Grade 4 Music builds comprehensive musicianship through singing, rhythm, notation, recorder performance, and music appreciation. Students develop advanced sight-singing skills, explore minor keys and harmony, begin bass clef reading, and deepen their understanding of music history and worship. The curriculum integrates biblical content through hymns, worship songs, and Scripture memory songs while preparing students for independent musical expression and worship leadership.
Sight-sing with rhythmic complexity and read music in both major and minor keys
Play recorder proficiently with full octave range and perform chosen instrument with developing skill
Sing three-part songs with family members, demonstrating proper blend and choral technique
Understand basic chord symbols, bass clef notation, and compose melodies with harmonic awareness
Analyze and perform music from various periods and styles with appropriate expression and biblical understanding
Lead family worship through confident singing and instrumental accompaniment
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Review musical skills from Grade 3 and set goals for the year ahead. Assess current singing range and sight-singing ability.
Self-assessment and goal settingdiscussion and singingLearn the first verse of 'Holy, Holy, Holy' and explore its Trinitarian theology. Practice singing with reverent expression.
Hymn learning and theological connectionsinging and discussionReview all rhythm values learned through Grade 3 including dotted rhythms and syncopation through games and exercises.
Rhythm reading fluencygameReview proper recorder technique and play familiar songs from Grade 3 repertoire. Assess current playing level.
Recorder technique reviewinstrumental practiceReview reading treble clef in C, G, and F major. Play notation games to refresh note-reading skills.
Note reading in multiple keysgameExplore the difference between major and minor tonalities through listening and singing. Discover how minor keys express different emotions.
Identifying major and minor by earlistening and comparisonLearn the structure of natural minor scales and compare to major scales. Build A minor scale on instruments.
Understanding minor scale constructionhands-on theoryPractice sight-singing simple minor melodies using solfege. Learn 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus' and identify its minor sections.
Sight-singing in minorsingingLearn to identify minor key signatures and understand relative major/minor relationships.
Reading minor key signaturestheory and notationPlay simple melodies in A minor on recorder, focusing on creating appropriate expressive tone for minor mode.
Recorder performance in minor keysinstrumental practiceIntroduction to sixteenth notes and their relationship to other note values. Learn to count and clap sixteenth note patterns.
Understanding sixteenth note valuesrhythm instructionPractice common sixteenth note patterns (four sixteenths, eighth-two sixteenths, two sixteenths-eighth). Play on rhythm instruments.
Playing sixteenth note patternshands-on rhythmRead and perform rhythm exercises combining all learned note values including sixteenth notes. Practice rhythm dictation.
Reading complex rhythmsreading and writingLearn 'Come Thou Fount' which contains sixteenth note passages. Practice singing with rhythmic precision and expression.
Singing complex rhythms accuratelysingingCompose an 8-measure rhythm piece incorporating sixteenth notes. Perform compositions on rhythm instruments.
Rhythmic compositioncreative projectExplore the difference between simple and compound meters. Feel the lilting quality of 6/8 time through movement and listening.
Understanding compound meter conceptmovement and listeningLearn to count 6/8 meter (1-2-3-4-5-6 and in 2). Practice clapping and playing patterns in compound time.
Counting compound meterrhythm practiceLearn to conduct 6/8 meter in two (feeling two large beats per measure). Practice conducting while listening to music in 6/8.
Conducting compound meterconducting practiceLearn 'For the Beauty of the Earth' in 6/8 meter. Focus on flowing, lilting phrasing appropriate to compound time.
Singing in 6/8 metersingingCompose a short melody or rhythm piece in 6/8 time. Perform compositions for family members.
Composing in compound metercreative projectReview the concept of half steps and whole steps on instruments. Explore chromatic notes between scale degrees.
Understanding chromatic intervalstheory and hands-onLearn to sight-sing simple melodies containing chromatic passing tones. Use solfege syllables for altered notes (fi, si, etc.).
Sight-singing chromatic notessingingLearn the Advent hymn 'O Come O Come Emmanuel' which contains chromatic elements. Explore its minor mode and longing character.
Singing complex hymn melodysinging and discussionBuild and perform chromatic scales on instruments. Practice singing chromatic patterns with accurate pitch.
Performing chromatic scalesinstrumental and vocalPractice sight-singing melodies with chromatic notes. Assess progress and identify areas for continued growth.
Sight-singing assessmentassessmentIntroduction to bass clef symbol and its purpose. Learn the landmark notes (bass F and middle C).
