and demonstrate the process for tuning the instrument.
MUS: HIAR.11.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
14. The student will identify and repair minor problems of the instrument.
MUS: HIAR.11.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
15. The student will analyze, describe, and demonstrate proper posture, instrument position, and hand
positions.
MUS: HIAR.11.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
16. The wind student will analyze, describe, and demonstrate proper embouchure.
MUS: HIAR.11.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
17. The student will identify intonation problems within the ensemble and provide a solution.
MUS: HIAR.11.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
26. The student will make adjustments to facilitate accurate intonation at an artist level when playing in an
ensemble.
MUS: HIAR.13.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3 │ S: PH.8
27. The student will match dynamic levels and playing style at an artist level when playing in an ensemble.
MUS: HIAR.13.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3 │ S: PH.8
28. The student will respond to advanced conducting patterns and gestures.
MUS: HIAR.13.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3 │ S: PH.8
29. The student will demonstrate advanced conducting patterns and gestures.
MUS: HIAR.13.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3 │ S: PH.8
30. The student will maintain a steady beat at various tempos and perform tempo changes in the music
literature being studied.
MUS: HIAR.13.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3 │ S: PH.8
Performing Music
31. The student will read and interpret standard music notation while performing music of varying styles and
levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA Levels 5 and 6.
MUS: HIAR.14 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
32. The student will demonstrate the use of articulations, dynamic contrasts, phrasing, various tempos, and
tempo changes as means of expression.
MUS: HIAR.15 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
Creating Music
33. The student will create and perform rhythmic and melodic examples in sonata-allegro form.
MUS: HIAR.16 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
34. The student will create and perform accompanying harmonies and/or counter melodies to a given melody.
MUS: HIAR.17 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
35. The student will improvise a melody to a 12-bar blues chord progression.
MUS: HIAR.9 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
Sight-Reading Music
41. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty, in accordance with VBODA
Level 4 or higher.
MUS: HIAR.19 │ E: 12.1, 12.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
45. The student will analyze and evaluate opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the
community.
MUS: HIAR.20.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
46. The student will investigate career pathways in the music field.
MUS: HIAR.20.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
47. The student will assess the use of ethical standards as applied to social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HIAR.20.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
48. The student will model exemplary concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HIAR.20.7 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
Aesthetics
53. The student will analyze and explain personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music,
using music terminology.
MUS: HIAR.22.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8
54. The student will analyze aesthetic criteria used for evaluating works of music or critiquing musical
performances.
MUS: HIAR.22.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8
55. The student will analyze the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: HIAR.22.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Samuel Barber – Adagio for Strings
• Benjamin Britten – Simple Symphony
• Aaron Copland – “Hoedown” from Rodeo
• Arcangelo Corelli – Concerto Grosso, op. 6, no. 8
• David Diamond – Rounds
• Antonín Dvořák – Serenade in E, op. 22
• Edward Elgar – Introduction and Allegro; Serenade for Strings, op. 20
• George Gershwin – Lullaby
• Edvard Grieg – Holberg Suite
• Gustav Holst – St. Paul’s Suite
• Felix Mendelssohn – Sinfonia 9, 10, or 12
• Richard Meyer – Bailes para Orqueta
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Divertimento I, II, or III
• Soon Hee Newbold – Perseus
• Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by Lucas Drew – String Quartet no. 8
• William Grant Still – Danzas de Panama
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Serenade in C for Strings, op. 43
• Ralph Vaughn-Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Concert Band
Literature at this level is Grade 6+. Repertoire should include a variety of composers/arrangers, styles, and time
periods. Categories may include march, chorale, patriotic, jazz, Broadway or pop, overture, sacred, and
transcription. This is neither a comprehensive nor exhaustive list, but is a starting point for suggested
instructional literature. Please refer to the VBODA manual for pieces that have been approved and graded for
assessment. Representative works include the following:
• Various marches by Kenneth Alford, Henry Fillmore, Karl King, John Philip Sousa, H. L.
Blankenburg, Carl Teike, and Julius Fucik
• Malcolm Arnold – English Dances for Band; Scottish Dances for Band
• Robert Russell Bennett – Suite of All American Dances
• Leonard Bernstein – Overture to Candide; Symphonic Dance Music from West Side Story
• John Barnes Chance – Symphony no. 2; Incantation and Dance; Blue Lake
• George Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris
• Morton Gould – American Salute; Santa Fe Saga
• Percy Grainger – Lincolnshire Posey: Children’s March
• Paul Hindemith – Symphony in B-flat for Band; Symphonic Metamorphosis
• Gustav Holst – “Jupiter” from The Planets; First Military Suite in E-flat; Second Military Suite in F
• Gordon Jacob – William Byrd Suite; Flag of Stars
• Felix Mendelssohn – Overture for Band
• Ron Nelson – Savanna River Overture
• Vincent Persichetti – Divertimento for Band; Symphony for Band
• Walter Piston – Tunbridge Fair
• Bernard Rands – Ceremonial
• Alfred Reed – Armenian Dances I and II; Jubilant Overture; El Camino Real
• Gioachino Rossini, arranged by Schaefer – Scherzo for Band
• Camille Saint-Saëns – Marche Militaire Française
• William Schuman – Chester; George Washington Bridge March
• Dmitri Shostakovich – Festival Overture
• Philip Sparke – Celebration; Dance Movements
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 49.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations, to include using VBODA performance criteria
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Musicians
• Eric Clapton • John Mayer
• Zoran Dukić • Andy McKee
• Callum Graham • Pat Metheny
• George Harrison • Tim Reynolds
• Sungha Jung • Sabicas
• B. B. King • Gustavo Santaolalla
• Kaki King • Karin Schaupp
• Paco de Lucía • Andrés Segovia
• Melchor de Marchena • Brian Setzer
• Yuki Matsui • James Taylor
• Dave Matthews • John Williams
Ensembles
• Cambridge Guitar Orchestra
• Boston Guitar Orchestra
• Loren and Mark
• New York City Guitar Orchestra
• Rodrigo y Gabriela
• Trio Sur
• University of St. Thomas Guitar Ensemble
• Virginia Commonwealth University Guitar Ensemble
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use basic standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: MG.1.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
2. The student will echo, read, and notate music, including using chord charts.
MUS: MG.1.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
3. The student will echo, read, and notate music, including using guitar tablature.
MUS: MG.1.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
4. The student will sing selected lines from music being studied.
MUS: MG.1.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
5. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, half
notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, and corresponding rests.
MUS: MG.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
6. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C).
MUS: MG.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
7. The student will read, notate, and perform
• one-octave ascending and descending C, G, and D major scales
• A, D, and E natural minor scales
• a chromatic scale
• one form of the moveable, one-octave pentatonic scale
• D, D7, Dm, A, A7, Am, E, Em, G, G7, C, C7, and F chords
• a I-IV-V7-I chord progression in the keys of C, G, D, and A major, and A minor.
MUS: MG.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
8. The student will identify and perform music written in binary and strophic forms.
MUS: MG.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
9. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: MG.7 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
Composing Music
10. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by creating a four-measure rhythmic-
melodic composition.
MUS: MG.6.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: MG.6.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
12. The student will identify the parts of the instrument.
MUS: MG.8.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ S: 6.6
13. The student will demonstrate procedures for care of the instrument.
MUS: MG.8.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ S: 6.6
14. The student will demonstrate proper playing posture and instrument position.
MUS: MG.8.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ S: 6.6
15. The student will demonstrate proper left-hand and right-hand positions.
MUS: MG.8.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ S: 6.6
16. The student will demonstrate tuning of the instrument, with and without an electronic tuner.
MUS: MG.8.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ S: 6.6
Performing Music
25. The student will read and interpret standard music notation and tablature while performing music of
varying styles and levels of difficulty.
MUS: MG.11 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
26. The student will begin to use articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression.
MUS: MG.12 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
Creating Music
27. The student will perform and improvise simple rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response
styles.
MUS: MG.13 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 │ M: 6.2, 6.4, 6.6
28. The student will improvise rhythmic variations of four-measure excerpts taken from folk songs, exercises,
or etudes.
MUS: MG.14 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Sight-Reading Music
33. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty.
MUS: MG.16 │ E: 6.1
Making Connections
36. The student will describe the relationship of instrumental music to the other fine arts and other fields of
knowledge.
