Exploring Musical Periods and Iconic Composers Music JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Lesson Plan: Musical Periods and Some Major Composers

Subject: Music
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 11-12 years
Topic: Musical Periods and Some Major Composers
Sub-topic: Overview of Musical Periods and Key Composers
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define the major musical periods.
2. Identify key composers from each musical period.
3. Describe the characteristics of music from each period.
4. Recognize significant contributions of major composers.

Keywords

• Baroque
• Classical
• Romantic
• Modern
• Composer

Set Induction

The teacher plays a short musical excerpt from each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern). Students listen and note differences in style and sound.

Entry Behaviour

Students have a basic understanding of musical genres and are familiar with listening to various types of music.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Audio clips of music from each period
• Visual aids (posters or slides) of composers
• Whiteboard and markers
• Music history textbooks

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher connects the new topic to previous lessons on music elements and the importance of composers in shaping music history. Students build on their knowledge of musical styles and forms.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical listening and analysis
• Historical understanding
• Research and presentation skills

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• “A History of Western Music” by J. Peter Burkholder
• “The Classical Style” by Charles Rosen

Instructional Materials

• Audio clips of Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern music
• Visual aids of major composers
• Whiteboard for notes and diagrams

Content: Musical Periods and Some Major Composers

1. Baroque Period (1600-1750):
   • Characteristics: Complex polyphony, ornamentation, harpsichord, and contrast between loud and soft.
   • Major Composers:
     • Johann Sebastian Bach
     • George Frideric Handel
     • Antonio Vivaldi
     • Henry Purcell
     • Domenico Scarlatti
2. Classical Period (1750-1820):
   • Characteristics: Clarity, balance, and form. Emphasis on homophonic texture and clear melodic lines.
   • Major Composers:
     • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
     • Ludwig van Beethoven
     • Franz Joseph Haydn
     • Christoph Willibald Gluck
     • Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
3. Romantic Period (1820-1900):
   • Characteristics: Expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional depth. Greater use of dynamics and expanded orchestration.
   • Major Composers:
     • Franz Schubert
     • Johannes Brahms
     • Richard Wagner
     • Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
     • Giuseppe Verdi
4. Modern Period (1900-Present):
   • Characteristics: Experimentation with new forms, dissonance, and diverse styles. Incorporation of technology and unconventional techniques.
   • Major Composers:
     • Igor Stravinsky
     • Arnold Schoenberg
     • Benjamin Britten
     • John Cage
     • Leonard Bernstein

Presentation

Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic
The teacher reviews key concepts from earlier lessons, such as musical forms and the role of composers.

Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
The teacher introduces musical periods, explaining the historical context and characteristics of each period. Major composers are highlighted with their contributions.

Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute
Students are encouraged to share any prior knowledge about composers or musical periods. The teacher guides the discussion and corrects misconceptions as needed.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the characteristics of each musical period.
• Play audio clips to illustrate the differences between periods.
• Provide information about major composers and their contributions.
• Use visual aids to enhance understanding.

Learners’ Activities

• Listen to excerpts and identify characteristics of different musical periods.
• Discuss major composers and their contributions.
• Create a timeline of musical periods with key composers.
• Participate in group discussions about the impact of each composer.

Assessment

Evaluation Questions:

1. Define the Baroque period in music.
2. Name two major composers from the Classical period.
3. What are the main characteristics of Romantic music?
4. Identify a major composer from the Modern period.
5. Describe the characteristics of Baroque music.
6. How did Classical music differ from Romantic music?
7. List two composers from the Romantic period and their works.
8. What innovations did Modern composers bring to music?
9. Explain the role of the harpsichord in Baroque music.
10. How did Beethoven’s music influence the Classical period?

Conclusion

The teacher reviews the lesson, checking students’ understanding of musical periods and composers. Feedback is provided, and any questions are answered to reinforce learning.

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