1. Exploring as a performer
1.1. Activities
1.1.1. Overview of the course expectations and requirements
1.1.2. Listen to adaptations of pieces for different instruments and in different styles (ex. Postmodern Jukebox, The Theorist piano covers, etc.) and discuss the differences/limitations/etc.
1.2. Journal entries
1.2.1. Write your history as a performer. When did you start playing/singing? Where have you performed? What made you want to start performing?
1.2.2. What is your favorite type of music to listen to? How well do you think that genre would translate to your instrument or voice?
1.3. Assessments
1.3.1. Prepare a short piece to play for the class. It can be as simple as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", but it must be clearly prepared.
2. Exploring as a researcher
2.1. Activities
2.1.1. Daily class listening with musical and extramusical analysis
2.1.2. Review/learning of vocabulary
2.2. Journal entries
2.2.1. Look at your music software (Spotify, Apple, etc.) and write down your top 10 most played songs. What AOIs would each song fit in?
2.2.2. Pick one of your favorite songs and do a little research on it. Write a one paragraph synopsis of your extramusical findings.
2.2.3. Pull up a map, close your eyes, and place your finger somewhere on the map. Wherever your finger lands, do a quick Google to find a musical culture from that reason and listen to a piece. Write about what you hear your initial impressions. (If you land on the United States, choose again for now.)
2.3. Assessments
2.3.1. Vocabulary quizzes
2.3.2. Short written analysis of a piece (to the best of their ability) w/ peer review and revision
3. Exploring as a creator
3.1. Activities
3.1.1. Bring in a composer or songwriter to speak about the compositional process, or ask students to develop a list of questions to email a composer
3.1.2. Start a basic composition in SoundTrap or Garage Band
3.1.3. Small activities to get comfortable using a notation software (Flat/MuseScore/Noteflight)
3.2. Journal entries
3.2.1. Choose and listen to a SongExploder podcast. Reflect on the singer/songwriter's insights about the song. Do these insights help you appreciate the song more? What more would you ask them, if you could?