MUS: MG.17.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4, CE.14
37. The student will describe career options in music.
MUS: MG.17.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4, CE.14
38. The student will describe ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: MG.17.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4, CE.14
39. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MG.17.6 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
45. The student will propose a definition of music and support that definition.
MUS: MG.19.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
46. The student will describe aesthetic criteria used for determining the quality of a work of music or
importance of a musical style.
MUS: MG.19.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
47. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: MG.19.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
48. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: MG.19.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 101.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental downbeat measure round
accompaniment duet melody scale
allegro dynamics meter second ending
andante ensemble metronome sharp
arpeggiate fermata moderato simile
arranger fine natural solo
bar line fingerstyle octave staccato
beat first ending palm mute staff
binary (AB) form flat phrase strophic (AA) form
call-and-response form piano strum
canon forte pickup note subdivide
capo fret position tablature
chord half step power chord tempo
chromatic hammer-on progression tie
clef harmonics pulse time signature
coda harmony quartet trio
composer improvisation register tuning
conductor intonation repeat sign upbeat
da capo (D.C.) key signature rhythm variation
D.C. al fine ledger line riff whole step
double bar legato ritardando
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use basic standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: HGI.1.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
2. The student will echo, read, and notate music, including using chord charts.
MUS: HGI.1.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
3. The student will echo, read, and notate music, including using guitar tablature.
MUS: HGI.1.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
4. The student will sing selected lines from the music being studied.
MUS: HGI.1.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
5. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, half
notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted half notes, dotted quarter notes, corresponding rests, and
syncopations.
MUS: HGI.2 │ E: 9.3, 9.4
6. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C, 68 ).
MUS: HGI.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
7. The student will read, analyze, notate, and perform scales, including
• one-octave ascending and descending C, G, D, A, and E major scales
• A, D, E, and B harmonic minor scales
• a chromatic scale
• one form of the moveable, one-octave pentatonic scale.
MUS: HGI.4.1 and 2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
8. The student will read, analyze, notate, and perform chords, including
• D, D7, Dm, A, A7, Am, E, E7, Em, G, G7, B, B7, C, C7, and F chords
• power chords with roots on the E and A strings
• a I-IV-V7-I chord progression in the keys of C, G, D, and A major, and A and E minor
• 12-bar blues in a variety of keys.
MUS: HGI.4.3–6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
9. The student will identify and perform music written in binary and theme-and-variations forms.
MUS: HGI.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
10. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: HGI.7 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Composing Music
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by creating a four-measure rhythmic-
melodic composition.
MUS: HGI.6.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.4
12. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: HGI.6.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.4
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
13. The student will identify the parts of the instrument.
MUS: HGI.8.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
14. The student will demonstrate procedures for care of the instrument.
MUS: HGI.8.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
15. The student will demonstrate proper playing posture and instrument position.
MUS: HGI.8.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
16. The student will demonstrate proper left-hand and right-hand positions.
MUS: HGI. 8.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
17. The student will demonstrate tuning of the instrument, with and without an electronic tuner.
MUS: HGI.8.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
Performing Music
26. The student will read and interpret standard music notation and tablature while performing music of
varying styles and levels of difficulty.
MUS: HGI.11 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
27. The student will begin to use articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression,
including legato, staccato, and ascending and descending slurs.
MUS: HGI.12 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Creating Music
28. The student will perform and improvise simple rhythmic and melodic examples in call-and-response
styles.
MUS: HGI.13 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
29. The student will improvise rhythmic variations of four-measure excerpts taken from folk songs, exercises,
or etudes.
MUS: HGI.14 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8
Sight-Reading Music
34. The student will sight-read music of varying styles and levels of difficulty.
MUS: HGI.16 │ E: 9.1
Making Connections
37. The student will describe the relationship of instrumental music to the other fine arts and other fields of
knowledge.
MUS: HGI.17.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
38. The student will describe career options in music.
MUS: HGI.17.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
39. The student will describe ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HGI.17.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
40. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HGI.17.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1, WHII.2,
WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
46. The student will propose a definition of music and support that definition.
MUS: HGI.19.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
47. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: HGI.19.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
48. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: HGI.19.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
49. The student will describe aesthetic criteria used for determining the quality of a work of music or
importance of a musical style.
MUS: HGI.19.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
50. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the school community.
MUS: HGI.19.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 101.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental downbeat measure round
accompaniment duet melody scale
allegro dynamics meter second ending
andante ensemble metronome sharp
arpeggiate fermata moderato simile
arranger fine natural solo
bar line fingerstyle octave staccato
beat first ending palm mute staff
binary (AB) form flat phrase strum
call-and-response form piano subdivide
canon forte pickup note tablature
capo fret position tempo
chord half step power chord theme-and-variations
chromatic hammer-on progression tie
clef harmonics pulse time signature
coda harmony quartet trio
composer improvisation register tuning
conductor intonation repeat sign upbeat
da capo (D.C.) key signature rhythm variation
D.C. al fine ledger line riff whole step
double bar legato ritardando
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, articulation,
dynamics, and other elements of music.
MUS: HGII.1.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
2. The student will echo, read, and notate music, using chord charts.
MUS: HGII.1.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
3. The student will echo, read, and notate music, using guitar tablature.
MUS: HGII.1.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
4. The student will sing assigned parts while others sing or play other contrasting parts from the music being
studied.
MUS: HGII.1.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.5 │ S: BIO.1
5. The student will echo, read, and perform rhythms and rhythmic patterns that include sixteenth notes,
quarter-note triplets, eighth-note triplets, and corresponding rests.
MUS: HGII.2 │ E: 10.5
6. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple duple meters and compound duple meters.
MUS: HGII.3 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1
7. The student will read, analyze, notate, and perform scales, including
• one-octave ascending and descending C, F, B-flat, G, D, A, and E major scales
• A, D, E, and B natural and harmonic minor scales
• an ascending and descending chromatic scale over the full range of the instrument
• one form of the movable, two-octave pentatonic scale.
MUS: HGII.4.1–3 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1
8. The student will read, analyze, notate, and perform chords in root position and in inversions, including
• B-flat, D, D7, Dm, A, A7, Am, E, E7, Em, G, G7, B, B7, C, C7, and F chords
• barre chords, using eight basic forms: E, E7, Em, Em7, A, A7, Am, Am7
• power chords with roots on the E and A strings, with greater fluency
• a I-IV-V7-I chord progression in the keys of F, C, G, D, A, and E major, and A and E minor
• 12-bar blues in a variety of keys.
MUS: HGII.4.4–8 │ E: 10.1 │ S: BIO.1
9. The student will identify and perform music written in ABA and strophic forms.
MUS: HGII.5 │ E: 10.1
10. The student will define and apply music terminology found in the music literature being studied.
MUS: HGII.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.7
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Composing Music
11. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by creating a four-measure rhythmic-
melodic composition.
MUS: HGII.6.1 │ E: 10.1
12. The student will use music composition as a means of expression by notating a composition in standard
notation, using contemporary technology.
MUS: HGII.6.2 │ E: 10.1
Performance
Demonstrating Instrumental Basics
13. The student will identify and describe the parts of the instrument.
MUS: HGII.8.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
14. The student will identify, describe, and demonstrate procedures for maintenance of the instrument.
MUS: HGII.8.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
15. The student will describe and demonstrate changing a string.
MUS: HGII.8.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
16. The student will describe and demonstrate proper playing posture and instrument position.
MUS: HGII. 8.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
17. The student will evaluate his/her instrument to match it with personal skill level.
MUS: HGII. 9 │ E: 10.1
18. The student will describe and demonstrate proper left-hand and right-hand positions.
MUS: HGII.8.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
19. The student will describe, demonstrate, and assess tuning of the instrument, with and without an electronic
tuner.
MUS: HGII.8.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performing Music
28. The student will read and interpret all aspects of standard music notation and tablature while performing
music of varying styles and levels of difficulty.
MUS: HGII.11 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
29. The student will use articulations, dynamic contrasts, and phrasing as means of expression.
MUS: HGII.12 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
Creating Music
30. The student will perform and improvise melodies and accompaniments in various musical styles (e.g.,
blues, rock, folk, classical) over chord progressions.
MUS: HGII.13 │ E: 10.1, 10.3
31. The student will improvise rhythmic and melodic variations of eight-to-twelve-measure excerpts taken
from blues, folk songs, exercises, or etudes with accompaniment.
