Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create your own song using basic music theory and songwriting techniques.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: - Notebook - Pen or pencil - Access to a musical instrument or music-making software (optional)

Before the lesson, it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of musical notes and rhythms.

Activities

1. Start by brainstorming ideas for your song. Think about what you want to express and the mood you want to convey.

2. Create a simple chord progression using a musical instrument or music-making software. If you don't have access to these, you can use online virtual piano or guitar tools.

3. Write lyrics that fit with your chord progression and express the ideas you brainstormed earlier.

4. Put your lyrics to the melody and chord progression you created. Experiment with different rhythms and melodies until you find the right fit.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• Music theory helps us understand how different notes and rhythms work together to create music. As we learn more about music theory, we can create our own songs and understand how our favorite songs are put together.
• Songwriting is a form of creative expression. Just like writing a story or painting a picture, songwriting allows us to share our thoughts and feelings with others through music.
• Understanding chord progressions can help us create the backbone of a song. It's like building the foundation of a house - the chords provide the structure for the rest of the song to be built upon.
• Lyrics are an important part of a song. They allow us to tell a story, express emotions, or share a message. When writing lyrics, we can use our imagination and personal experiences to create meaningful words that resonate with others.