Unit Plan 6 (Grade 5 Music): Notating Rhythm & Harmony

Focus: Document rhythmic ideas and simple chord patterns using notation and/or recording technology, so that musical ideas can be remembered, shared, and performed accurately.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Music (General • Rhythm • Harmony/Creating)

Total Unit Duration: 1 required session (core), plus up to 2 optional extension sessions; 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students shift from creating rhythms and harmony by ear to documenting those ideas so they can be performed the same way again. They learn how standard notation, iconic notation, and simple recordings can capture personal rhythmic patterns and basic harmonic support (like drones or easy chord patterns). By the end of the unit, each student or group creates a short “Rhythm & Harmony Card” that shows a clear rhythmic idea and a simple chord or drone, then explains how their notation or recording helps others re-create the sound.

Essential Questions

• Why is it important for musicians to write down or record their rhythmic and harmonic ideas?
• How can we use notation or simple recording tools to document rhythms and chords so other musicians can accurately perform them?
• What makes a good musical document (score, chart, or recording) clear and easy to follow?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use standard and/or iconic notation (or a simple recording tool) to document a personal rhythmic idea (MU:Cr2.1.5b).
2. Add simple harmonic support (such as a drone, repeated chord, or two-note pattern) to their rhythm and document it using notation and/or recording.
3. Organize their rhythmic and harmonic ideas into a clear “Rhythm & Harmony Card” that another student can read or listen to and perform.
4. Perform from a peer’s notated or recorded idea, checking for accuracy between the documented version and the intended sound.
5. Explain how their choices in notation or recording help communicate what to play, when to play, and how it should sound.

Standards Alignment — Grade 5 Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Cr2.1.5b — Use standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic musical ideas.
  • Example: Notating a melody and recording a chord drone to support it.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can write down or record my own rhythmic idea so that someone else can copy it.
• I can add a simple chord, drone, or harmonic pattern to support my rhythm.
• I can make a Rhythm & Harmony Card that is clear and organized.
• I can perform someone else’s idea by reading or listening to their documentation.
• I can explain how my notation or recording tells performers what and when to play.