Unit Plan 14 (Grade 7 Vocal Music): Notating & Recording Music

Focus: Document melodies and rhythmic ideas using standard notation and/or recording technology, including simple drones or chord tones to support vocal lines.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Vocal Music (Choir • Composition • Music Technology)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn how to capture and preserve their musical ideas so they don’t disappear after rehearsal. Building on their work with melody and form, they practice writing pitches and rhythms on the staff and using simple recording tools to document performances. Students learn how to add a basic drone or chord tone underneath their melody so that the recording supports pitch and shows harmony. By the end of the week, each student will have a short notated melody and a simple recording that demonstrates both accuracy and intentional support.

Essential Questions

• Why is it important for musicians to document their ideas instead of just remembering them?
• How do standard notation and recording technology help us share and improve our music?
• What makes notation clear and accurate enough for another musician to perform?
• How can a simple drone or chord tone change the way a melody feels and sounds?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use standard notation (staff, clef, key signature, time signature, bar lines, note/rest values) to write a short vocal melody.
2. Accurately notate rhythmic ideas that fit a given meter (e.g., 4/4 or 3/4) and align beats correctly within measures.
3. Use recording technology (phone/tablet/computer or classroom device) to capture a clear performance of their melody.
4. Add basic harmonic support (a drone or simple chord tone) underneath their melody, either sung, played, or digitally generated.
5. Label and organize their notation and recording (title, name, key, meter) so another musician could understand and perform it.
6. Reflect on how using notation and technology helps them remember, refine, and share their musical ideas.

Standards Alignment — Grade 7 Vocal Music (custom, NAfME-style)

• VM:Cr2.7b — Use standard notation and/or recording technology to document melodies, rhythms, and basic harmonic support (such as drones or simple chord tones).
  • Example: Students notate a melody and record a drone or chord tone accompaniment to support it.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can write my melody on the staff with correct notes, rhythms, and bar lines.
• I can use a recording tool to capture my singing clearly and at a steady tempo.
• I can add a drone or chord tone that supports my melody’s key.
• I can label my work so another musician could read and perform it.
• I can explain how notation and recording help me save and share my music.