Unit Plan 8 (Grade 6 Vocal Music): Rehearsal Strategies
Apply rehearsal strategies to fix pitch and rhythm as students respond to teacher feedback to strengthen technique, ensemble skills, and confident vocal performance.
Focus: Apply rehearsal strategies to fix pitch and rhythm challenges while responding to teacher feedback to improve overall vocal performance.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Vocal Music (Rehearsal Skills • Technique • Ensemble Work)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–55 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn how to rehearse on purpose instead of just repeating a song from beginning to end. They explore specific rehearsal strategies—such as slow practice, chunking, counting and clapping, solfege review, and sectionals—to fix pitch and rhythm problems. Students also practice responding to teacher feedback, adjusting vowels, breath, or counting in real time. By the end of the week, they will be able to name and use multiple strategies to solve tricky spots and explain how feedback helped them improve.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to rehearse strategically, not just “sing it again”?
- How can I use rehearsal strategies to fix pitch and rhythm problems in my part?
- How should I respond when a teacher or conductor gives me feedback about my singing?
- How do good rehearsal habits prepare a choir for confident, polished performances?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use at least two rehearsal strategies (slow practice, chunking, clapping/counting, solfege, section practice) to fix pitch and rhythm challenges.
- Identify spots in a song where pitch accuracy or rhythm precision break down and choose strategies to repair them.
- Respond to teacher feedback by adjusting vowels, breath support, counting, or posture to improve sound.
- Work with a small group to rehearse a short excerpt, showing improved blend, pitch, and rhythm over time.
- Reflect on which rehearsal strategies are most helpful for them as individual singers.
Standards Alignment — Grade 6 Vocal Music (custom, NAfME-style)
- VM:Pr5.6a — Apply rehearsal strategies to improve pitch accuracy, rhythm, and blend.
- Example: Students rehearse a difficult phrase slowly, then return to tempo.
- VM:Pr5.6b — Respond to teacher feedback to improve vocal performance.
- Example: Students adjust vowel shapes after feedback to improve blend.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name and use at least two rehearsal strategies to fix a tough passage.
- I can show that my pitch and rhythm improved in a specific phrase after extra practice.
- I can listen to feedback, make a change, and hear a difference in my singing.
- I can work with a small group to rehearse a section and help the group sound more together and in tune.
- I can explain which rehearsal strategies help me most and when I should use them.