MUS: HGII.14 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8
Sight-Reading Music
36. The student will sight-read music of varying styles based upon the literature being studied.
MUS: HGII.16 │ E: 10.1
Making Connections
40. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: HGII.17.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
41. The student will compare and contrast career options in music.
MUS: HGII.17.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
42. The student will analyze the relationship of instrumental music to the other fine arts.
MUS: HGII.17.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
43. The student will apply ethical standards to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HGII.17.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
44. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HGII.17.8 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
Aesthetics
50. The student will analyze and explain how the factors of time and place influence characteristics that give
meaning and value to a work of music.
MUS: HGII.19.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
51. The student will describe personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music, using music
terminology.
MUS: HGII.19.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
52. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: HGII.19.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
53. The student will apply aesthetic criteria for determining the quality of a work of music or importance of a
musical style.
MUS: HGII.19.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
54. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the community.
MUS: HGII.19.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
Solo Works
• Johann Sebastian Bach – Prelude in D Minor; Bourrée in E Minor; other selections from The Lute
Suites
• Mateo Carcassi – Studies nos. 1, 2, 3 and 19 from 25 Melodious Studies
• Mauro Giuliani – Sonatine
• Luis Milan – Pavana No. 1; Pavana No. 6
• Manuel Poncé – Preludes (Segovia edition)
• Fernando Sor – selections from Studies for the Guitar (Segovia edition)
• Francisco Tàrrega – Làgrima; Adelita
• Federico Moreno Torroba – Castles of Spain
• Heitor Villa-Lobos – Preludes
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Ensemble Works
• Johann Sebastian Bach – Arioso, arranged by Alan Hirsh
• Georges Bizet – “Habañera” from Carmen, arranged by Jerry Snyder
• English folk song – Greensleeves, arranged by Bill Tyer
• Sveinn Eythorsson – Guitar Trio No. 2
• Ernesto Lecuona – “Malagueña,” arranged by Alastair Lewis or others
• Jay Livingston and Ray Evans – “Silver Bells,” arranged by Bill Tyer
• Maurice Ravel – Minuet from Le Tombeau de Couperin, arranged by Alan Hirsh
• Franz Schubert – “Ave Maria,” arranged by Eythor Thorlaksson
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker Suite, op. 71a,
arranged by Jerry Snyder
• Eythor Thorlaksson – Air-Sailing
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 101.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual playing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-reading, using rubrics
• Formal and informal playing evaluations
• Concert participation and reflection
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (e.g., large group, small group, partner, individual)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental chromatic fine legato
accompaniment clef finger style measure
allegro coda first ending melody
andante composer flat meter
arpeggiate conductor forte metronome
arranger da capo (D.C.) half step moderato
articulation D.C. al fine hammer-on natural
bar line double bar harmonics octave
barre chord downbeat harmony palm mute
beat down-tuning improvisation phrase
call-and-response duet instrumentation piano
canon dynamics intonation pickup note
capo ensemble key signature pima
chord fermata ledger line position
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Vocal/Choral Music
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE: COMPOSITIONS AND
COMPOSERS/ARRANGERS
Repertoire should include a wide variety of compositions in different styles and from different time periods. The
following list is not intended to be comprehensive, but it will serve as a starting point for identification of
worthy instructional literature.
Unison
• America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee) – Samuel Francis Smith
• America the Beautiful – Katharine Lee Bates
• Ani Ma’Amin (unison) – Paul Caldwell, arranged by Sean Ivory
• The Birds (unison) – Benjamin Britten
• Bist du bei mir (unison/2-part) – Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Emily Crocker
• The Boy’s Changing Voice (unison/solo collection) – edited by Richard Walters
• Das Blümchen Wunderhold (unison/2-part) – Ludwig van Beethoven, arranged by Emily Crocker
• Fairest Lady (unison) – Nick Page
• I Bought Me a Cat (unison) – Aaron Copland
• Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (unison/2-part) – Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Henry Leck
• Kyrie eleison (unison) – Sandra Poorman
• Music Alone Shall Live (unison/3-part canon) – Shirley W. McRae
• Never Far from Home (unison) – Mark Patterson
• Oh, Shenandoah (unison) – Ruth Elaine Schram
• Pathways of Song (unison/solo) – Alfred Publishing
• Pie Jesu, from Requiem (unison) – Gabriel Fauré, arranged by John Leavitt
• Singabahambayo (unison with optional 2-part/3-part) – South African folk song
• The Silence and the Song (unison/2-part) – Mark Patterson
• The Star-Spangled Banner – Francis Scott Key
Two Part
• African Noel (2 part) – Victor Johnson
• The Battle Cry of Freedom (TB) – George Frederick Root, arranged by Patti DeWitt
• Beneath the African Sky (SA) – Paul Caldwell, arranged by Sean Ivory
• Alleluia, from Exsultate Jubilate (2-part) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arranged by Henry Leck
• An American Folk Song Spectacular! (2-part) – American Folk Songs, arranged by John Leavitt
• Blues, Blues, Blues (2-part) – Kirby Shaw
• Can You Count the Stars? (2-part) – Jonathan Willcocks
• Castle on a Cloud, from Les Miserables (2-part) – Claude-Michel Schönberg, arranged by Linda
Spevacek
• Codfish Shanty (TB) – arranged by Vijay Singh
• Come, Ye Sons of Art (2-part) – Henry Purcell, arranged by Emily Crocker
• Consider Yourself, from Oliver! (2-part) – Lionel Bart, arranged by John Leavitt
• Da pacem, Domine (2-, 3-, or 4-part canon) – Melchior Franck, arranged by Emily Crocker
• Dance of the One-Legged Sailor (SA) – Brent Pierce
• Danza, danza, fanciulla gentile (2 part) – arranged by Jill Gallina
• Da unten im Tale (TB) – Johannes Brahms, arranged by Barry Talley
• De Animal’s a Comin’ (TB) – arranged by Marshall Bartholemew
• Der Herr segne Euch (TB) – Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged by Barry Talley
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Three Part
• America the Beautiful (3-part mixed) – Samuel A. Ward, arranged by Joyce Eilers Bacak
• Bless the Lord, O My Soul (3-part mixed) – Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov, arranged by Joyce Eilers
Bacak
• Bound for the Rio Grande (3-part mixed) – arranged by Emily Crocker
• Down in the Valley (3-part mixed) – arranged by Linda Spevacek
• Fire (3-part treble) – Mary Goetze
• Freedom Is Coming (3-part treble) – arranged by Henry Leck
• Kikkehihi (3-part treble) – Johann Hermann Schein, edited by Thomas Juneau
• Miserere nobis (3-part mixed) – Victor Johnson
• Rise Up This Day to Celebrate (3-part mixed) – Michael Haydn, arranged by Patrick Liebergen
• Sourwood Mountain (3-part treble) – arranged by Shirley W. McRae
• The River Sleeps Beneath the Sky (3-part mixed) – Mary Lynn Lightfoot
• The Wells Fargo Wagon, from The Music Man – Meredith Willson, arranged by Roger Emerson
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
TTB
• A Red, Red Rose (TTB) – Emily Crocker
• All Ye Who Music Love (TTB) – Baldassare Donato, arranged by Sherri Porterfield
• Annie Laurie (TTB) – Alicia Scott, arranged by Victor Johnson
• Ave verum corpus (TTB) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arranged by Joyce Eilers Bacak
• Buffalo Gals (minstrel song; TTB) – arranged by Dan Krunnfusz
• Children, Go Where I Send Thee (TTB) – arranged by Emily Crocker
• Come Travel with Me (TTB) – Scott Farthing
• Gloria Deo (TTB) – Mary Lynn Lightfoot
• I Will Sing Hallelujah (TTB) – Neil Johnson
• I’m Bound Away (TTB) – arranged by Donald Moore
• Joshua! Fit the Battle of Jericho (TTB) – arranged by Kirby Shaw
