Grade 3 Music builds comprehensive musicianship through singing, rhythm, notation, recorder, and music appreciation. Students develop sight-singing with the full major scale, read and write music notation in multiple keys, master syncopation and polyrhythms, achieve recorder proficiency, and explore music history while learning hymns and worship songs that deepen their faith. All instruction is designed for parents with no musical background.
Sight-sing diatonic melodies using the full major scale with confidence
Read and write music notation in C, G, and F major, including dotted rhythms and ties
Play recorder with full octave range and perform solos from notation
Sing two-part songs confidently and interpret music with appropriate expression
Perform syncopated rhythms and conduct in 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures
Compose 8-measure melodies with proper form and structure
Identify major and minor tonality and understand their emotional qualities
Learn the stories behind classic hymns and connect music to faith history
Build a repertoire of 20+ hymns and worship songs for family and church worship
Click any week to see daily lesson details.
Review Grade 2 skills through fun musical games and assessments. Explore what exciting new skills await this year.
Assessment and goal-settinggameLearn the powerful story of Horatio Spafford and begin learning 'It Is Well With My Soul.' Discuss how music expresses faith during trials.
Song interpretation and hymn historydiscussionPractice the melody of 'It Is Well' with attention to phrasing and expression. Learn the first verse from memory.
Expressive singing and memorizationsingingReview quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes, and rests through active rhythm games and body percussion.
Rhythm reading and performancehands-onReview proper recorder technique and play familiar songs from Grade 2. Set recorder goals for the year.
Recorder technique reviewinstrument practiceLearn do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do with hand signs. Understand how the major scale builds like steps going up and down.
Major scale introduction with solfegesingingIdentify scale patterns in familiar songs. Practice singing scales with proper hand signs and pitch accuracy.
Scale recognition and singinglisteningLearn to write the C major scale on the treble staff. Understand whole steps and half steps.
Music notation and theoryworksheetPractice sight-singing simple melodies using the full major scale. Build confidence reading new music.
Sight-singing with do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-dosingingLearn the second verse of 'It Is Well' and discuss how the lyrics express deep faith. Sing both verses with expression.
Hymn singing and theological reflectionsingingUnderstand what a key signature is and why different keys exist. Learn about C major (no sharps or flats).
Key signature introductiondiscussionLearn G major key signature (one sharp: F#). Practice identifying and writing F# on the staff.
G major key signatureworksheetLearn F major key signature (one flat: Bb). Practice identifying and writing Bb on the staff.
F major key signatureworksheetIdentify key signatures in real music. Practice singing scales in C, G, and F major.
Key signature recognition and applicationgameLearn 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus' and discuss the hymn's message about prayer. Practice the melody in F major.
Singing in F majorsingingUnderstand the difference between melody and harmony. Listen to examples and identify each part.
Understanding harmonylisteningLearn the harmony part for 'What a Friend' chorus. Practice with backing track while melody plays.
Learning harmony partssingingPractice both melody and harmony parts. Switch between parts to strengthen musical independence.
Part independencesingingSing both parts together (with parent or sibling). Focus on listening while singing and blending voices.
Two-part singing and blendensembleDiscuss how harmony in music reflects God's design for unity in diversity. Perform complete two-part song.
Performance and biblical connectionperformanceLearn that a dot adds half the note's value. Practice clapping dotted quarter notes followed by eighth notes.
Dotted quarter note rhythmhands-onUnderstand ties that connect notes across bar lines. Practice reading and clapping tied rhythms.
Tied noteshands-onFind dotted rhythms in real music. Practice performing rhythms with dots and ties on percussion instruments.
Rhythm reading and performancegameLearn 'Blessed Assurance' which features beautiful dotted rhythms. Discuss Fanny Crosby's life and faith.
Hymn learning and biographysingingCompose a 4-measure rhythm pattern using dotted notes and ties. Perform your creation.
Rhythm compositionprojectLearn the fingering for high D on recorder. Practice scales and patterns that reach into the upper register.
High D on recorderinstrument practicePractice high D in context with songs and exercises. Focus on breath control for upper register.
Upper register techniqueinstrument practiceLearn low D and low C on recorder. Practice transitioning between registers smoothly.
Low notes on recorderinstrument practicePractice scales and melodies that span a full octave. Build confidence with complete range.
