Introduction
Believe it or not, the popular music we all listen to today is derived from Classical music. Without composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn, we would not have Jazz, Pop, and Hip-hop. However, your friend does not agree and so it is your job to learn as much as you can about classical music to convince them that this statement is true.
Task
Each group will be assigned an influential composer from the Classical Era. Your job is to learn as much as you can about their lives and compositional styles. Each group member will choose one of the following positions:
1. Musical Critic: This person will choose three compositions from the assigned composer. They will then write reviews for each piece. The reviews should use appropriate vocabulary learned during this unit of study to describe the piece. Also, add how the piece made you feel and if you enjoyed it or not.
2. Connector: This person will gather information on thier composer and how they influenced other genres of music.
3. Biographer: This person will research and write a 2-3 page biography on the composer's life. Your paper should be typed, twelve-point font, and double spaced.
4. Time Keeper: This person will answer the following: How did the composer's music change over time? What do you think caused this change? You may choose to present your findings with a timeline marking important events in their lives.
Decide how your group will present your findings to the class. You may choose to create a poster, powerpoint, or write a paper. Ask me for approval on alternative mediums. Collaborate and start working on your presentations! :)
Process
At this point everyone in your group should know what position they will hold for the remainder of this Webquest. As you complete your task, make sure to reference the Evaluation tab above to see how you will be graded.
Steps for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
1. Read the following:
http://www.biography.com/people/wolfgang-mozart-9417115
Related links to learn more about Mozart:
Steps for Franz Joseph Haydn:
1. Read the following:
http://www.biography.com/people/franz-joseph-haydn-9332156
Related links to learn more about Haydn:
Steps for Ludwig van Beethoven:
1. Read the following:
http://www.biography.com/people/ludwig-van-beethoven-9204862
Related links to learn more about Beethoven:
Steps for Franz Schubert:
1. Read the following:
http://www.biography.com/people/franz-schubert-9475558
Related links to learn more about Schubert:
Students should read the following to brush up on the Classical era:
http://www.hisownhandmusic.com/blogs/naomi-harrow/five-reasons-why-teen…
http://cmed.faculty.ku.edu/private/classical.html
Conclusion
You did it! You have now completed your quest and soon your friend will know that popular music came from composers like Beethoven! Along the way, you have learned a lot about your composer and the Classical era. I look forward to hearing your presentations.
Best,
Proud Music Teacher
Teacher Page
This Webquest is intended for a general middle school music class. The goal is to learn more about classical music and to create an appreciation for the music that evolved into what they listen to now. I believe that by introducing students to classical music, they will have an open mind not only about music, but about other issues they will face in the world.
Standards:
MU.68.H.1.4 Classify authentic stylistic features in music originating from various cultures.
MU.68.H.1.5 Using representative musical works by selected composers, classify compositional characteristics common to a specific time period and/or genre.
MU.68.C.1.2 Compare, using correct music vocabulary, the aesthetic impact of a performance to one’s own hypothesis of the composer’s intent.
LA.6.5.2.1 The student will listen and gain information for a variety of purposes, (e.g., clarifying, elaborating, summarizing main ideas and supporting details);
LA.6.1.7.3 The student will determine the main idea or essential message in grade-level text through inferring, paraphrasing, summarizing, and identifying relevant details;
LA.6.2.2.3 The student will organize information to show understanding (e.g., representing main ideas within text through charting, mapping, paraphrasing, summarizing, or comparing/contrasting);