• Now Is the Month of Maying (TTB) – Thomas Morley, arranged by Sherri Porterfield
• O Isis und Osiris, welche Wonne!, from The Magic Flute (TTB) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, edited
by Stacey Nordmeyer
• On the Deep, Blue Sea (TTB) – Mary Donnelly, arranged by George L. O. Strid
• Ose Shalom (TTB) – John Leavitt
• Pastores á Belén (TTB) – arranged by Emily Crocker
• The Pasture (TBB) – Randall Thompson
• Poor Wayfaring Stranger (TTB) – arranged by Neil Johnson
• Pretty Saro (TTB) – arranged by Jennifer B. Scoggin
• Reflections of a Lad at Sea (TTB) – Don Besig and Nancy Price
• Rosalee (TTB) – Dave and Jean Perry
• Sing To the Lord (TTB) – Emily Crocker
• Still, Still, Still (TTB) – arranged by Audrey Snyder
SSA
• Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel (SSA) – arranged by Ken Berg
• Domine, Fili unigenite, from Gloria (SSA) – Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, edited by Matthew
Michaels
• Fire (3-part treble) – Mary Goetze
• Freedom Is Coming (3-part treble) – arranged by Henry Leck
• Give Us Hope (SSA) – Jim Papoulis, arranged by Francisco Nunez
• Go Where I Send Thee! (SSA) – arranged by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory
• He’s Gone Away (SSA) – arranged by Ron Nelson
• Homeland (SSA) – Gustav Holst, arranged by Z. Randall Stroope
• In Time of Silver Rain (SSA) – Audrey Snyder
• Kikkehihi (3-part treble) – Johann Hermann Schein, edited by Thomas Juneau
• Music Down in My Soul (SSA) – arranged by Moses Hogan
• Now’s the Time (SSA) – Charlie Parker, arranged by Norma Jean Luckey
• Psalm 100 (SSA) – René Clausen
• She Sings (SSA) – Amy Bernon
• Shine on Me (SSA) – arranged by Rollo A. Dilworth
• The Star-Spangled Banner (SSA) – John Stafford Smith, arranged by Emily Crocker
• Through Winter’s Window (SSA) – Brad Printz
• Vere languores nostros (SSA) – Antonio Lotti, edited by Thomas Juneau
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
SAB
• Cantemos Alleluia (SAB) – Emily Crocker
• Come, Joyfully Sing (SAB) – George Frideric Handel, arranged by Patrick Liebergen
• Duond Akuru (SAB) – Rollo A. Dilworth
• Kyrie (SAB) – Andrea Klouse
• Psalm 100 (SSA) – René Clausen
• Shalom Aleichem (SAB) – I. and S. E. Goldfarb, arranged by Gil Aldema, edited by J. Mark Dunn
• Sing Out This Maytime (SAB) – Johann Hermann Schein, arranged by Patrick Liebergen
• Song for a Russian Child (SAB) – Andrea Klouse, arranged by Mark Brymer
• The Wells Fargo Wagon, from The Music Man (SAB) – Meredith Willson, arranged by Roger
Emerson
Four Part
• A Jubilant Song (SATB/SSAA/TTBB) – Norman Dello Joio
• ¡Aleluya, Amén! (SATB) – Rafael D. Grullón
• America, the Beautiful (SATB divisi) – Samuel A. Ward, arranged by John Leavitt
• Ave Maria (SATB divisi) – Javier Busto
• Bashana Haba’ah (SATB) – John Leavitt
• Benedicamus Domino (SATB) – Peter Warlock
• Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind (SATB) – John Rutter
• Calypso Gloria (SATB) – Emily Crocker
• Cantate Domino (SATB) – Hans Leo Hassler, arranged by John Leavitt
• City Called Heaven (SATB) – arranged by Josephine Poelinitz
• Der Tanz (SATB) – Franz Schubert, edited by John Leavitt
• Domine, Fili unigenite, from Gloria (SATB) – Antonio Vivaldi, edited by Mason Martens
• Dörven Dalai (SATB) – arranged by Yongrub
• The Earth Adorned (SATB) – Waldemar Ahlén, edited by Kenneth Jennings
• Elijah Rock (SATB) – Jester Hairston
• Erev Shel Soshanim (SATB) – Josef Hadar, arranged by Jack Klebanow
• Esto Les Digo (SATB) – Kinley Lange
• Faithful over a Few Things (SATB) – Glenn Burleigh
• Fiddler Man (SATB) – John Rutter
• Finale, from The Gondoliers (SATB) – William S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan, arranged by John
Leavitt
• Flower of Beauty (SATB) – John Clements
• God’s Gonna Set This World on Fire (SATB) – arranged by Moses Hogan
• Holy, Holy, Holy (SATB) – A. Jeffrey La Valley
• If Music Be the Food of Love (SATB) – David C. Dickau
• Il est bel et bon (SATB) – Pierre Passereau, edited by J. S. Jackman
• I’m Gonna Sing ’Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart (SATB divisi) – Moses Hogan
• In Flanders Fields (SATB) – John Jacobson and Roger Emerson
• Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen (SATB) – Heinrich Isaac, edited by John Leavitt
• It Takes a Village (SATB) – Joan Szymko
• Jabula Jesu (SATB) – arranged by Stephen Hatfield
• Jubilate Deo (SATB) – Joel Martinson
• Lakota Wiyanki (SATB) – Judith Herrington and Gail Woodside
• The Last Words of David (SATB) – Randall Thompson
• The Little Beggarman (SATB) – arranged by Emily Crocker
• Lux Aurumque (SATB divisi) – Eric Whitacre
• New York State of Mind (SATB) – Billy Joel, arranged by Steve Zegree
• O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose (SATB) – René Clausen
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
SSAA
• A Jubilant Song (SSAA) – Norman Dello Joio
• Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser! (SSAA) – arranged by Donald Patriquin
• Hoj, Hura, Hoj (SSAA) – arranged by Otmar Mácha
• O vos omnes (SSAA) – Thomas Juneau
• Overture to Die Zauberflöte (SSAA) – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arranged by Arkadi Serper
• Set Me As a Seal (SSAA) – René Clausen
• When I Fall in Love (SSAA) – Victor Young, arranged by Kirby Shaw
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Solo Singers
• Soprano: Kathleen Battle, Maria Callas, Renee Fleming, Elina Garanca, Alison Krauss, Audra
McDonald, Anna Netrebko, Leontyne Price, Beverly Sills
• Mezzo-soprano: Cecilia Bartoli, Grace Bumbry, Susan Graham, Denyce Graves, Marilyn Horne,
Dawn Upshaw
• Alto: Marian Anderson, Ella Fitzgerald, Maureen Forrester, Sherie Renee Scott
• Tenor: Roberto Alagna, Andrea Bocelli, Lawrence Brownlee, José Carreras, Roderick Dixon, Placido
Domingo, Juan Diego Flórez, Luciano Pavarotti, Carl Tanner
• Baritone: Josh Groban, Nathan Gunn, Thomas Hampson, Thomas Meglioranza, Samuel Ramey
• Bass: Carlo Colombara, Gerald Finley, Bryn Terfel, John Tomlinson
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Vocal Ensembles
• Brigham Young University Choirs • Pentatonix
• Calgary Children’s Choir • PS22 Chorus
• Chanticleer • Robert Shaw Festival Singers
• Concordia Choir • Sine Nomine
• Fisk Jubilee Singers • St. Olaf College Choirs
• Indianapolis Children’s Choir • Sweet Adelines
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo • Tapiola Children’s Choir
• Luther College Nordic Choir • Vienna Boys’ Choir
• Moses Hogan Singers
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use basic standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, dynamics, and
other elements of music found in choral scores.
MUS: MCB.1.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
2. The student will echo, read, and notate rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, dotted half notes, half
notes, dotted quarter notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and corresponding rests.
MUS: MCB.1.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
3. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C).
MUS: MCB.1.1
4. The student will visually differentiate call-and-response songs, canons, and partner songs.
MUS: MCB.1.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
5. The student will use contemporary media and technology in the study and creation of music.
MUS: MCB.1.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
Sight-Reading Music
6. The student will sight-sing using a system (e.g., solfege, numbers, neutral syllables).
MUS: MCB.1.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
7. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading MSL1.
MUS: MCB.1.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6 │ M: 6.2
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Vocal Techniques and Choral Skills
14. The student will use proper posture for singing.
MUS: MCB.3.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
15. The student will use proper breathing techniques for singing.
MUS: MCB.3.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
16. The student will sing with a free and clear tone.
MUS: MCB.3.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
17. The student will sing with accurate intonation.
MUS: MCB.3.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
18. The student will use proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, and consonants with emphasis on
beginning and ending consonants).
MUS: MCB.3.7 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
19. The student will identify vocal anatomy, including the functions of the diaphragm and soft palate in
singing.