Identifying bass cleftheory instructionLearn to read notes on bass clef lines (G-B-D-F-A) and spaces (A-C-E-G) using mnemonics and practice.
Reading bass clef notesnotation readingPractice playing bass clef notes on keyboard or bass bells. Connect notation to instrument.
Playing from bass clefinstrumental practiceLearn 'Reckless Love' exploring its powerful message of God's pursuing love. Sing with contemporary worship expression.
Contemporary worship singingsinging and discussionLearn how treble and bass clefs combine to form the grand staff. Practice reading simple grand staff notation.
Understanding grand stafftheory and readingListen to two and three-part choral music. Learn to identify and follow individual vocal lines within harmony.
Aural part identificationlisteningReview singing rounds with family members. Progress to singing simple two-part songs with independent lines.
Part singing in roundssingingPractice learning and singing harmony parts while melody plays. Use part-isolation tracks to build confidence.
Singing harmony independentlysingingLearn 'Goodness of God' with simple harmony parts. Explore the song's testimony of God's faithfulness.
Contemporary song with harmonysingingLearn choral techniques of blending voices and balancing parts. Practice listening while singing to match others.
Choral blend and balancesinging techniqueLearn fingerings for high D and E on recorder. Practice exercises to develop control in upper register.
Extended recorder rangeinstrumental practicePractice moving smoothly between low, middle, and high registers on recorder. Work on breath control for high notes.
Register transitionstechnique practicePlay scales and exercises using the full octave range. Build confidence with entire recorder range.
Full range performanceinstrumental practiceLearn the powerful story behind 'It Is Well With My Soul' by Horatio Spafford. Begin learning the melody.
Hymn history and singingsinging and discussionLearn a complete recorder piece using extended range. Practice performing with expression and confidence.
Recorder performanceperformance preparationIntroduction to chords as three or more notes sounding together. Build simple triads on instruments.
Understanding chord concepttheory and hands-onLearn the difference between major and minor triads. Build and play both types on available instruments.
Building triadshands-on theoryLearn to read basic chord symbols (C, Am, G7, etc.). Understand what each symbol tells musicians to play.
Chord symbol readingtheory instructionLearn all verses of 'Amazing Grace.' Explore how chords support the melody and create harmony.
Singing with harmonic awarenesssingingLearn simple accompaniment patterns for keyboard or guitar (if available). Practice playing chord progressions.
Basic accompanimentinstrumental practiceExplore how different cultures use music for worship and celebration. Listen to examples from various continents.
Cultural music awarenesslistening and discussionLearn basic African rhythm patterns and polyrhythms. Practice playing on drums or improvised percussion.
African rhythm performancehands-on rhythmExplore rhythms from Latin American music including clave patterns. Practice playing and moving to these rhythms.
Latin rhythm patternsrhythm and movementLearn 'How Great Thou Art,' originally a Swedish hymn. Discuss how this hymn is sung worldwide in many languages.
Hymn with global perspectivesinging and discussionCompose rhythm patterns inspired by world music styles. Perform compositions as a cultural rhythm celebration.
World rhythm compositioncreative projectIntroduction to the Baroque period (1600-1750). Learn characteristics of Baroque music including ornamentation and counterpoint.
Historical period identificationlistening and discussionLearn about J.S. Bach's life and his commitment to writing music for God's glory. Listen to famous Bach works.
Composer studylistening and biographyStudy George Frideric Handel and his famous oratorio 'Messiah.' Listen to the 'Hallelujah Chorus' and other excerpts.
Oratorio appreciationlisteningLearn a simplified version of Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.' Experience the flowing, ornamental style of Baroque melody.
Baroque style singingsingingLearn about trills, mordents, and other Baroque ornaments. Practice adding simple ornaments to familiar melodies.
Musical ornamentationcreative practiceReview and expand dynamic markings from pp to ff. Practice singing with varied dynamic levels.
Dynamic control in singingsinging techniqueMaster gradual dynamic changes (crescendo and decrescendo). Practice controlling breath for smooth dynamic transitions.
Gradual dynamic changessinging techniqueLearn to identify and perform musical phrases. Practice breathing at appropriate phrase endings.
Musical phrasingsinging techniqueLearn 'Great Are You Lord' with attention to expressive dynamics and phrasing. Connect expression to worshipful meaning.
Expressive worship singingsingingAnalyze sheet music for expression markings. Practice performing pieces with all indicated expressions.
Reading and applying expression marksanalysis and performanceAnalyze what makes a strong melody. Identify melodic contour, range, and memorable features in familiar songs.
