Grade 1 Music introduces students to the joy of making music through singing, rhythm, movement, and beginning instruments. Students develop independent singing voices, learn to read simple music notation (sol-mi-la), play the recorder, and explore rhythm through body percussion and instruments. Biblical songs reinforce Bible curriculum while hymns and worship songs cultivate a heart of worship. Designed for parents with no musical background using guided video and audio instruction.
Sing independently with accurate pitch in an octave range
Read and perform simple rhythms (quarter notes, eighth notes, rests) in 4/4 time
Play B-A-G on the soprano recorder and read from notation
Sight-sing sol-mi-la patterns on the staff
Perform in simple rounds and beginning two-part songs
Learn 30+ Bible songs, hymns, and worship songs that reinforce biblical truth
Understand music as a gift from God for worship and expression
Click any week to see daily lesson details.
Explore sounds around us and discover that God created music as a gift. Introduction to singing voice vs. speaking voice.
Distinguishing singing voice from speaking voiceexplorationPractice using our singing voice with simple patterns. Learn the difference between high and low sounds.
Pitch exploration and vocal placementvocal exerciseLearn the first verse of 'This Little Light of Mine' with actions. Discuss how we shine for Jesus through music.
Learning melody and lyrics with actionssong learningDiscover steady beat by clapping along to 'This Little Light of Mine.' Feel the heartbeat of music.
Steady beat awarenessrhythm activityPerform 'This Little Light of Mine' for family. Discuss Psalm 150 and praising God with music.
Performance and worship connectionperformanceUse body movements to show high and low sounds. Connect to God creating everything from the heights to the depths.
Pitch direction awarenessmovementEcho simple high and low patterns. Practice matching pitch accurately with call and response games.
Pitch matchingvocal exerciseLearn the chorus of 'Awesome God.' Notice how the melody goes up and down like mountains and valleys.
Melodic contour recognitionsong learningCreate loud and soft sounds with instruments or body percussion. Connect to God's power in 'Awesome God.'
Dynamic contrast (loud/soft)hands-onSing 'Awesome God' with expression. Discuss how music helps us worship God's awesome power.
Expressive singingworshipFeel your heartbeat and discover that music has a steady beat too. March to steady beat.
Steady beat internalizationmovementMarch, walk, and move to steady beat in different ways. Keep the beat going without stopping.
Steady beat maintenancemovementLearn 'He's Got the Whole World' and pat the steady beat. God holds everything together like the beat holds music together.
Beat competency while singingsong learningPlay steady beat on drums or percussion instruments while singing. Experience ensemble playing.
Instrument technique with steady beathands-onListen to different songs and identify the steady beat. Practice keeping beat independently.
Aural beat identificationlisteningLearn the solfege syllable 'sol' and its hand sign. Sing sol patterns and connect to high sounds.
Sol recognition and productionvocal exerciseLearn the solfege syllable 'mi' and its hand sign. Practice moving from sol to mi.
Mi recognition and sol-mi patternsvocal exerciseSing 'Rain, Rain, Go Away' using sol-mi. Use hand signs to show the melody.
Sol-mi melody with hand signssong learningSee sol and mi on the musical staff. Practice reading simple sol-mi patterns from notation.
Beginning sight-readingliteracyCreate our own short sol-mi songs. Draw sol and mi patterns on paper.
Beginning compositioncreativeLearn quarter notes (ta) by walking to the beat. One sound per beat.
Quarter note recognition and performancemovementLearn eighth notes (ti-ti) by running to the beat. Two sounds per beat.
Eighth note recognition and performancemovementSing 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' and clap its rhythm pattern using ta and ti-ti.
Rhythm reading with familiar songsong learningDraw quarter notes and eighth notes. Write the rhythm of simple words and names.
Rhythm notation writingliteracyPerform rhythm patterns with rhythm sticks. Play ta and ti-ti patterns in a group.
Rhythm performance with instrumentshands-onLearn the solfege syllable 'la' and its hand sign. Practice sol-mi-la patterns.
La recognition and productionvocal exerciseEcho and create sol-mi-la patterns using hand signs. Build pitch accuracy.
Three-note pattern masteryvocal exerciseLearn 'Hot Cross Buns' using sol-mi-la. Use hand signs while singing.
