Learning the electric guitar. / Lesson Plan

Objective

By the end of this lesson, Maisie will have a better understanding of how to play basic chords on the electric guitar, explore the connections between music and history, and appreciate the role of music in different cultures. She will also integrate concepts from art, English, math, physical education, science, and social studies into her learning experience.

Materials and Prep

• Electric guitar
• Guitar tuner (if needed)
• Notebook and pen for notes
• Access to the internet for research
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper)
• Physical space for movement activities

Before the lesson, make sure the guitar is tuned and ready to play. Prepare a comfortable space for practicing and creating art. Familiarize yourself with basic guitar chords (like G, C, D, and E minor) if you don't already know them.

Activities

• Guitar Chord Practice:

  Start with learning basic chords on the electric guitar. Spend some time practicing switching between G, C, D, and E minor. You can strum along to a simple song that uses these chords.

• Music and History Connection:

  Research a famous musician from history and create a short presentation or poster about their life and contributions to music. Consider how their music influenced society during their time.

• Artistic Expression:

  Create a piece of artwork that represents a song or a musician you love. Use colors and shapes to express the emotions conveyed in the music.

• Math in Music:

  Explore the concept of rhythm and beats. Count the beats in a song and create a simple rhythm pattern using basic math (e.g., quarter notes, eighth notes).

• Physical Movement:

  Incorporate some physical education by creating a dance or movement routine that matches the tempo of a song you like. This will help you feel the music in your body.

• Science of Sound:

  Discuss how sound waves work and why certain notes sound good together. You can look up how electric guitars produce sound and the science behind musical acoustics.

• Social Studies Exploration:

  Investigate how different cultures use music in their daily lives and celebrations. Create a chart comparing musical styles from various cultures around the world.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that learning guitar can improve your brain's ability to process information? It's like a workout for your mind!"
• "Music has been a part of human history for thousands of years. What do you think it tells us about the people who created it?"
• "Art and music are deeply connected. How can you express what you feel about a song through your artwork?"
• "Math is everywhere, even in music! Can you find patterns in the rhythms of your favorite songs?"
• "Movement is a great way to connect with music. How does dancing make you feel when you listen to a song?"
• "Sound waves are fascinating! Why do you think some notes sound good together while others clash?"
• "Cultural music can tell stories about people and their traditions. What have you learned about music from different cultures?"