Unit Plan 18 (Grade 3 Music): Melodic Performance

Focus: Perform melodies with expression and technical accuracy, demonstrating appropriate performance decorum and audience etiquette in a classroom performance setting.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Music (Performance • Expression • Concert Skills)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students bring their melodic work to the performance stage. They practice singing (and/or playing) short melodies with accurate pitch, rhythm, and clear words, while using dynamics and phrasing to show expression. Students also learn and rehearse expectations for performance decorum—how to stand, focus, enter/exit, and respond as performers—and for audience etiquette, including respectful listening and appropriate applause. By the end, students participate in a small class “sharing” where they perform melodies and reflect on what good performance feels and looks like.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to perform a melody with both technical accuracy and expression?
• How do posture, breath, and focus help us sing or play more accurately?
• What does respectful performance decorum and audience etiquette look and sound like in music class?
• How can I show that I am ready to perform—and ready to listen—as part of a musical community?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Perform a short melody (solo, small group, or whole class) with mostly accurate pitch and rhythm.
2. Use at least one expressive element (e.g., dynamics, phrasing, supported tone) to communicate a musical idea.
3. Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum as a performer: posture, eye focus, starting/ending together, and staying engaged.
4. Demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette: quiet listening, supportive focus, and respectful applause at appropriate times.
5. Reflect on their own performance, noting one strength and one area to grow in accuracy, expression, or decorum.

Standards Alignment — Grade 3 Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Pr6.1.3a — Perform music, alone or with others, with expression and technical accuracy.
  • Example: Singing in tune with appropriate dynamics.
• MU:Pr6.1.3b — Demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate to the context and venue.
  • Example: Showing proper posture and focus during a concert.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can perform a melody with mostly correct notes and rhythms.
• I can use expression (like loud/soft or smooth/connected singing) to make the melody more musical.
• I can show good performance decorum with my body, face, and focus while I perform.
• I can be a respectful audience member by listening, watching, and clapping at the right times.
• I can name one thing I did well and one thing I want to improve next time I perform.