Blended Learning Lesson Plan

Lesson Title:
Chord Theory and Scale Degrees
Objectives:
Students will be able to identify scale degrees within a given key.
Students will be able to match scale degrees with chords and their tonality in a key
State Standards:

Indicator GM.CR IH.2.1 I can identify chord changes.

Indicator GM.P IH.5.1 I can read and use key signatures.

Context: This lesson is important for future song writers. In my classroom, I want to give
students the ability to write basic songs allowing for expression. They will also learn how to play
orchestral music which keeps them in line with most other programs. The students will learn
basic chord theory before beginning the lesson. After this assignment students will be asked to
write down the chords to their favorite song and analyze what scale degree the chord is based on.
Data: The students will be grouped by their prior understanding to chord theory. I will have data
that shows loosely what their understanding is of chord theory and how it functions in music. I
will have one of the multimedia be a small quiz for the students to take, but I will also be
collecting notes from the video that they watch.
Materials:
Computer, musictheory.net, youtube video, notebook, pencil

Detailed paragraphs from here on down.

Procedures:
Introduction (10 minutes):
This time will allow the students to sit down, and read what is on the board which is loose
instructions as to what we will be doing that day. We will start the day off by practicing our
rhythms and sight reading. Once this is finishes I will go into detail about the different tasks they
will be asked to complete and how to do it. I will then put them in groups and assign each group
to a first task.
Teacher Directed (10 minutes):
This portion will be review for the students. I will go into detail about basic chord theory and
how they relate to scale degrees. We will then analyze a basic song, and I’ll show them what it
looks like to analyze a song which will be their assignment next class period. Towards the end of
the directed time there will be time for questions if students have any.
Collaborative (10 minutes):
The students will gather around the digital board and be asked to watch a selected YouTube
video together. They will be asked to take notes, and turn in these notes as they walk out the
door. At the end of the video the students will be asked to share something that they got from the
video, and how they might use it in their future compositions or assignments.
Independent Digital (10 minutes):
The students will log on to their computers and go to our google classroom page. They will then
click on a link that brings them to a quiz that I previously set up. This quiz will test many things
related to basic chord theory. As the class ends the students will pass their notes along with the
grade from their quiz in to me.
Closure (10 minutes):
The students will come together and put the classroom back together and pack up. I will do some
housekeeping and announce the next assignment and when it is due. I will then remind them of
other important dates like performances or any after school rehearsals. As the students line up to
exit the room they will turn in their notes and put them in my hand. On the notes they can again
ask any questions and I can answer them while grading their notes.
Rationale:
https://www.musictheory.net/exercises/chord
This quiz is a chord identification quiz. The settings have been altered to keep only select keys
and no inversions. This will allow them to practice, but also not get stuck on any chord that is
rarely seen. I will ask the students to complete 25 of these, as they are easier and they have a
longer time to complete these questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TotTLQGqKJE&t=452s
This video is an analysis of the new jack black song from the Super Mario Bros. Movie. It is
important to show something educational and yet entertaining. The video has been previously
screened so no inappropriate things will slip through. The students will just have to click replay
on the board from the previous group watching. The video does a great job of showing a physical
representation but explains it thoroughly. This should help the different learners. Those who are
visual leaners or those that just need to hear a good explanation.