FF 4.5 | Transcription

5 TRanscription (1 Day & As Enrichment)

Objectives

Determine the progression and strumming pattern of a famous cowboy chord part.

Procedure

1. Introduction to Transcription: Start with an overview of transcription, emphasizing its importance in developing musicianship. Explain how transcription goes beyond simply copying music by ear and involves understanding the music's underlying structure.

2. Listening Session: Play "Sweet Home Alabama" and other songs, encouraging students to listen actively to the chord progressions and to try identifying chords by ear.

3. Chord Voicings and Order: Introduce different chord voicings using "Sweet Home Alabama" as an example. Have students arrange given chord shapes in the correct order to match the song's progression.

4. Group Transcription Activity: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a section of "Sweet Home Alabama" to transcribe, focusing on both the chord progression and specific voicings.

5. Simplified Parts for Differentiation: Provide simplified chord progressions and picking patterns for students who may struggle with the standard transcription task. This allows all students to participate at their own skill level.

6. Ear Training for Chord Qualities: Conduct ear training exercises focused on distinguishing between major, minor, and seventh chords. This can involve playing chords on a guitar and having students identify them by ear.

7. Encourage students to apply the transcription skills they've developed to songs of their choice, fostering independence and confidence in their ability to learn music by ear.

Opening and Closing Activities

Opening: Begin with a listening exercise, playing a well-known song and asking students to identify the chords used. This can warm up their ears and set the tone for the lesson.

Closing: Reflect on the day's activities, asking students to share one new thing they learned about transcription or chord voicing. Encourage them to practice these skills at home by picking a song to transcribe independently.

Assessment

• Gauge student success on an individual basis based on their previous ability with transcription.

Differentiation

Remediation: Assign the simplified versions of the songs on the transcription tab.

Enrichment: Challenge them with one of the more complex songs and/or let them transcribe the picking hand as well.

Notes

• Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in students' transcription abilities. Highlight progress and celebrate successes, no matter how small.

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