Sol-mi-la melody performancesong learningRead 'Hot Cross Buns' from the staff. Practice sight-singing sol-mi-la patterns.
Three-note sight-readingliteracyPlay 'Hot Cross Buns' on resonator bells or xylophone. Connect solfege to actual pitches.
Pitched instrument introductionhands-onDiscover that rests are part of music. Practice stopping and starting with freeze games.
Rest awarenessmovementLearn the quarter rest symbol. Practice rhythms with ta, ti-ti, and quarter rest.
Quarter rest recognitionliteracySing 'Engine, Engine Number Nine' with its rests. Feel the silence as part of the rhythm.
Performing rests accuratelysong learningCreate call and response patterns using notes and rests. Listen during the rests.
Rhythm composition with restscreativePlay rhythm patterns with rests on percussion instruments. Master starting and stopping together.
Ensemble rest performancehands-onExplore the parts of the recorder. Learn proper care and handling. Discuss wind instruments in the Bible.
Instrument care and assemblyexplorationLearn proper hand position and gentle blowing. Make a sound on the recorder without covering holes.
Embouchure and breath controlhands-onLearn left hand position for note B. Practice playing steady B notes with good tone.
Note B techniquehands-onPlay simple rhythm patterns on note B. Combine quarter notes and eighth notes on the recorder.
Rhythm on single pitchhands-onPlay a simple song using only note B. Perform with good posture and tone.
Single-note melody performanceperformanceLearn the fingering for note A. Practice moving between B and A smoothly.
Note A technique and finger transitionshands-onPlay patterns alternating between B and A. Focus on smooth finger movements and steady beat.
Two-note coordinationhands-onPlay 'Hot Cross Buns' using B and A. Read from notation while playing.
Two-note melody from notationhands-onBegin learning 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' on recorder. Focus on first phrase with B and A.
Melodic phrase learninghands-onPlay simple two-part music with a partner or recording. Experience ensemble playing.
Playing with othersperformanceLearn the fingering for note G. Practice B-A-G patterns slowly and carefully.
Note G techniquehands-onPlay ascending and descending G-A-B patterns. Build finger strength and coordination.
Scale patterns on recorderhands-onLearn a new song using all three notes: G, A, and B. Read from notation.
Three-note melody readinghands-onPlay the complete song with all three notes. Focus on smooth transitions between notes.
Complete melody performanceperformanceChoose favorite recorder song to perform. Practice performing with confidence and good tone.
Performance preparationperformanceDiscover music that overlaps like a canon. Listen to examples of rounds and experience harmony.
Round concept understandinglisteningMaster 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' in unison. Sing with clear tone and accurate pitch.
Melody mastery for roundssong learningPractice singing while another part is singing. Build independence in holding your part.
Part independencevocal exerciseSing 'Row Your Boat' in a two-part round. Experience creating harmony together.
Round performanceperformanceDiscuss how rounds teach us about working together. Connect to Ephesians 5:19 about singing together.
Ensemble singing and biblical connectionworshipExplore loud and soft sounds in speaking and singing. Learn the terms forte (loud) and piano (soft).
Dynamic awarenessexplorationUse hand signals to show loud and soft. Follow a conductor and change dynamics while singing.
Dynamic responsemovementLearn 'Trading My Sorrows' with dynamic contrast. Sing verses softer and chorus louder to match meaning.
Expressive dynamic singingsong learningPractice gradually getting louder and softer. Use dynamics to express emotion in songs.
Gradual dynamic changevocal exercisePlay percussion instruments with different dynamics. Create a sound story using loud and soft.
Dynamic control on instrumentscreativeLearn what 4/4 time signature means. Count four beats per measure and feel the pattern.
Time signature understandingliteracyIdentify bar lines that divide music into measures. Count measures in simple songs.
Musical structure recognitionliteracyLearn the four-beat conducting pattern. Practice conducting while singing familiar songs.
Basic conducting techniquemovementLearn 'Lord I Lift Your Name on High' in 4/4 time. Conduct while singing the chorus.
Time signature applicationsong learningCompose simple four-beat rhythm patterns. Write rhythms in measures with bar lines.
Rhythm composition in 4/4creativeExplore fast and slow tempos. Move like different animals to music at various speeds.
