As a music teacher, when you hear the words “compose music” you probably instantly think of Beethoven or Mozart. When you hear “songwriting”, your mind goes more towards Taylor Swift. But, teaching songwriting in elementary music isn’t either of those things. In fact, teaching your students to compose actually doesn’t even involve lyrics at all. If teaching songwriting in elementary music makes you want to go suck your thumb in the corner and rock back and forth, then this blog post is for you. You can also listen to the podcast episode all about this topic here.
Simpler really is better
Most music teachers think teaching songwriting in elementary music is scary because they try to overcomplicate it. If you’re anything like I was, you look at the composition standards and stand there staring not knowing where to start. First of all, let’s talk about the word “compose.” Compose means to create. So, when you stop to think about creating music, you’re already doing that each and every day with your students.
The simplest way to compose music in elementary music is to have your students improvise on rhythm or melodic instruments. You may be playing rhythms together on the A section for 16 beats and then during the B section, students get to improvise for 16 beats. It will sound like a hot mess, but once they learn to start listening to the sounds being made around them, the improvising will eventually start to sound blended.
Small group composing
If you follow me on social media, have read any of my other blog posts, or have heard one of my podcast episodes, you’ve heard me say to be you! As I talk about composing, I want you to think of your particular classroom and your students. You’re the only one who knows what they can handle and what you’re comfortable teaching. You may have your students add lyrics, may want them to write down rhythms, or may want to just stick with improvising and that’s perfectly fine!
As you begin teaching composing, a great idea is to have students do it in small groups. Give them a set of instructions to follow and then watch their creativity come alive. Tell them how many beats to have, what instruments to use, whether to write it down or just create it, and any other instructions you want to give. I’m always amazed at how creative kids are when given the opportunity.
Songwriting as a class
One of my favorite things is to teach songwriting to the whole class. Remember, the goal when just starting out is to keep things simple. There are steps to take (which you’ll see below) when doing a songwriting unit with your classes. I recommend doing this with upper elementary, since the foundations of musical concepts have already been laid at this point.
- Have each class pick a theme
- Decide what the form is
- How many measures there will be
- Will you add dynamics
- Is there going to be any improvising in section A, B, or C
- Are there going to be lyrics or just instruments
After you’ve talked through these things with your classes, it’s time to get to the creating part. This is where the fun truly begins and you see the kids creativity come alive! When the students have composed their pieces, they can transfer them to instruments and perform them!
Add technology
When I first started teaching, the only technology I had in my classroom was one computer from the stone ages. Did that limit me in helping my students create music? Heck to the no! Let’s talk real quick about what to do if you don’t have a lot of technology or any for that matter. Use staff paper, dry erase boards, or simply have your students use instruments or body percussion. Another great idea is to have students compose using popsicle sticks.
If you do have technology, students can create their compositions with tablets, a smart board, or even computers. Then, they can transfer them to instruments. There are so many great websites and apps available to help your students compose.
The key in teaching songwriting in elementary music is to just start! There is not one way fits all method, just like any other aspect of teaching. Don’t be overwhelmed by it and have fun!
How do you teach songwriting or composing music in your elementary music classroom? If you haven’t started yet, what’s holding you back? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post.
Also, I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
I agree, the key to teaching composition is to simplify! Always look for that one element that you want students to practice using in their compositions and narrow it down to focus on that one area. And keep it short!! Your tips about starting with improv and composing in groups are great ideas for getting students used to creating. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for commenting. I agree that keeping it simple is key!