MUS: MCB.3.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
20. The student will develop vocal independence, agility, and range by singing developmentally appropriate
vocal exercises.
MUS: MCB.3.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
21. The student will blend with other singers on the same vocal part.
MUS: MCB.3.6 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
22. The student will sing an assigned vocal part in a small group.
MUS: MCB.3.8 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
23. The student will sing music literature from memory and from score.
MUS: MCB.3.9 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6 │ S: 6.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Making Connections
36. The student will identify the relationship of choral music to the other fine arts and other fields of
knowledge.
MUS: MCB.7.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
37. The student will examine career options in music.
MUS: MCB.7.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
38. The student will identify ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: MCB.7.5 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
39. The student will demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MCB.7.6 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
Aesthetics
44. The student will propose a definition of music and support that definition.
MUS: MCB.9.1 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
45. The student will describe aesthetic criteria used for determining the quality of a work of music.
MUS: MCB.9.2 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
46. The student will identify reasons for preferences among works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: MCB.9.3 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
47. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: MCB.9.4 │ E: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 │ H: USI.1, USI.9, USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students) or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accidental diaphragm legato rhythm
adagio dictation major round
allegro diction measure rubric
alto dotted note/rest melody score
anatomy downbeat meter second ending
andante dynamics mezzo forte sensory
articulate eighth note/rest mezzo piano sharp
assessment etiquette minor soprano
aural fermata natural spiritual
bar line first ending notation staccato
beat flat partner song tempo
canon forte pentatonic time signature
choreography half note/rest phrase tonic
chorus harmony piano treble clef
collaborative improvisation pitch unison
crescendo improvise posture upbeat
criteria interval pulse verse
critique intonation quarter note/rest whole note/rest
decrescendo jazz refrain
descant larynx repeat
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, dynamics, and other
elements of music found in choral scores.
MUS: MCI.1.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
2. The student will echo, read, and notate rhythmic patterns that include dotted-half-quarter, dotted-quarter-
eighth, dotted-eighth-sixteenth, and corresponding rests.
MUS: MCI.1.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
3. The student will identify, read, and perform music in 22 (alla breve or cut time) and 68 meters.
MUS: MCI.1.1
4. The student will interpret da capo, dal segno, coda, and fine.
MUS: MCI.1.5 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
5. The student will identify key signatures (C, F, and G).
MUS: MCI.1.6 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
6. The student will use contemporary technology to reinforce intermediate choral skills.
MUS: MCI.1.7 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
Sight-Reading Music
7. The student will sight-sing eight-measure, stepwise melodic patterns from unison examples, using the
major scale and maintaining a steady beat.
MUS: MCI.1.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
8. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading MSL2.
MUS: MCI.1.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Vocal Techniques and Choral Skills
13. The student will maintain proper posture for singing.
MUS: MCI.3.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
14. The student will demonstrate proper breathing techniques for singing.
MUS: MCI.3. 2 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
15. The student will demonstrate diaphragmatic breathing.
MUS: MCI.3.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
16. The student will identify the difference between head voice and chest voice.
MUS: MCI.3.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
17. The student will strengthen vocal independence, agility, and range by singing developmentally
appropriate vocal exercises.
MUS: MCI.3.5 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
18. The student will sing with a free and clear tone.
MUS: MCI.3.6
19. The student will sing with accurate intonation.
MUS: MCI.3.6
20. The student will blend with other singers on the same vocal part.
MUS: MCI.3.7 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
21. The student will use proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, voiced and unvoiced
consonants).
MUS: MCI.3.8 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
22. The student will sing an assigned vocal part in music written in two or three parts.
MUS: MCI.3.9 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
23. The student will sing a cappella and with accompaniment.
MUS: MCI.3.10 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
24. The student will sing in at least one language other than English.
MUS: MCI.3.11 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
25. The student will sing music literature from memory and from score.
MUS: MCI.3.12 │ E: 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
32. The student will cooperate and collaborate as a singer during rehearsal.
MUS: MCI.6.2 │ E: 7.1
33. The student will participate in a variety of choral performances.
MUS: MCI. 6.1 │ E: 7.1
34. The student will participate in curricular and co-curricular events (e.g., concerts, other performances) and
in All-County Choir and All-District Choir.
MUS: MCI. 6.1 │ E: 7.1
Making Connections
37. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: MCI.7.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
38. The student will compare and contrast career options in music.
MUS: MCI.7.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
39. The student will examine the relationship of choral music to the other fine arts.
MUS: MCI. 7.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
40. The student will examine ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted
materials.
MUS: MCI.7.5 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
41. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MCI.7.6 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9, CE.1, CE.4, CE.14
Aesthetics
45. The student will explain how the factors of time and place influence the characteristics that give meaning
and value to a work of music.
MUS: MCI.9.1 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
46. The student will describe personal responses to music, using music terminology.
MUS: MCI.9.2 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
47. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: MCI.9.3 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
48. The student will apply aesthetic criteria for determining the quality of a work of music.
MUS: MCI.9.4 │ E: 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8 │ H: USII.1, USII.6, USII.9
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students), or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
a cappella changing voice grand staff skips
a tempo chord interval soprano
AB form coda intonation steps
ABA form da capo (D.C.) key signature technique
accelerando dal segno leap tenor
adagio diaphragm music form tonality
advocate diatonic octave tutti
allegro dictation pianissimo unvoiced consonant
alto diphthong presto vocal range
balance dotted note/rest repertoire voiced consonant
baritone fermata ritardando world music
bass fine rock
bass clef folk rondo
blend fortissimo sixteenth note/rest
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify, define, and use advanced standard notation for pitch, rhythm, meter, dynamics,
and other elements found in choral scores.
MUS: MCAD.1.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
2. The student will echo, read, and notate rhythmic patterns that include eighth-note, half-note, and quarter-
note triplets.
MUS: MCAD.1.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
3. The student will identify, read, and perform music in compound meters ( 38, 68 ) and simple mixed meters.
MUS: MCAD.1.1
4. The student will aurally identify music in asymmetrical meters.
E: 8.2 │ M: 8.15
5. The student will identify components of a three-part choral score.
MUS: MCAD.1.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
6. The student will compose and perform basic rhythmic patterns.
MUS: MCAD.1.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
7. The student will identify key signatures (C, F, and G).
MUS: MCAD.1.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
8. The student will apply contemporary technology to reinforce advanced choral skills.
MUS: MCAD.1.7 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
Sight-Reading Music
9. The student will sight-sing using a system (e.g., solfege, numbers, neutral syllables).
MUS: MCAD.1.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
10. The student will sight-sing stepwise melodic patterns from two-part scores, using the major scale and
maintaining a steady beat.
MUS: MCAD.1.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
11. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading MSL3.
MUS: MCAD.1.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.9
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
15. The student will aurally recognize monophonic and homophonic textures.
MUS: MCAD.2.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5
16. The student will aurally recognize a cappella vs. accompanied singing, descants, and ostinatos.
MUS: MCAD.2.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5
17. The student will write from dictation complex melodic and rhythmic phrases.
MUS: MCAD.2.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5
Performance
Demonstrating Vocal Techniques and Choral Skills
18. The student will consistently maintain proper posture for singing.
MUS: MCAD.3.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
19. The student will consistently use proper breathing techniques for singing.
MUS: MCAD.3.2 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
20. The student will identify the effect of physiological changes on the voice.
MUS: MCAD.3.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
21. The student will sing with a free and clear tone.
MUS: MCAD.3.2
22. The student will sing with accurate intonation.
MUS: MCAD.3.7 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
23. The student will increase breath control through strength and endurance exercises.
MUS: MCAD.3.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
24. The student will integrate principles of vocal health in singing (e.g., diaphragmatic support, open throat,
raised soft palate).
MUS: MCAD.3.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
25. The student will enhance vocal independence, agility, and range by singing developmentally appropriate
vocal exercises, including use of head and chest voices.
MUS: MCAD.3.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
26. The student will demonstrate smooth transition between chest voice and head voice.
MUS: MCAD.3.6
27. The student will apply proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, voiced and unvoiced
consonants).
MUS: MCAD.3.9 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
28. The student will blend with other singers on the same vocal part and across sections, using accurate
intonation.