Tempo recognitionmovementLearn the words allegro (fast) and andante (walking speed). Identify tempo in listening examples.
Tempo vocabularylisteningSing 'He's Got the Whole World' at different tempos. Discuss how tempo changes the feeling.
Tempo flexibilityvocal exercisePlay recorder songs at different tempos. Practice maintaining steady beat at various speeds.
Tempo control on instrumentshands-onCompose a musical story using different tempos. Perform with instruments or voice.
Creative tempo applicationcreativeLearn about John Newton and how God's grace changed his life. Understand the meaning of grace.
Hymn history and theologydiscussionSing the first verse of 'Amazing Grace' with clear tone and expression. Focus on beautiful phrasing.
Hymn melody masterysong learningDiscuss what each phrase means. Connect 'I once was lost but now am found' to salvation.
Lyric comprehension and theologydiscussionAdd dynamics and tempo to express the meaning of 'Amazing Grace.' Sing as worship to God.
Expressive hymn singingworshipPerform 'Amazing Grace' for family or record it. Share why this hymn is meaningful.
Performance and testimonyperformanceDiscover syncopation by clapping on the 'ands' between beats. Feel the unexpected accents.
Syncopation awarenessrhythm activityLearn and perform simple syncopated rhythm patterns. Clap and say rhythms with syncopation.
Syncopation performancerhythm activityIdentify syncopation in 'This Little Light of Mine.' Clap the syncopated rhythm while singing.
Syncopation recognition in contextsong learningPlay syncopated patterns on percussion instruments. Create a syncopated ensemble piece.
Instrumental syncopationhands-onCreate your own rhythm patterns using syncopation. Write and perform original patterns.
Syncopated compositioncreativeLearn the solfege syllable 'do' as the home note. Practice do-mi-sol patterns.
Do recognition and functionvocal exerciseSing patterns using do, mi, and sol. Use hand signs to show the relationships between notes.
Three-note patterns with dovocal exerciseIdentify do on the musical staff. Read simple patterns with do, mi, and sol.
Do notation readingliteracyLearn the simplified 'Do-Re-Mi' song. Begin to understand the scale sequence.
Scale awarenesssong learningPlay do-mi-sol patterns on bells or xylophone. Connect solfege to actual pitches.
Pitched instrument with solfegehands-onExplore xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels. Learn proper mallet technique.
Instrument identification and careexplorationPractice proper mallet grip and stroke. Play scales and simple patterns on barred instruments.
Mallet techniquehands-onLearn repeating patterns (ostinatos) on Orff instruments. Play patterns while others sing.
Ostinato performancehands-onPlay together in an Orff ensemble with different parts. Experience layered music-making.
Ensemble playingperformanceCompose a simple piece using Orff instruments. Perform original composition as a group.
Collaborative compositioncreativeDiscover that every culture makes music. Listen to music from different countries and continents.
Cultural awarenesslisteningExperience African drumming patterns. Play call and response rhythms on drums.
World rhythm patternshands-onLearn 'Kumbaya,' a spiritual from West Africa. Discuss how all nations worship God.
World music singingsong learningExplore instruments from different cultures. Listen to and identify unique sounds.
Instrument identificationlisteningSing songs from multiple cultures. Discuss Revelation 7:9 - every nation worshiping together.
Multicultural singing and theologyworshipReview and perform favorite songs learned so far. Demonstrate vocal skills and expression.
Comprehensive singing skillsperformanceDemonstrate rhythm reading and performance. Show understanding of quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests.
Rhythm literacy assessmentassessmentPlay learned recorder songs (B-A-G). Show proper technique and tone quality.
Recorder proficiency checkperformanceSight-sing simple sol-mi-la patterns. Demonstrate understanding of solfege and staff reading.
Sight-singing assessmentassessmentPerform a mini-recital for family. Celebrate progress and growth in music skills.
Performance and reflectionperformanceLearn the solfege syllable 're' and its hand sign. Practice do-re-mi patterns.
Re recognition and productionvocal exerciseSing ascending and descending do-re-mi patterns. Build smooth transitions between notes.
Scale pattern fluencyvocal exerciseIdentify re on the musical staff. Read simple melodies using do, re, and mi.