Full octave rangeinstrument practiceLearn a simple arrangement of 'Blessed Assurance' on recorder. Prepare for performance.
Recorder performanceperformanceListen to major and minor examples. Identify the emotional quality of each and discuss why music has different moods.
Major vs. minor recognitionlisteningLearn the natural minor scale. Compare it to major scale and identify the differences in sound and structure.
Minor scale introductionsingingPractice sight-singing simple melodies in minor keys. Use solfege with adjusted syllables (la-based minor).
Sight-singing in minorsingingDiscuss how both major and minor music express worship. Learn 'Great Are You Lord' which uses both qualities.
Tonality in worship musicdiscussionCompose short melodies in major and minor. Share how each makes you feel and why both are gifts from God.
Composition with tonalityprojectUnderstand syncopation as rhythm that emphasizes weak beats. Clap and feel syncopated patterns.
Syncopation introductionhands-onFind syncopation in familiar songs. Practice clapping syncopated rhythms while maintaining steady beat.
Syncopation identificationgamePerform syncopated patterns using body percussion (clap, stomp, pat, snap). Layer patterns for complexity.
Syncopated body percussionhands-onPractice 'Great Are You Lord' focusing on its syncopated rhythms. Discuss how rhythm adds energy to praise.
Syncopated singingsingingCompose a rhythm pattern featuring syncopation. Perform it on percussion instruments.
Syncopated rhythm compositionprojectWatch conductors in action. Understand their role in keeping tempo, showing dynamics, and unifying musicians.
Understanding conductingdiscussionLearn the standard 4/4 conducting pattern. Practice in front of mirror with steady tempo.
Conducting in 4/4hands-onLearn the 3/4 conducting pattern. Practice with waltz music and feel the difference from 4/4.
Conducting in 3/4hands-onPractice showing dynamics (loud/soft) and tempo changes through conducting gestures. Lead family members.
Expressive conductinghands-onConduct while the family sings 'Build My Life.' Discuss leadership in worship and serving others through music.
Conducting performanceperformanceLearn the elements of a good melody: shape, repetition, contrast, and resolution. Analyze familiar songs.
Melodic analysisdiscussionCompose a simple 4-measure melody in C major. Use quarter and eighth notes with proper bar lines.
Basic melody compositionprojectExtend composition to 8 measures using question-and-answer phrasing. Create musical conversation.
8-measure compositionprojectAdd dynamics, tempo markings, and expression to your composition. Practice performing it.
Musical refinementprojectPerform original compositions for family. Discuss how creating music is a gift from our Creator God.
Performance and reflectionperformanceIntroduction to the Baroque period (1600-1750). Learn about the culture, instruments, and musical style.
Music history contextdiscussionLearn about Bach's life and faith. Discover how he wrote 'SDG' (Soli Deo Gloria) on his compositions.
Composer biographydiscussionListen to Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.' Identify Baroque characteristics: ornamentation, terraced dynamics.
Active listening and analysislisteningLearn about Handel and listen to 'Hallelujah Chorus.' Discuss how this music proclaims Christ's kingship.
Sacred music appreciationlisteningLearn to sing a simplified version of 'Jesu, Joy.' Practice clear articulation and steady tempo typical of Baroque.
Period-appropriate performancesingingUnderstand polyrhythm as two different rhythms happening simultaneously. Experience simple examples.
Polyrhythm introductiondiscussionLearn the classic 'Pass the peas, please' trick for 3-against-2. Practice saying while tapping different rhythms.
3-against-2 polyrhythmhands-onWith a partner, perform polyrhythms on percussion instruments. Take turns on each part.
Polyrhythmic performanceensembleListen to African and Latin American music featuring polyrhythms. Discuss global music traditions.
World music appreciationlisteningConnect polyrhythm to 1 Corinthians 12—many parts working together. Create polyrhythmic praise music.
Biblical integration and performanceprojectLearn John Newton's remarkable story of conversion from slave trader to pastor and hymn writer.
Hymn history and testimonydiscussionStudy the theology of each verse. Discuss what 'grace' means and why it's amazing.
Lyric analysis and theologydiscussionPractice singing 'Amazing Grace' with attention to meaning. Let the words shape your expression.
Expressive singingsingingLearn a simple harmony part for 'Amazing Grace.' Practice two-part singing.