MUS: MCAD.3.7 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
29. The student will sing an assigned vocal part in music written in three or more parts.
MUS: MCAD.3.8 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
30. The student will sing music literature with and without instrumental accompaniment in at least one
language other than English.
MUS: MCAD.3.10 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
31. The student will sing music literature from memory and from score.
MUS: MCAD.3.11 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5 │ S: PS.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
34. The student will consistently apply dynamic markings while maintaining accurate intonation.
MUS: MCAD.4.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
35. The student will interpret expressive phrasing techniques.
MUS: MCAD.4.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
36. The student will respond to advanced conducting patterns and interpretive gestures.
MUS: MCAD.4.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
37. The student will consistently use facial and physical expressions that reflect the mood and style of the
music.
MUS: MCAD.4.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.4, 8.5
38. The student will apply expected rehearsal skills.
MUS: MCAD.6.2 │ E: 8.2
39. The student will respect student leaders within the choral ensemble.
MUS: MCAD.6.3 │ E: 8.2
40. The student will participate in a variety of choral performances.
MUS: MCAD.6.1 │ E: 8.2
41. The student will participate in curricular and co-curricular events (e.g., concerts, other performances) and
in All-County Choir and All-District Choir.
MUS: MCAD.6.1 │ E: 8.2
Making Connections
46. The student will investigate opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the community.
MUS: MCAD.7.3 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.4, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10,
WHI.12, WHI.13
47. The student will research career options in music.
MUS: MCAD.7.4 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.4, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10,
WHI.12, WHI.13
48. The student will examine the relationship of choral music to other fields of knowledge.
MUS: MCAD.7.5 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.4, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10,
WHI.12, WHI.13
49. The student will research the use of ethical standards as applied to social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: MCAD.7.6 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.4, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10,
WHI.12, WHI.13
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
50. The student will consistently demonstrate exemplary concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: MCAD.7.7 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: CE.1, CE.4, CE.14, WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10,
WHI.12, WHI.13
Aesthetics
55. The student will analyze personal responses to works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: MCAD.9.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13
56. The student will analyze aesthetic criteria used for evaluating works of music or critiquing musical
performances.
MUS: MCAD.9.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13
57. The student will identify the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: MCAD.9.1 │ E: 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students), or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
VOCABULARY
a cappella canon madrigal sforzando
ABBA form chest voice meter soft palate
agility compose monophonic texture
arrange descant ostinato triple
arrangement diaphragm physiological triplet
asymmetrical duple polyphonic
ballad head voice polyphony
Broadway homophonic rondo
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify the basic components of a vocal score.
MUS: HCB.1.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
2. The student will echo, read, and notate rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, dotted half notes, half
notes, dotted quarter notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, eighth-note and quarter-note
triplets, and corresponding rests.
MUS: HCB.1.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
3. The student will identify the functions of the sharp, flat, and natural signs.
MUS: HCB.1.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
4. The student will identify key signatures (C, F, G, D).
MUS: HCB.1.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
5. The student will identify the meaning of the upper and lower numbers of time signatures in duple and
triple meters.
MUS: HCB.1.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
6. The student will identify, read, and perform music in simple meters ( 24, 34, 44, C, 68 ).
MUS: HCB.1.6
7. The student will demonstrate basic conducting patterns.
MUS: HCB.1.7 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
8. The student will identify dynamic markings, including pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo, and decrescendo.
MUS: HCB.1.8 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
9. The student will identify tempo markings, including presto, allegro, andante, adagio, rallentando,
ritardando, and accelerando.
MUS: HCB.1.9 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
10. The student will identify the fermata, repeat sign, da capo, dal segno, coda, and fine.
MUS: HCB.1.10 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
11. The student will use contemporary technology to reinforce choral skills.
MUS: HCB.1.11 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
Sight-Reading Music
12. The student will sight-sing eight-measure, stepwise melodic patterns, using a system (e.g., solfege,
numbers, neutral syllables) while maintaining a steady beat.
MUS: HCB.1.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
13. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading HSL1.
MUS: HCB.1.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Vocal Techniques and Choral Skills
19. The student will use proper posture for singing.
MUS: HCB.3.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
20. The student will use proper breathing techniques for singing.
MUS: HCB.3.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
21. The student will identify vocal anatomy, including the functions of the diaphragm and soft palate in
singing.
MUS: HCB.3.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
22. The student will develop vocal independence, agility, and range by singing appropriate vocal exercises.
MUS: HCB.3.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
23. The student will sing with a free and clear tone.
MUS: HCB.3.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
24. The student will sing with accurate intonation.
MUS: HCB.3.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
25. The student will demonstrate proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, consonants).
MUS: HCB.3.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
26. The student will demonstrate smooth transition between chest voice and head voice.
MUS: HCB.3.4
27. The student will blend with other singers on the same vocal part and across sections, using accurate
intonation.
MUS: HCB.3.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
28. The student will sing an assigned vocal part in simple harmony in an ensemble.
MUS: HCB.3.7 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
29. The student will sing music literature with and without instrumental accompaniment in at least one
language other than English.
MUS: HCB.3.8 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
30. The student will sing music literature from memory and from score.
MUS: HCB.3.9 │ E: 9.1, 9.3
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
32. The student will perform rhythmic patterns that include whole notes, dotted half notes, half notes, dotted
quarter notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, eighth-note and quarter-note triplets, and
corresponding rests.
MUS: HCB.4.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
33. The student will interpret dynamic markings (pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo, decrescendo).
MUS: HCB.4.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
34. The student will interpret the fermata, repeat sign, da capo, dal segno, coda, and fine.
MUS: HCB.4.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
35. The student will demonstrate expressive phrasing.
MUS: HCB.4.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
36. The student will respond to basic conducting patterns and interpretive gestures.
MUS: HCB.4.6 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
37. The student will use facial and physical expressions that reflect the mood and style of the music.
MUS: HCB.4.7 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
38. The student will cooperate and collaborate as a singer during a rehearsal.
MUS: HCB.6.2 │ E: 9.1
39. The student will participate in a variety of performances.
MUS: HCB.6.1 │ E: 9.1
40. The student will participate in curricular and co-curricular events (e.g., concerts, other performances) and
in All-County and All-District events.
MUS: HCB.6.1 │ E: 9.1
Making Connections
44. The student will identify the relationship of choral music to the other fine arts and other fields of
knowledge.
MUS: HCB.7.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
45. The student will investigate career options in music.
MUS: HCB.7.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
46. The student will identify ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HCB.7.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
53. The student will propose a definition of music and support that definition.
MUS: HCB.9.1 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
54. The student will describe aesthetic criteria used for determining the quality of a work of music or
importance of a musical style.
MUS: HCB.9.2 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
55. The student will explain preferences for different works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: HCB.9.3 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
56. The student will identify ways in which music evokes sensory, emotional, and intellectual responses,
including ways in which music can be persuasive.
MUS: HCB.9.4 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
57. The student will identify the value of musical performance to the school community.
MUS: HCB.9.5 │ E: 9.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8 │ H: WHI.1, WHI.5, WHI.6, WHI.10, WHI.12, WHI.13, WHII.1,
WHII.2, WHII.3, WHII.6, WHII.11, CE.4
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students), or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
accelerando da capo improvise quarter note/rest
accidental dal segno interval rallentando
adagio descant intonation repeat sign
allegro diaphragm key signature rhythm
alto diatonic larynx ritardando
anatomy dictation lento round
andante diction major rubric
articulate dotted note/rest measure score
assessment downbeat melody second ending
aural duple meter meter sensory
bar line dynamics mezzo forte sharp
baritone eighth note/rest mezzo piano sixteenth note/rest
bass etiquette minor soft palate
beat falsetto natural soprano
blend fermata notation tempo
canon fine partner song tenor
chest voice first ending pentatonic time signature
choreography flat phrase tonic
coda forte pianissimo treble clef
collaborative fortissimo piano triple meter
copyright half note/rest pitch triplet
crescendo harmony posture unison
criteria head voice presto upbeat
critique improvisation pulse whole note/rest
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify components of a vocal score.
MUS: HCI.1.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
2. The student will echo, read, and notate rhythmic patterns that include dotted-half-quarter, dotted-quarter-
eighth, dotted-eighth-sixteenth, half-note triplets, and corresponding rests.
MUS: HCI.1.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
3. The student will identify, read, compare, contrast, and perform music in 38, 58, 54, 64, and 22 (alla breve or cut
time) meters.