Four-note sight-readingliteracySing familiar songs adding the note re. Expand melodic range in known songs.
Re application in songssong learningPlay do-re-mi patterns on bells or xylophone. Perform simple melodies with four notes.
Four-note instrumental performancehands-onLearn half notes (2 beats) and whole notes (4 beats). Compare to quarter and eighth notes.
Note value recognitionliteracyPractice counting and clapping half notes and whole notes. Feel sustained sounds.
Long note value performancerhythm activityLearn the chorus of 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness' with its longer note values. Connect to God's unchanging nature.
Hymn singing with varied rhythmssong learningCompose rhythm patterns using all note values learned. Write and perform original patterns.
Rhythm composition with varied valuescreativePractice conducting music with longer note values. Lead others in singing hymns.
Conducting varied temposmovementReview 'Row Your Boat' in two parts. Build confidence in part-singing.
Round reviewvocal exerciseLearn 'Frère Jacques' in unison. Master the melody before adding parts.
New round melody learningsong learningSing 'Frère Jacques' in a four-part round. Experience complex harmony.
Multi-part round singingperformanceLearn 'Make New Friends' round. Discuss friendship and unity in Christ.
New round with theological connectionsong learningPerform multiple rounds in sequence. Celebrate the beauty of harmony and cooperation.
Extended round performanceperformanceExplore how expression communicates the message of a song. Practice facial expressions while singing.
Expressive techniquevocal exerciseUse dynamics to enhance meaning in songs. Practice crescendo and decrescendo with purpose.
Dynamic expressionvocal exerciseLearn 'Ancient of Days' with attention to its majestic character. Discuss God's eternal nature.
Worship song with theological depthsong learningLearn to shape musical phrases with breath. Sing phrases smoothly without breaking.
Musical phrasingvocal exercisePerform 'Ancient of Days' as an act of worship. Focus on heart expression, not just technique.
Worship through expressive singingworshipLearn the fingering for low E on the recorder. Practice moving between G and E.
Low E techniquehands-onPlay scales and patterns using B-A-G-E. Build finger coordination across four notes.
Four-note recorder fluencyhands-onLearn new songs using the expanded range. Read from notation with confidence.
Expanded repertoire readinghands-onPlay two-part recorder music with a partner or recording. Experience harmony on recorder.
Part-playing on recorderperformanceCompose a short melody using B-A-G-E. Write notation and perform original piece.
Recorder compositioncreativeLearn about Bach's life and faith. Listen to 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' and discuss how he wrote music for God's glory.
Composer study and active listeninglisteningListen to the 'Hallelujah Chorus.' Learn about Handel writing this masterpiece about Jesus.
Sacred music appreciationlisteningIdentify string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families. Listen to examples of each.
Instrument family recognitionlisteningIdentify AB and ABA form in listening examples. Map the form while listening.
Form identificationlisteningListen to program music that tells a story. Draw pictures inspired by the music.
Programmatic listening and responsecreativeLearn the solfege syllable 'fa' and its hand sign. Practice do-re-mi-fa patterns.
Fa recognition and productionvocal exerciseSing the complete do-re-mi-fa-sol scale. Build fluency with five notes.
Pentatonic scale masteryvocal exerciseRead melodies using do through sol on the staff. Practice sight-singing with expanded range.
Five-note sight-readingliteracyIdentify melodic patterns that skip notes versus step. Sing and identify intervals.
Interval awarenessvocal exercisePlay do-re-mi-fa-sol on bells or xylophone. Perform simple melodies with five notes.
Five-note instrumental performancehands-onDiscuss worship as giving God worth. Explore how music helps us worship with all our hearts.
Worship theologydiscussionLearn the verses and chorus of 'How Great Is Our God.' Focus on clear diction and meaning.
Contemporary worship song learningsong learningDiscuss what each phrase means. Sing with hearts focused on God's greatness.
Theological singingworshipPractice leading family members in singing. Learn to use clear voice and confident gestures.
Worship leadership basicsperformanceLead family in singing 'How Great Is Our God' and other learned songs. Experience worship leadership.
Worship leading applicationworshipChoose a theme for an original rhythm composition. Plan structure and instruments.
Composition planningcreativeCompose rhythm patterns using all learned note values. Write in 4/4 time with bar lines.