Melodic analysislistening and discussionExplore how harmony supports and enhances melody. Play simple harmonic accompaniments on instruments.
Understanding melody-harmony relationshiphands-on theoryReview intervals (2nd through octave). Practice identifying intervals by ear and singing them accurately.
Interval recognition and singingear trainingLearn 'Build My Life,' analyzing its strong melodic structure. Discuss how the melody reinforces the worshipful text.
Contemporary worship with analysissinging and discussionCompose a simple 8-measure melody with awareness of underlying harmony. Choose appropriate chord progressions.
Melodic composition with harmonycreative projectPractice various articulation techniques including staccato, legato, and accent. Apply to scales and exercises.
Recorder articulationtechnique practiceDevelop breath control for longer musical phrases. Practice circular breathing concepts and strategic breathing points.
Recorder breath managementtechnique practiceApply dynamic control and expressive phrasing to recorder performance. Practice making the recorder 'sing.'
Expressive recorder playinginstrumental practiceLearn 'Blessed Assurance' by Fanny Crosby. Explore the hymn's message of assurance in salvation.
Hymn singing and theologysinging and discussionRecord a polished recorder performance piece. Listen back and self-assess using a rubric.
Performance and self-assessmentperformance projectLearn about AB and ABA forms. Listen to examples and identify form by listening.
Musical form identificationlistening and analysisExplore rondo form where the main theme returns repeatedly. Listen to and diagram rondo examples.
Rondo form recognitionlistening and diagrammingLearn how composers create variations on a theme. Listen to examples and identify how themes are varied.
Recognizing variationslisteningLearn '10,000 Reasons' and analyze its verse-chorus structure. Discuss how form supports the song's message.
Contemporary song formsinging and analysisCompose a short piece in ABA form. Perform compositions and discuss how form creates unity and variety.
Compositional form applicationcreative projectLearn la-based minor solfege (la, ti, do, re, mi, fa, sol, la). Practice singing minor scale patterns.
Minor solfege singingsingingPractice sight-singing common melodic patterns in minor keys. Build confidence with minor intervals.
Minor pattern recognitionsight-singingSight-sing complete melodies in minor keys. Progress from simple to more complex examples.
Minor melody sight-singingsight-singingContinue mastering 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel.' Explore how minor mode expresses longing for the Messiah.
Expressive minor singingsinging and discussionAssess sight-singing progress in minor keys. Celebrate growth and identify areas for continued practice.
Sight-singing evaluationassessmentIntroduction to the Classical period (1750-1820). Learn characteristics including clarity, balance, and form.
Classical period identificationlistening and discussionStudy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life and music. Listen to famous Mozart works including 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.'
Composer biographylistening and discussionLearn about Franz Joseph Haydn and his contributions to Classical music. Listen to excerpts from Haydn symphonies.
Classical composer studylisteningLearn 'Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee' based on Beethoven's 9th Symphony theme. Discuss Beethoven's transition to Romanticism.
Hymn based on classical themesinging and discussionCompose a simple melody in Classical style emphasizing clarity and balance. Use question-answer phrases.
Classical style compositioncreative projectReview all skills learned in first half of year. Self-assess progress in singing, rhythm, notation, and instruments.
Self-assessment and reflectionassessmentSelect 2-3 pieces for mid-year performance (singing, recorder, or both). Begin intensive practice.
Repertoire selectionplanning and practicePractice performance pieces with attention to all musical details. Work on memorization, expression, and confidence.
Performance preparationintensive practiceFull run-through of performance pieces. Practice performance etiquette including bowing and handling mistakes gracefully.
Performance skillsrehearsalPerform prepared pieces for family. Celebrate musical growth and set goals for second half of year.
Performance and goal settingperformanceLearn basic anatomy of the voice including vocal cords, breath support, and resonance. Understand voice care.
Vocal anatomy understandingdiscussion and demonstrationPractice proper singing posture and breath support techniques. Learn exercises for developing breath capacity.
Singing posture and breathingtechnique practiceLearn a complete vocal warm-up routine. Practice scales, arpeggios, and exercises for vocal development.
Vocal warm-up routinetechnique practiceLearn 'In Christ Alone' with attention to proper vocal technique. Explore the hymn's profound theological content.
Hymn with vocal techniquesinging and discussionLearn about vocal health including hydration, rest, and avoiding vocal strain. Commit to caring for your voice.
Vocal health awarenessdiscussionLearn what conductors do and why they're important. Watch videos of great conductors leading orchestras and choirs.