Two-part harmonysingingShare personal testimonies of God's grace. Sing 'Amazing Grace' as worship and testimony.
Personal application and worshipperformanceSelect a recorder piece appropriate for your skill level. Options include hymn arrangements or method book solos.
Music selectiondiscussionLearn strategies for effective practice: slow practice, difficult sections, hands separate (for fingering).
Practice techniquesinstrument practicePractice dynamics, articulation, and phrasing. Make musical decisions about interpretation.
Musical expression on recorderinstrument practicePractice performing from memory or with music. Work on stage presence and confidence.
Performance preparationinstrument practicePerform solo for family or record performance. Celebrate progress and offer gifts to God through music.
Solo performanceperformanceReview AB and ABA forms. Understand phrases, sections, and how music tells a story through structure.
Musical form recognitiondiscussionAnalyze verse-chorus form common in contemporary music. Map out the form of 'How Great Is Our God.'
Form analysisworksheetLearn what a bridge is and its function in songs. Identify bridges in familiar music.
Bridge identificationlisteningAnalyze hymn structure (strophic form). Compare to contemporary song forms. Discuss how form serves text.
Comparative form analysisdiscussionCreate a short piece using clear ABA form. Perform and explain your structural choices.
Composition with formprojectLearn step-by-step approach to sight-singing: scan for patterns, identify key, find do, practice intervals.
Sight-singing methodologydiscussionPractice singing intervals from the major scale (2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths). Use solfege and hand signs.
Interval singingsingingIdentify common melodic patterns (scales, arpeggios, skips). Practice sight-singing melodies with these patterns.
Pattern-based sight-singingsingingSight-sing melodies that combine rhythmic and melodic challenges. Build confidence with new music.
Comprehensive sight-singingsingingSight-sing a new hymn or worship song independently. Celebrate growth in musical literacy.
Independent sight-singingsingingUnderstand that every culture worships God through music. Listen to worship songs from different countries.
World music appreciationlisteningExplore call-and-response and polyrhythmic traditions from Africa. Practice African-style singing and drumming.
African music traditionshands-onListen to pentatonic melodies from Asia. Discuss different scales and musical aesthetics.
Asian music traditionslisteningExperience energetic rhythms and instruments from Latin America. Practice claves and maracas patterns.
Latin American music traditionshands-onLearn 'All Creatures of Our God and King' and discuss Revelation 7:9—every nation worshiping together.
Global worship theologysingingReview all songs learned in first semester. Practice favorites and assess progress.
Repertoire reviewsingingReview key signatures, note values, major and minor scales. Play review games.
Music theory reviewgamePolish recorder pieces learned so far. Prepare for family performance.
Recorder reviewinstrument practicePerform favorite songs, recorder pieces, and compositions for family. Record performances.
PerformanceperformanceSet goals for second semester. Celebrate growth and thank God for the gift of music.
Goal-setting and reflectiondiscussionReview and expand dynamic markings: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff. Practice singing with varied dynamics.
Dynamic rangesingingLearn gradual dynamic changes. Practice crescendo (getting louder) and decrescendo (getting softer).
Gradual dynamic changessingingAnalyze how dynamics support text meaning. Add dynamics to songs to enhance expression.
Expressive dynamicsdiscussionShow dynamics through conducting gestures. Practice leading with clear dynamic indications.
Conducting with dynamicshands-onLearn '10,000 Reasons' with attention to dynamic shaping. Discuss how volume serves worship.
Dynamic performancesingingReview tempo terms: largo, adagio, andante, moderato, allegro, presto. Move to music at different tempos.
Tempo identificationhands-onLearn to use a metronome. Practice singing and playing at specific tempos (BPM).
Tempo consistencyinstrument practiceLearn gradual tempo changes. Practice slowing down (ritardando) and speeding up (accelerando).
Tempo modificationsingingDiscuss how tempo affects emotion and meaning. Experiment with singing songs at different tempos.
Tempo interpretationdiscussionCelebrate 100 days of music! Perform '10,000 Reasons' with all expression elements mastered.
Comprehensive performanceperformanceRefine articulation with various tonguing styles: legato, staccato, marcato. Practice exercises.
Recorder articulationinstrument practicePractice long tones and breath management for phrases. Develop consistent tone quality.