MUS: HCI.1.6
4. The student will identify key signatures (C, F, B-flat, G, D).
MUS: HCI.1.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
5. The student will sing major and minor scales, using a neutral syllable.
MUS: HCI.1.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
6. The student will demonstrate basic conducting patterns, including duple meter.
MUS: HCI.1.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
7. The student will identify modulations in choral scores.
MUS: HCI.1.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
8. The student will demonstrate understanding of the grand staff.
MUS: HCI.1.8 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
9. The student will use contemporary technology to reinforce choral skills.
MUS: HCI.1.9 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
Sight-Reading Music
10. The student will sight-sing eight-measure, stepwise melodic patterns from two-part scores, while
maintaining a steady beat.
MUS: HCI.1.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
11. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading HSL2.
MUS: HCI.1.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
15. The student will write from dictation eight-measure rhythmic phrases.
MUS: HCI.2.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5
16. The student will write from dictation four-measure melodic phrases.
MUS: HCI.2.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5
17. The student will aurally identify a cappella vs. accompanied singing, including ostinato.
MUS: HCI.2.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5
18. The student will aurally identify monophonic, homophonic, and polyphonic textures.
MUS: HCI.2.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.5
Performance
Demonstrating Vocal Techniques and Choral Skills
19. The student will consistently use proper posture for singing.
MUS: HCI.3.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
20. The student will consistently use proper breathing techniques for singing.
MUS: HCI.3.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
21. The student will demonstrate diaphragmatic breathing.
MUS: HCI.3.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
22. The student will demonstrate the difference between head voice and chest voice.
MUS: HCI.3.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
23. The student will demonstrate smooth transition between chest voice and head voice.
MUS: HCI.3.4
24. The student will strengthen vocal independence, agility, and range by singing appropriate vocal exercises.
MUS: HCI.3.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
25. The student will sing with a free and clear tone.
MUS: HCI.3.2
26. The student will sing with accurate intonation.
MUS: HCI.3.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
27. The student will consistently use proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, voiced and unvoiced
consonants).
MUS: HCI.3.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
28. The student will blend with other singers across sections, using accurate intonation.
MUS: HCI.3.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
29. The student will sing an assigned vocal part in simple harmony alone or in ensemble.
MUS: HCI.3.8 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
30. The student will sing music literature with and without instrumental accompaniment in at least one
language other than English.
MUS: HCI.3.9 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
31. The student will sing music literature from memory and from score.
MUS: HCI.3.10 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 │ S: BIO.4
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
35. The student will consistently apply dynamic markings while maintaining accurate intonation.
MUS: HCI.4.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
36. The student will demonstrate consistent use of phrasing.
MUS: HCI.4.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
37. The student will respond to a wide range of conducting patterns and interpretive gestures.
MUS: HCI.4.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
38. The student will consistently use facial and physical expressions that reflect the mood and style of the
music.
MUS: HCI.4.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5
39. The student will cooperate and collaborate as a singer in a rehearsal.
MUS: HCI.6.2 │ E: 10.1
40. The student will participate in a variety of performances and other music activities.
MUS: HCI.6.1 │ E: 10.1
41. The student will participate in
• curricular and co-curricular events (e.g., concerts, other performances)
• ensembles such as madrigal choir, chamber choir, a cappella choir, and show choir
• All-County Choir, All-District Choir, VMEA Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Chorus.
MUS: HCI.6.1 │ E: 10.1
Making Connections
46. The student will describe how musicians, consumers of music, and music advocates impact the
community.
MUS: HCI.7.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
47. The student will compare and contrast career options in music.
MUS: HCI.7.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
48. The student will examine the relationship of choral music to the other fine arts.
MUS: HCI.7.6 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
49. The student will examine ethical standards as applied to the use of social media and copyrighted
materials.
MUS: HCI.7.7 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
50. The student will consistently demonstrate concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HCI.7.8 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
55. The student will analyze and explain how the factors of time and place influence characteristics that give
meaning and value to a work of music.
MUS: HCI.9.1 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
56. The student will describe personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music, using music
terminology.
MUS: HCI.9.2 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
57. The student will analyze ways in which music can evoke emotion and be persuasive.
MUS: HCI.9.3 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
58. The student will apply aesthetic criteria for determining the quality of a work of music or importance of a
musical style.
MUS: HCI.9.4 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
59. The student will explain the value of musical performance to the community.
MUS: HCI.9.5 │ E: 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 │ H: WG.3, WG.4, WG.6, CE.4
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students), or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
146
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
VOCABULARY
accelerando decrescendo intonation round
accent descant key signature rubato
accidental diaphragm larynx rubric
adagio diatonic lento score
allegro dictation major second ending
alto diction measure sensory
anatomy dotted note/rest melody sharp
andante downbeat meter sixteenth note/rest
articulate duple meter mezzo forte soft palate
assessment dynamics mezzo piano soprano
aural eighth note/rest minor tempo
bar line enharmonic natural tenor
baritone etiquette notation theme
bass falsetto partner song time signature
beat fermata pentatonic tonic
blend fine phrase treble clef
canon first ending pianissimo triple meter
chest voice flat piano triplet
choreography forte pitch unison
coda fortissimo posture unvoiced consonants
collaborative half note/rest presto upbeat
copyright harmony pulse variation
crescendo head voice quarter note/rest voiced consonants
criteria hemiola rallentando whole note/rest
critique improvisation repeat sign
da capo improvise rhythm
dal segno interval ritardando
147
Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify components of three- and four-part choral scores.
MUS: HCAD.1.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
2. The student will read and interpret complex rhythmic patterns that include syncopations and hemiolas.
MUS: HCAD.1.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
3. The student will identify, read, compare, contrast, and perform music in 38, 58, 54, 64, and 22 (alla breve or cut
time) meters.
MUS: HCAD.1.2, 1.6
4. The student will identify major key signatures (C, G, F, D, B-flat, E-flat) and their related minor keys.
MUS: HCAD.1.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
5. The student will sing major and minor scales independently, using a neutral syllable.
MUS: HCAD.1.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
6. The student will demonstrate basic conducting patterns, including triple meter.
MUS: HCAD.1.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
7. The student will use contemporary technology to reinforce choral skills.
MUS: HCAD.1.7 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
Sight-Reading Music
8. The student will sight-sing eight-measure melodic patterns containing tonic triad skips from two- or three-
part scores, while maintaining a steady beat.
MUS: HCAD.1.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
9. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading HSL3.
MUS: HCAD.1.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Vocal Techniques and Choral Skills
15. The student will model proper posture for singing.
MUS: HCAD.3.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
16. The student will model proper breathing techniques for singing.
MUS: HCAD.3.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
17. The student will identify the effects of physiological changes and external influences on the voice.
MUS: HCAD.3.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
18. The student will integrate principles of vocal health in singing (e.g., diaphragmatic support, open throat,
raised soft palate).
MUS: HCAD.3.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
19. The student will increase breath control through strength and endurance exercises.
MUS: HCAD.3.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
20. The student will increase vocal independence, agility, and range by singing appropriate vocal exercises,
including use of head and chest voices.
MUS: HCAD.3.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
21. The student will demonstrate smooth transition between chest voice and head voice.
MUS: HCAD.3.6
22. The student will sing with a free and clear tone.
MUS: HCAD.3.7
23. The student will sing with accurate intonation.
MUS: HCAD.3.7 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
24. The student will adjust intonation for balance and blend.
MUS: HCAD.3.7 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
25. The student will sing an assigned vocal part in complex harmony.
MUS: HCAD.3.8 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
26. The student will consistently apply proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, voiced and
unvoiced consonants).
MUS: HCAD.3.9 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
27. The student will sing music literature with and without instrumental accompaniment in at least two
languages other than English.
MUS: HCAD.3.10 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
28. The student will sing music literature from memory and from score.
MUS: HCAD.3.11 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
34. The student will consistently use facial and physical expressions that reflect the mood and style of the
music.
MUS: HCAD.4.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5
35. The student will cooperate as a singer in a rehearsal.
MUS: HCAD.6.2 │ E: 11.1
36. The student will respect student leaders within the choral ensemble.
MUS: HCAD.6.3 │ E: 11.1
37. The student will participate in a variety of performances and other music activities.
MUS: HCAD.6.1 │ E: 11.1
38. The student will participate in
• curricular and co-curricular events (e.g., concerts, other performances)
• ensembles such as madrigal choir, chamber choir, a cappella choir, and show choir
• All-County Choir, All-District Choir, VMEA Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Chorus.
