Music for Grade 1
1 Introduction to Music
1-1 Understanding the Basics of Music
1-2 Importance of Rhythm, Melody, and Harmony
1-3 Introduction to Musical Instruments
2 Rhythm
2-1 Basic Rhythmic Patterns
2-2 Counting and Clapping Rhythms
2-3 Introduction to Beat and Tempo
2-4 Simple Rhythmic Exercises
3 Melody
3-1 Introduction to Musical Notes
3-2 Reading and Writing Simple Melodies
3-3 Playing Melodies on a Keyboard or Recorder
3-4 Melodic Dictation and Ear Training
4 Harmony
4-1 Introduction to Chords and Harmonies
4-2 Basic Harmonic Progressions
4-3 Playing Simple Harmonies on a Keyboard
4-4 Understanding Harmonic Context in Music
5 Musical Instruments
5-1 Introduction to Common Musical Instruments
5-2 Playing Simple Tunes on a Recorder
5-3 Basic Techniques for String Instruments
5-4 Introduction to Percussion Instruments
6 Music Theory
6-1 Introduction to Musical Scales
6-2 Understanding Key Signatures
6-3 Basic Music Notation
6-4 Introduction to Time Signatures
7 Performance Skills
7-1 Introduction to Performance Etiquette
7-2 Basic Stage Presence and Confidence Building
7-3 Playing Simple Pieces in Front of an Audience
7-4 Feedback and Improvement Techniques
8 Listening and Appreciation
8-1 Introduction to Different Musical Genres
8-2 Listening to and Analyzing Simple Pieces
8-3 Understanding the Role of Dynamics in Music
8-4 Appreciating Music from Different Cultures
9 Composition
9-1 Introduction to Basic Composition Techniques
9-2 Creating Simple Melodies and Rhythms
9-3 Arranging Simple Musical Pieces
9-4 Introduction to Improvisation
10 Final Assessment
10-1 Practical Performance of Learned Pieces
10-2 Written Test on Music Theory and Notation
10-3 Rhythmic and Melodic Dictation
10-4 Feedback and Certification
10 Final Assessment Explained

10 Final Assessment Explained

Key Concepts

Performance Assessment

The performance assessment involves playing a piece of music on your instrument. This tests your technical skills, accuracy, and expression. Think of it as a recital where you showcase what you've learned.

Example: Playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on the piano with correct fingerings and dynamics.

Listening Test

The listening test requires you to identify elements of music such as melody, rhythm, and dynamics from a recorded piece. This tests your ability to actively listen and recognize musical components.

Example: Identifying whether a piece is in a major or minor key after listening to a short excerpt.

Written Test

The written test covers theoretical knowledge, including musical terms, notation, and basic music theory. This tests your understanding of the concepts taught throughout the year.

Example: Writing the note names for a given musical staff or defining what a crescendo is.

Rhythmic Dictation

Rhythmic dictation involves listening to a short rhythm and then writing it down. This tests your ability to recognize and notate rhythmic patterns.

Example: Hearing and writing down a simple rhythm like "ta-ta-ti-ti" on the staff.

Melodic Dictation

Melodic dictation requires you to listen to a short melody and then write it down. This tests your ability to recognize and notate melodic patterns.

Example: Hearing and writing down a simple melody like "Do-Re-Mi" on the staff.

Sight-Reading

Sight-reading involves playing a piece of music you have never seen before. This tests your ability to read and interpret music notation quickly.

Example: Playing a new piece of music on the piano without prior practice.

Musical Terms

This section tests your knowledge of musical terms and symbols. You may be asked to define terms or identify symbols on a musical staff.

Example: Defining what "allegro" means or identifying the symbol for a fermata.

Instrument Identification

Instrument identification involves recognizing different musical instruments by their sound. This tests your familiarity with a variety of instruments.

Example: Identifying a violin, trumpet, or flute from a short audio clip.

Composition Task

The composition task requires you to create a short piece of music using the concepts you've learned. This tests your ability to apply musical knowledge creatively.

Example: Composing a simple melody with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Self-Evaluation

Self-evaluation involves reflecting on your performance and identifying areas for improvement. This tests your ability to assess your own progress and set goals.

Example: Writing a brief reflection on what you did well in your performance and what you need to work on.