How to write a good music lesson plan
Posted by Admin in concerts, music, photos, reviews, tickets.
By Kevin Tuck
Lesson plans are an indispensable tool for music teachers. They are very important to the success of both one lesson and the teachers career in general.
There is an old saying that says something like “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” Once you have a bit of experience under your belt however, then preparing lesson plans does not have to be as complicated as it was when you first start teaching.
For those who are just starting out, here are a few guidelines for creating compelling music lesson plans.
1. Think about the age group of the students you are teaching
The best thing to start with when preparing any lesson is to consider the age of the students you will be presenting to. What are their likes and dislikes? What music do they listen to on the radio? Are there any other cultural influences that affect them a their current development level? Are they at an age where they are extremely hesitant to do anything in-front of their peers?
These are the questions that you need to think about when preparing a music lesson plan. This is why ready made, fit all situations lesson plan usually doesn’t work. Each individual class and student needs to have the lesson plan tailored to their individual needs. When a teacher has been in the classroom for a few years they are usually able to do these adaptations on the spot, and may seem to not have to prepare at all. When you are just starting however a good starting plan is to spend a few minutes researching the age group, and learning how they think and interact with each other.
2. Always plan more than you’ll need
Often you’ll prepare a lesson with (say) ten activities. Sometimes you’ll only get up to the fourth one and the bell will ring for the end of the lesson. If you were to do the same lesson with a different class you might go through all ten points and there will still be another 20 minutes left! Its always an excellent idea to have a backup plan just in case you need more than you anticipate. Have copies of spare worksheets, or an interactive game on hand so that you can always go to at the end if you have a few spare minutes.
3. Mix up your activities as much as possible
In many schools the curriculum is planned for set lessons for the week: one lesson will practical, one theory etc. However if its possible, why not try to vary it around a bit? If you’re not limited by rooms try spending half the lesson on practical, then moving into theory based on the materials you were just playing. It’ll be interesting for the students and keep them guessing.
4. The best ideas start with a simple concept.
Its always a good idea, particularly if working with younger students to have the simplest version as a backup of your complicated idea. For example if you’re introducing a new piece of music in a practical lesson you may wish to plan for the scenario of it being way too hard for the students. Start with a section that you know the students will be able to play, then come back and deal with the harder sections.
5. Listen to feedback
Students are often extremely subtle in the way they give feedback to teachers. Teenage students (and pretty much most students for that matter!) will never say “Mr Brown, I thought you did a wonderful job today, we learned heaps, and had fun at the same time!” Perhaps you might have a dream that your student says that - but its not going to happen in real life! What you will see is your students more happy to be in your classes than in other classes, and happy to laugh with you and eager to come to class. Students when they enjoy music will also put a priority on band or orchestra ahead of other things. When this happens, you’ll know that what you are doing is on the right track.
Kevin Tuck is a music teacher who has taught in private music studios and schools in Australia. Kevin is also an editor of music theory worksheets for the Fun Music Company.