MUS: HCAD.6.1 │ E: 11.1
Making Connections
44. The student will examine opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the community.
MUS: HCAD.7.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15, CE.4, CE.14
45. The student will research career options in music.
MUS: HCAD.7.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15, CE.4, CE.14
46. The student will analyze the relationship of choral music to other fields of knowledge.
MUS: HCAD.7.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15, CE.4, CE.14
47. The student will research the use of ethical standards as applied to social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HCAD.7.7 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15, CE.4, CE.14
48. The student will model exemplary concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HCAD.7.8 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.2, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15, CE.4, CE.14
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50. The student will examine ways in which personal experiences influence critical judgment about works of
music and musical performances.
MUS: HCAD.8.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
51. The student will compare and contrast works of music, using music terminology.
MUS: HCAD.8.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
52. The student will evaluate works of music, using accepted criteria.
MUS: HCAD.8.4 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
53. The student will compare and contrast music performances.
MUS: HCAD.8.5 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
54. The student will critique vocal performances of self and others (e.g., VCDA assessment rubrics, VCDA
assessment forms, teacher-developed rubrics), using critical-thinking skills.
MUS: HCAD.8.6 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
Aesthetics
55. The student will analyze and explain personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music,
using music terminology.
MUS: HCAD.9.1 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
56. The student will analyze aesthetic criteria used for evaluating works of music or critiquing musical
performances.
MUS: HCAD.9.2 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
57. The student will explain the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: HCAD.9.3 │ E: 11.1, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.8 │ H: VUS.1, VUS.6, VUS.10, VUS.12, VUS.15
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students), or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
VOCABULARY
ABBA form criteria interval Renaissance
accelerando critique intonation repeat sign
accidental da capo key signature rhythm
adagio dal segno larynx ritardando
allegro decrescendo lento Romantic
alto descant lieder rondo
anatomy diaphragm madrigal round
andante diatonic major rubric
anthem dictation measure score
art song diction Medieval second ending
articulate dotted note/rest melody sensory
assessment downbeat meter sharp
aural duple meter mezzo forte sixteenth note/rest
bar line dynamics mezzo piano soft palate
barbershop eighth note/rest minor soprano
baritone etiquette motet swing
Baroque falsetto natural tempo
bass fermata notation tenor
beat fine opera time signature
blend first ending partner song tonic
canon flat pentatonic treble clef
carols forte phrase triad
chest voice fortissimo pianissimo triple meter
chord gospel (style) piano triplet
choreography half note/rest pitch unison
Classical harmony posture unvoiced consonants
coda head voice presto upbeat
collaborative hemiola pulse voiced consonants
copyright improvisation quarter note/rest whole note/rest
crescendo improvise rallentando
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Music Theory/Literacy
Developing Music Literacy
1. The student will identify all components of vocal music scores.
MUS: HCAR.1.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
2. The student will read and notate complex rhythmic patterns.
MUS: HCAR.1.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
3. The student will identify major key signatures and their related minor keys.
MUS: HCAR.1.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
4. The student will identify various compositional procedures and techniques, including fugue, modulation,
word painting, and aleatoric music.
MUS: HCAR.1.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
5. The student will demonstrate conducting patterns, including those for compound meters.
MUS: HCAR.1.7 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
6. The student will transpose a cappella music into one or more keys.
MUS: HCAR.2.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.5
7. The student will use contemporary technology to reinforce choral skills.
MUS: HCAR.1.8 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
Sight-Reading Music
8. The student will sight-sing eight-measure melodic patterns containing skips of thirds, fourths, and fifths
from three- or four-part scores, while maintaining a steady beat.
MUS: HCAR.1.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
9. The student will sing major, minor, and chromatic scales, using a system (e.g., solfege, numbers, neutral
syllable).
MUS: HCAR.1.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
10. The student will sight-sing all requirements found in VCDA Sight-Reading HSL4.
MUS: HCAR.1.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Performance
Demonstrating Advanced Vocal Techniques and Solo/Choral Skills
13. The student will model proper posture for solo/choral singing.
MUS: HCAR.3.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
14. The student will use breath control, vocal independence, and agility while singing appropriate vocal
exercises throughout the vocal range.
MUS: HCAR.3.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
15. The student will use advanced vocal techniques to control dynamics and articulation.
MUS: HCAR.3.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
16. The student will use advanced vocal-development exercises to improve intonation.
MUS: HCAR.3.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
17. The student will model adjustment of intonation by applying listening skills.
MUS: HCAR.3.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
18. The student will sing songs with complex and/or nontraditional harmonies.
MUS: HCAR.3.7 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
19. The student will model proper diction (i.e., pure vowel sounds, diphthongs, voiced and unvoiced
consonants).
MUS: HCAR.3.8 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
20. The student will model smooth transition between chest voice and head voice.
MUS: HCAR.3.2
21. The student will exhibit audition skills.
MUS: HCAR.3.9 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
22. The student will sing advanced, representative solo and choral music in various forms, styles, and
languages.
MUS: HCAR.3.10 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
23. The student will sing music literature from memory as well as from score.
MUS: HCAR.3.11 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
24. The student will model blending and balancing with other singers.
MUS: HCAR.3.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 │ S: PH.8
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
32. The student will respect student leaders within the choral ensemble.
MUS: HCAR.6.2 │ E: 12.1
33. The student will fulfill leadership roles (e.g., section leader, student conductor, accompanist, choir officer,
choir librarian, peer mentor).
MUS: HCAR.6.3 │ E: 12.1
34. The student will participate in a variety of performances and other music activities.
MUS: HCAR.6.1 │ E: 12.1
35. The student will participate in
• curricular and co-curricular events (e.g., concerts, other performances)
• ensembles such as madrigal choir, chamber choir, a cappella choir, and show choir
• All-County Choir, All-District Choir, VMEA Honors Choir, and All-Virginia Chorus.
MUS: HCAR.6.1 │ E: 12.1
Making Connections
41. The student will explore and evaluate opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the
community.
MUS: HCAR.7.4 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
42. The student will research career pathways in the music field.
MUS: HCAR.7.5 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
43. The student will assess the use of ethical standards as applied to social media and copyrighted materials.
MUS: HCAR.7.6 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
44. The student will model exemplary concert etiquette as an active listener.
MUS: HCAR.7.7 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8 │ H: GOVT.1, GOVT.17, CE.4, CE.14
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
Aesthetics
47. The student will analyze and explain personal emotional and intellectual responses to works of music,
using music terminology.
MUS: HCAR.9.1 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8
48. The student will analyze aesthetic criteria used for evaluating works of music or critiquing musical
performances.
MUS: HCAR.9.2 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8
49. The student will analyze the value of musical performance to society.
MUS: HCAR.9.3 │ E: 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8
RECOMMENDED REPERTOIRE
See repertoire list beginning on page 118.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
See list of performing artists and ensembles on page 123.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers should select assessment methods to measure student progress in relation to the curriculum objectives.
Suggested assessment methods include the following:
• Pre- and post-assessment
• Individual singing and/or written assessment, using rubrics
• Small-group assessment, using rubrics
• Student self-assessment, either written (e.g., checklists), verbal (to teacher or other students), or
recorded (audio, video), using rubrics
• Listening journal
• Rehearsal-reflection log
• Sight-singing, using rubrics
• Concert participation and reflection
• Formal and informal vocal evaluations, to include VCDA performance criteria
• Written compositions or improvised musical works, either performed live or recorded
• Warm-up and exit tasks
• Question-and-answer assessment (large group, small group, or partner)
• Visual representations (e.g., graphic organizers, traditional notation, student-created notation), either
drawn, written, made with manipulatives, or computer-generated
VOCABULARY
ABBA form appoggiatura bass compound meter
accelerando arpeggio beat consonance
accidental art song blend copyright
adagio articulate canon crescendo
aleatoric articulation carol criteria
allegro assessment chest voice critique
alto augmented chord da capo
anacrusis aural choreography dal segno
anatomy bar line chromatic scale decrescendo
andante barbershop Classical descant
anthem baritone coda diaphragm
anticipation Baroque collaborative diatonic
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Sample Music Curriculum for Virginia Public Schools
157