Breath controlinstrument practiceLearn fingerings for F# and Bb on recorder. Practice chromatic patterns.
Chromatic notesinstrument practiceLearn 'Simple Gifts' on recorder. Discuss the Shaker tradition and the song's message of simplicity.
Recorder repertoireinstrument practicePlay 'Simple Gifts' as a duet (with parent or sibling). Practice ensemble skills.
Ensemble playingensembleAnalyze ABA form in detail. Understand how the return of A creates unity and satisfaction.
Form analysisdiscussionCompose an 8-measure A section with a clear melodic idea. Establish key and character.
Melody compositionprojectCompose a B section that contrasts with A (different rhythm, range, or character). Create variety.
Contrasting compositionprojectBring back the A section to complete ABA form. Polish entire piece with dynamics and tempo.
Form completionprojectPerform original ABA composition. Explain compositional choices and dedicate work to God.
Performance and explanationperformanceLearn the history of 'Be Thou My Vision,' an ancient Irish hymn. Discuss its timeless message.
Hymn historydiscussionStudy each verse's theology. Discuss what it means for God to be our vision, wisdom, and treasure.
Lyric analysisdiscussionPractice singing 'Be Thou My Vision' with appropriate expression and reverence. Memorize first verse.
Hymn singingsingingLearn a harmony part or descant for 'Be Thou My Vision.' Practice two-part singing.
Part singingsingingDiscuss why old hymns still matter. Perform 'Be Thou My Vision' as worship connecting past and present.
Worship theologyperformanceIntroduction to Classical period (1750-1820). Learn about balance, clarity, and form in Classical music.
Historical contextdiscussionLearn about Mozart's life as a child prodigy and prolific composer. Listen to 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.'
Composer biographylisteningDiscover Beethoven's life, deafness, and triumph. Listen to 'Ode to Joy' from Symphony No. 9.
Composer biographylisteningIdentify Classical style: clear melody, alberti bass, balanced phrases, sonata form. Compare to Baroque.
Style identificationlisteningLearn 'Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee' set to Beethoven's melody. Sing with Classical clarity and joy.
Hymn singingsingingUnderstand 6/8 time signature. Feel the difference between simple and compound meter.
Compound meter introductiondiscussionMove and clap to 6/8 music. Feel two large beats divided into three parts each.
6/8 beat feelinghands-onLearn to read notation in 6/8. Practice clapping rhythms with proper grouping.
6/8 rhythm readinghands-onIdentify songs in 6/8 meter. Practice singing and conducting in compound time.
6/8 performancesingingCompose a rhythm pattern in 6/8 time. Perform on percussion instruments.
Compound meter compositionprojectPractice singing your part while another part plays. Strengthen ability to hold independent line.
Part independencesingingLearn both melody and harmony for 'In Christ Alone.' Understand how parts work together.
Part learningsingingPractice singing in harmony with attention to blend, balance, and intonation.
Ensemble blendensembleAdd dynamics and phrasing to two-part singing. Create unified musical expression.
Expressive part singingsingingPerform 'In Christ Alone' in two parts. Discuss how harmony enriches worship.
Two-part performanceperformanceLearn the four instrument families: strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion. Hear examples of each.
Instrument classificationlisteningStudy violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Listen to string quartet and discuss sound production.
String instrumentslisteningExplore flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. Understand reed vs. non-reed instruments.
Woodwind instrumentslisteningLearn about trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion instruments. Discuss their roles.
Brass and percussion instrumentslisteningRead Psalm 150 and identify instruments mentioned. Discuss using all instruments to praise God.
Biblical integrationdiscussionPractice sight-singing melodies in minor keys. Use la-based minor solfege.
Minor sight-singingsingingPractice singing larger intervals (6ths, 7ths, octaves). Build confidence with skips.
Interval singingsingingSight-sing melodies with syncopation, dotted rhythms, and ties. Integrate rhythm and pitch skills.
Complex sight-singingsingingSight-sing increasingly difficult melodies. Track progress and celebrate growth.
Progressive sight-singingsingingSight-sing 'Crown Him with Many Crowns' independently. Discuss Christ as King of Kings.
Hymn sight-singingsingingLearn about African American spirituals born from slavery. Discuss music as hope and resistance.
