Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to explore the influence of music in the Roman Empire and create your own Roman-inspired musical composition.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencil
• Access to the internet or books about Roman music

Activities

1. Research Roman Music

   Use the provided resources to learn about the types of music that existed during the Roman Empire. Take notes on the instruments, melodies, and the role of music in Roman society.

2. Create a Musical Instrument

   Based on your research, design and create a simple Roman-inspired musical instrument using materials you have at home. It could be a percussion instrument, such as a drum or tambourine, or a string instrument, such as a lyre or cithara.

3. Compose a Roman-inspired Song

   Using your newly created instrument or any other musical instrument you have at home, compose a short musical piece that captures the essence of Roman music. Consider using simple melodies and rhythms that you learned about during your research.

4. Perform and Share

   Practice playing your composition on the instrument and perform it for your family or record a video to share with your teacher or classmates. Explain the inspiration behind your composition and how it relates to Roman music.

United Kingdom: Year 7 Talking Points

• "The Roman Empire was a vast civilization that had a significant influence on various aspects of society, including music."
• "Roman music was an important part of daily life and was often performed during religious ceremonies, public events, and social gatherings."
• "The Romans used a variety of musical instruments, such as the lyre, cithara, and aulos, to create different sounds and melodies."
• "Music played a role in expressing emotions, storytelling, and entertainment in Roman society."
• "Roman music was influenced by Greek and Etruscan musical traditions, but it also had its unique characteristics."
• "By creating your own Roman-inspired musical composition, you can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of music in the Roman Empire."