Introduction
The development of Western music can be separated into the following musical periods or eras:
- Renaissance (1400's - 1600's)
- Baroque (1600 - 1750)
- Classical (1750 - 1820)
- Romantic (1820 - 1900)
- Modern (1890 - 1930)
- Post-modern (1960 - current)
Task
Mr. Rikeman will split the class into 6 equal groups. Each group will then be given the chance to choose the musical period that they will research. At the end of this activity, each group will be able to present aspects about their era including important or well-known composers, a list of famous pieces, and the world history of the era (wars, political movements, etc.) that might have influenced or inspired those composers or pieces.
Process
Mr. Rikeman will split the class into 6 equal groups. Each group will then be given one of the musical periods to research and give a short report on at the end of class. At the end of the activity, each st\udent in the group should be able to tell me famous composers from their era, the most famous or recognizable pieces fom the era, and the differences between the music of their time period and those of the other groups.
Evaluation
The following grading scale will be used during the presentation at the end of class.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Composer Knowledge | Students did not name any composers from the time period. | Students named 1-2 composers from their time period | Students listed 3 or more composers |
| Music Knowledge | Students listed no music from the era. Students did not acknowledge any difference from other time periods | Pieces listed were not of large importance. Students mentioned one difference between their era and another group's | Students listed major works and demonstrated a basic knowledge of musical traits from their era |
| Group Participation | One or two student(s) gave the presentation. That student did most or all of the research | Most students participated in the internet research. Most of the group spoke during the presentation | Every member of the group was involved with both the research and the presentation about their musical time period |
(Total X 10) + 10 = __________
Minimum grade - 40%
Maximum grade - 100%
Conclusion
After the presentations Mr. Rikeman should be able to call on anyone and ask them to tell him something about any of the time periods presented.