Summary

Students will learn the names of articulation signs in music and their meaning. They will practice a song using different articulation sign structures and analyze how these factors change the feeling of the song.

_{The timing and pacing of the exercises in this lesson plan example are approximate and will differ depending on your students' skill level. If the pace of this lesson plan is too fast for you, divide it into several lessons and add additional activities (see 'Activities' section). If the pace of this lesson plan is too slow for you, explore the 'Beyond the lesson' chapter at the end of this lesson plan for additional activities.}

⏰ Time: 40 min

🎓 Grades: 4-6

🎯 Objective(s): As a result of this lesson students will know and/or be able to...

• Understand the importance and meaning of articulation
• How articulation affects a song
• Learn different articulation techniques

💡 Required Prior Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic signs and symbols on the staff
• Knowledge of note values and notation
• Examples of articulation

💻 Materials:

• Solfeg.io web app best used with Chrome browser
• Projector or computer and access to WIFI

Song suggestions:

Start of your lesson

🕐 5 min - Set up the classroom

• Log into Solfeg.io;
• Load your chosen song;
• Find the part of the song you want to play for your students

Warm-Up

🕐 10 min - Explore articulation

• Help students define and figure out what is articulation. Write the word “articulation” on the board to create a word web with your students. Have then provide you with answers that you can add to the web you are creating.
• Go over and explain articulation examples with students: staccato, legato, marcato, accent, tenuto.

Practice

🕐 7 min - Exercise 1:

• Pick a song from the suggested list and pull it up on Solfeg.io.
• For the first challenge, play (piano, ukulele, guitar) or sing the vocal part a section of the song (e.g. chorus) with using legato.

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🕐 7 min - Exercise 2:

• Take that same chorus and play every note staccato.
• ‍Ask your students:

How did it feel?

How does it affect the meaning of the song?

Does it add or take away from the overall sound of the song?

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🕐 10 min - Exercise 3

• Now it is time to combine these two techniques! Collaborate with students on how you will play with articulation.
• Make a pattern for each phrase of legato, staccato, legato, staccato. Try picking out certain words in the chorus that will be staccato and play the rest of it legato. Be creative and have fun with your students!
• Then go back to the beginning of the song and demonstrate your students on how the song sounds with their legato+staccato formula.

Reflection

🕐 5 min - Q & A

• Points of discussion

What did you learn? Explain.

Why is articulation important?

How can articulation affect the meaning of a song?

Beyond the Lesson

Challenge students to go beyond the lesson by...

• Play a different song and play around with the different articulations. See how it impacts the sound and meaning of the song.
• Assigning ‘Everything About Articulation' quiz as homework to get a deeper knowledge on the topic.

Visual presentation

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This lesson plan was created by Gina, a middle school music teacher and creator behind @musicpluscoffee

Gina received her Bachelor's of Music Education in 2014 and currently teaches music at a K-5 school. She is passionate about making music resources that are cute and modern, while keeping the fun and love for music alive! She believes music is important, music is powerful and that music can bring people together. That is why she is so passionate about what she creates.

"It has been such a pleasure getting to know the Solfeg.io program and the people behind it who are also very passionate about music. I look forward to hearing and seeing how you use these lesson plans I created in your classroom so please reach out to me on instagram @musicpluscoffee."

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