Unit Plan 15 (Grade 6 Orchestra): Revision Studio—Playability & Intonation

Focus: Revise created music using teacher/peer feedback to improve playability, bow control, and intonation accuracy, and explain the changes made.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Orchestra (Composition Revision • Technique • Intonation)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 6 orchestra students return to a melody they already composed and notated and learn how to make it more playable and better in tune. They use feedback from the teacher and peers, plus simple recordings, to notice where string crossings, finger patterns, leaps, and bowings make playing difficult or cause intonation issues. Then they revise their music to smooth out awkward spots, improve bow control, and clarify expressive intent. By the end, they perform the revised version and explain exactly what they changed and why.

Essential Questions

• How can feedback from myself, my teacher, and my peers help me improve the playability of my music?
• What kinds of musical choices make intonation easier or harder for string players?
• How do changes in bowing and string choice affect tone, control, and expression?
• Why is it important for a composer to be able to explain revisions and how they improve the music?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify trouble spots in their composed melodies related to playability, bowing, and intonation using teacher/peer feedback and simple recordings.
2. Revise melodic lines to improve playability (e.g., smoother finger patterns, easier string crossings, comfortable range).
3. Adjust notes, string choices, and bowings to support more reliable intonation and better bow control.
4. Update their notation to show revised pitches, rhythms, dynamics, and bowing indications clearly.
5. Perform or have performed both the original and revised versions and describe the changes, explaining how they improved playability and intonation.

Standards Alignment — Grade 6 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Cr3.6a — Revise created music using teacher/peer feedback to improve playability, intonation accuracy, bow control, and expressive clarity, describing changes made.
  • Example: Students adjust a melodic leap that caused intonation issues and explain the revision.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can find spots in my piece that are hard to play or tune and explain why.
• I can change notes, finger patterns, or string choices to make my melody more playable.
• I can adjust bowings so my piece feels smoother and more controlled.
• I can update my notation so the revised version is clean, readable, and accurate.
• I can explain at least two specific revisions and how they improved intonation or playability.