Lesson+plan+topic++proposals

I used this project for my 4th and 5th grade guitar students, but it could easily be used in a general music classroom situation. This can be something that we can put in our "technology ideas for teachers".

__Songwriting Using a Tascam Digital Recorder__

Pre-songwriting Actvities: Write the song. Some students may want to write a rap or hip-hop song. Others may want to use instruments to accompany them, for example guitar or autoharp. Allow sufficient practice time Begin recording using a digital recorder. Be careful of sound levels. On the Tascam, if the sound level goes to red, there will be distortion. Transfer recordings onto computer and make any sound level adjustments. Burn onto a cd. Students can create their own cd cover.
 * Brainstorming Activity: Songs are basically stories set to songs. Choose a topic for your short story. When writing your story, be as descriptive as possible. What do you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell? What kind emotions do you feel? Happy? Sad? Angry? What is happening in your story?
 * Rhyming Activity: Provide a list of words and have students write words that rhyme.
 * Create a poem based on your story. Explain the difference between a verse, refrain, and a chorus.
 * Discuss musical form.
 * Begin planning what instrumentation, if any, you will be using.