Spiritual historydiscussionPractice call-and-response singing typical of spirituals. Experience communal music-making.
Call-and-response singingsingingLearn how gospel music developed from spirituals. Listen to Mahalia Jackson and other gospel pioneers.
Gospel music historylisteningLearn 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' with gospel style. Practice rhythmic energy and expression.
Gospel singing stylesingingDiscuss how music supported civil rights movement. Connect to biblical justice and using gifts for good.
Music and social justicediscussionSelect a Scripture verse or write original lyrics expressing worship. Consider theme and message.
Text selectionprojectCompose melody that fits text naturally. Consider word rhythm, emphasis, and meaning.
Text settingprojectOrganize composition with verse, chorus, or other form. Create complete song structure.
Song form compositionprojectAdd dynamics, tempo, and expression markings. Practice performing your worship song.
Composition refinementprojectPerform original worship song for family. Record and dedicate composition to God's glory.
Original work performanceperformanceIntroduction to Romantic period (1820-1900). Learn about expanded expression, nationalism, and program music.
Historical contextdiscussionLearn about Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms. Listen to examples of Romantic style.
Composer biographylisteningUnderstand music that tells a story. Listen to 'Peter and the Wolf' or 'Carnival of the Animals.'
Program music appreciationlisteningIdentify Romantic style: rich harmony, expanded dynamics, rubato, emotional expression. Compare to Classical.
Style identificationlisteningLearn 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness' with Romantic expressiveness. Discuss God's unchanging nature.
Expressive hymn singingsingingChoose 2-3 recorder pieces for final recital. Include variety of styles and difficulty levels.
Repertoire selectiondiscussionPolish technical elements: fingerings, breath control, articulation. Practice slowly and carefully.
Technical practiceinstrument practiceMake expressive decisions about dynamics, tempo, and phrasing. Practice performing with feeling.
Musical interpretationinstrument practicePractice performing pieces from beginning to end. Work on transitions and stage presence.
Performance preparationinstrument practiceRecord or perform live recorder recital. Celebrate year's progress on instrument.
Recital performanceperformanceLearn about contemporary Christian music's origins in the 1960s-70s. Discuss how worship styles evolved.
CCM historydiscussionExplore current worship music landscape. Listen to various contemporary worship artists.
Contemporary worship surveylisteningLearn about worship songs from around the world. Sing 'Way Maker' originally from Nigeria.
Global contemporary worshipsingingDiscuss criteria for evaluating worship music: biblical truth, musical quality, congregational accessibility.
Critical evaluationdiscussionPractice leading 'Way Maker' for family worship. Discuss worship leadership principles.
Worship leadershipperformanceReview all key signatures learned (C, G, F major). Practice identifying and writing them quickly.
Key signature masteryworksheetReview and identify all intervals within an octave. Practice singing and writing intervals.
Interval masteryworksheetReview all rhythm values and time signatures learned. Practice complex rhythm reading.
Rhythm masteryhands-onReview all tempo, dynamic, and expression terms. Play matching games and apply to music.
Musical vocabularygameComplete comprehensive theory assessment. Celebrate growth in musical literacy.
Theory assessmentworksheetChoose songs, recorder pieces, and compositions to showcase year's learning. Create balanced program.
Program planningdiscussionPractice all recital pieces with attention to expression, accuracy, and confidence.
Performance refinementpracticePractice walking on/off stage, bowing, and transitions between pieces. Build performance confidence.
Performance etiquettehands-onPerform entire recital program from beginning to end. Time program and make final adjustments.
Recital preparationperformanceFinal practice with full performance conditions. Invite family members to attend dress rehearsal.
Dress rehearsalperformancePerform year-end recital for family and friends. Record performance to preserve memories.
Final performanceperformanceCreate a book documenting year's musical journey: favorite songs, compositions, photos, reflections.
Reflection and documentationprojectDiscuss Grade 4 music goals. Choose optional instrument path if desired. Plan for continued growth.
Goal settingdiscussionReflect on how music has deepened faith this year. Discuss using musical gifts for God's glory.
Spiritual reflectiondiscussionInformal family concert of favorite songs from the year. Thank God for the gift of music and celebrate growth!
Celebration performanceperformanceStart with Day 1 and work through at your own pace. Each lesson builds on the last!