PTP 6.2 Final Project
production through performance
6.2 Final Project // Lesson Plan
LESSON OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to write, play, and record a full song with verse/chorus form.
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PREPARATION
Look at the construction of the Dumb Pop Song project fork in the Walkthrough section. Pay close attention to how the repeated sections are constructed by copying and pasting parts and how the harmonic texture is altered by layering chordal instruments.
Have students create a rough outline of pop song form using the pop song organizer (this can be altered later).
The chord progressions, bass lines, and drum grooves can be from previous projects depending on the character of the class and the amount of time left in the semester.
Instruct students to write and record a drum groove with optional fills for the Verse, Chorus, and Bridge. Each groove should be recorded in Soundtrap to create three four-measure phrases.
Students should then write three chord progressions and complete the organizer for the Verse, Chorus, and Bridge organizer.
One way to make sure that the chord progressions work together is to have students practice the progressions using only root position chords to allow easy motion from chord to chord. They can then hear the sound of progressions being played consecutively.
Have students record the bass lines and chordal parts for each progression underneath the drum groove for the corresponding song section.
Students should then duplicate and loop the four measure phrases to match the organizer.
Have students record the second chordal parts to repeated sections to alter the harmonic texture.
Students can then write and record melodies either by using voice leading or by ear for each song section.
Assessment
Students SHOULD be able to follow the rules on writing a drum groove, chord progression, bass line, chordal parts, and melodies by this time. In this project, the teacher can act more like a facilitator or student’s creativity. Feel free to step in and assist students who are having difficulties with the mechanics and theory of writing and recording different elements of the song. These students can also be partnered with stronger students for the final project.
Here are some tips on how to allow students to have control while still monitoring their progress.Frequently check in with students during each step in the composition process.
Give firm due dates for each element of the project.
Give suggestions for each student on how to make improvements on their drum, bass, chord, and melodies.
Have students listen to each others projects during the composition process.
Write a song yourself during the project and share your process with the students.
If you hear something that doesn’t sound right to your ear, have students listen back or have another student listen and allow the students to come to their own conclusions about the issue.