Unit Plan 15 (Grade 7 Band): Revising Musical Ideas

Focus: Refine compositions using clear criteria and peer/teacher feedback to improve accuracy, playability, balance, and expressive intent.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Band (Creating • Revision & Feedback • Musical Craftsmanship)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn that strong compositions don’t appear in one step—they are revised and improved over time. Using music they have already created (short melodies, AB/ABA forms, or call-and-response ideas), they apply specific criteria—accuracy, playability, balance, and expressive intent—to identify what works and what needs adjustment. Through self-assessment, peer feedback, and teacher guidance, they make targeted revisions and document their changes. By the end of the week, each student will present a “before and after” version of a piece, explaining how revision made their music clearer, more playable, and more expressive.

Essential Questions

• Why is revision an important part of the music-creation process?
• How can clear criteria (accuracy, playability, balance, expressive intent) help us improve our compositions?
• What does helpful feedback look and sound like in a band composition setting?
• How can I explain the revisions I made and why they improved my music?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use clear criteria (accuracy, playability, balance, expressive intent) to evaluate their own and others’ short compositions.
2. Identify specific spots in their music where pitches, rhythms, or ranges make performance difficult and revise them for better accuracy and playability.
3. Adjust dynamics, articulations, and texture to improve balance and clarify expressive intent.
4. Use peer and teacher feedback to make at least two meaningful revisions to a draft composition.
5. Document their revisions in writing (or digitally) and explain how each change improved the piece.

Standards Alignment — 7th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)

• BD:Cr3.7a — Evaluate and refine created music using criteria (accuracy, playability, balance, expressive intent), documenting revisions and explaining changes.
  • Example: Students revise a rhythm to improve playability and explain why it works better.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use specific criteria to talk about what is working and what needs improvement in my music.
• I can revise notes and rhythms so my piece is more accurate and playable on my instrument.
• I can adjust dynamics and articulations to make my musical idea clearer and more expressive.
• I can show a before and after version of my piece and explain what changed and why.
• I can give and receive respectful, specific feedback that focuses on the music, not the person.