Rhythm notation compositioncreativeAdd expression markings to composition. Choose appropriate tempo for the piece.
Musical expression notationcreativePractice performing the original composition. Refine and adjust as needed.
Rehearsal and refinementperformancePerform and record original composition. Share the creative process with family.
Composition performanceperformanceLearn the powerful story behind 'It Is Well With My Soul.' Discuss trusting God in suffering.
Hymn history and theologydiscussionSing the first verse and chorus with attention to the peaceful, trusting character.
Hymn melody with expressionsong learningDiscuss how this hymn teaches us about peace that comes from God. Connect to Philippians 4:7.
Theological applicationdiscussionPerform 'It Is Well' with appropriate dynamics and expression. Sing from the heart.
Expressive hymn performanceworshipMemorize the first verse and chorus. Practice singing without looking at words.
Memorization and internalizationperformanceSelect two or three recorder pieces for a recital. Consider variety and skill demonstration.
Repertoire selectionplanningFocus on tone quality, articulation, and finger transitions. Practice problem spots slowly.
Technical refinementhands-onWork on memorizing pieces and adding musical expression. Practice dynamics and phrasing.
Musical expression on recorderhands-onPractice performing with confidence. Work on stage presence and handling mistakes gracefully.
Performance skillsperformancePerform recorder recital for family or friends. Celebrate growth and progress.
Formal performanceperformanceLearn the solfege syllable 'ti' and its hand sign. Feel how ti wants to resolve to do.
Ti recognition and functionvocal exerciseSing the complete do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do scale. Practice ascending and descending.
Major scale masteryvocal exerciseRead melodies using all eight notes of the scale. Sight-sing simple diatonic melodies.
Full scale sight-readingliteracySing songs that use the complete scale. Identify where ti leads to do in melodies.
Scale application in songssong learningPlay complete scales on bells or xylophone. Perform melodies using all scale degrees.
Full scale instrumental performancehands-onExplore how music naturally inspires movement. Move freely to different styles of music.
Music and movement connectionmovementLearn simple choreography to a praise song. Discuss Psalm 149:3 about dancing for the Lord.
Choreographed movementmovementCreate movements that express the meaning of songs. Use scarves or ribbons for flowing movements.
Expressive movement creationcreativeUse different movements for different sections of music. Show AB and ABA form through dance.
Form expression through movementmovementPerform songs with choreography for family. Celebrate worship through music and movement.
Choreographed performanceperformanceDiscuss Colossians 3:16 about singing God's Word. Explore how music helps us memorize Scripture.
Biblical foundation for Scripture songsdiscussionLearn a musical setting of Psalm 100. Sing 'Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.'
Psalm singingsong learningReview all memory verse songs learned this year. Recite verses from memory through song.
Scripture memorization through musicreviewChoose a favorite verse and create a simple melody for it. Compose original Scripture song.
Scripture song compositioncreativePerform Scripture songs for family. Share how music has helped hide God's Word in our hearts.
Scripture song performance and testimonyworshipReview vocal skills learned this year. Sing favorite songs demonstrating growth in range and expression.
Comprehensive vocal skillsreviewDemonstrate rhythm reading and performance skills. Show all note values and time signature understanding.
Rhythm literacy masteryassessmentPlay learned recorder pieces and Orff ensemble music. Demonstrate instrumental growth.
Instrumental proficiencyperformanceSight-sing melodies using the complete major scale. Demonstrate sol-fa fluency.
Sight-singing masteryassessmentLook through compositions, recordings, and work from the year. Reflect on growth and favorite moments.
Reflection and self-assessmentreflectionRehearse all pieces for the final recital. Polish performances and practice transitions.
Comprehensive performance preparationrehearsalPerform complete recital program from start to finish. Practice with performance attire if desired.
Full performance run-throughrehearsalPerform final recital for family and friends. Showcase singing, recorder, and ensemble skills.
Formal recital performanceperformanceDiscuss how music has helped us worship God this year. Share favorite songs and memories.
Spiritual reflection on musicdiscussionCelebrate growth in music skills. Receive certificate and discuss goals for next year's music learning.
Celebration and goal-settingcelebrationStart with Day 1 and work through at your own pace. Each lesson builds on the last!