Understanding conductingdiscussion and observationLearn conducting patterns for 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time. Practice clear, confident patterns.
Conducting patternsconducting practiceLearn to indicate dynamics, tempo changes, and expression through conducting gestures. Practice expressive conducting.
Expressive conductingconducting practiceLearn 'Crown Him with Many Crowns' celebrating Christ's kingship. Practice conducting this hymn in 4/4 time.
Hymn singing and conductingsinging and conductingPractice conducting family members in singing familiar songs. Build confidence in musical leadership.
Conducting real singersleadership practiceLearn about spirituals born from slavery and faith. Understand their historical and spiritual significance.
Musical history and cultural understandinglistening and discussionLearn this beloved spiritual with attention to its call-and-response structure and hope-filled message.
Spiritual singingsingingExplore gospel music style including improvisation, syncopation, and emotional expression. Listen to gospel examples.
Gospel style recognitionlistening and discussionLearn 'I'll Fly Away' with gospel style including swing rhythm and joyful expression.
Gospel singing stylesingingPractice adding gospel-style elements to familiar songs including rhythmic variation and vocal improvisation.
Gospel style applicationcreative singingLearn about violin, viola, cello, and bass. Listen to each instrument and explore how strings produce sound.
String instrument identificationlisteningExplore trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Learn how brass instruments produce sound through buzzing lips.
Brass instrument identificationlistening and demonstrationStudy flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. Understand different reed types and how woodwinds work.
Woodwind instrument identificationlisteningLearn this contemporary worship song. Discuss how God created humans with creativity to design instruments.
Contemporary worship singingsinging and discussionStudy Psalm 150 and identify all instruments mentioned. Listen to a musical setting of Psalm 150.
Biblical instruments studyBible study and listeningLearn the composition process from brainstorming to final product. Choose form, key, and mood for a composition project.
Composition planningplanningCompose the main melody for your piece. Consider range, contour, and memorable melodic ideas.
Melodic compositioncreative workChoose appropriate chords to harmonize your melody. Write or plan harmonic accompaniment.
Harmonic compositioncreative workLearn 'Way Maker' celebrating God's miraculous work. Discuss how the song builds through repetition and dynamics.
Contemporary worship with analysissinging and discussionFinalize and perform your composition. Share the inspiration and musical choices behind your piece.
Composition presentationperformance and discussionIntroduction to the Romantic period (1820-1900). Learn characteristics including emotional expression and expanded forms.
Romantic period identificationlistening and discussionStudy Romantic composers and their contributions. Listen to piano works by Chopin and orchestral music by Brahms.
Composer studylisteningLearn about program music that tells stories. Listen to examples like Saint-Saëns' 'Carnival of the Animals.'
Program music understandinglisteningLearn this beloved hymn with Celtic origins. Explore its prayer for spiritual sight and devotion to God.
Hymn singing and historysinging and discussionApply Romantic-style expression to recorder or chosen instrument. Practice playing with emotional depth.
Romantic style performanceinstrumental practiceDiscuss how musical gifts can serve God and others. Explore biblical examples of worship leaders (David, Levites, etc.).
Understanding music ministryBible study and discussionLearn how to select appropriate songs for different occasions. Consider theology, singability, and purpose.
Song selection skillsdiscussion and practicePractice leading family in singing. Learn to give clear starting pitches, maintain tempo, and encourage participation.
Worship leadingleadership practiceLearn this worship classic. Practice leading others in singing this song with appropriate expression and tempo.
Worship song leadingsinging and leadingPlan and lead a complete family worship time including multiple songs, prayer, and Scripture reading.
Worship planning and leadershipleadership projectReview syncopation concept and explore complex syncopated patterns. Practice identifying syncopation by ear.
Syncopation understandingrhythm studyPractice performing common syncopated rhythms including eighth-quarter-eighth and tied patterns.
Syncopation performancerhythm practiceExplore syncopation in jazz, gospel, and Latin music. Learn how syncopation creates energy and interest.
Stylistic syncopationlistening and playingLearn a syncopated arrangement of 'This Little Light of Mine.' Practice singing and playing syncopated version.
Syncopated singingsingingCompose rhythm pieces featuring syncopation. Perform compositions on rhythm instruments.
Syncopated compositioncreative projectLearn how an orchestra is organized by instrument families. Understand why instruments sit in specific locations.
Orchestra understandingvisual learning and discussionListen to famous orchestral works. Practice identifying instruments and sections by sound.
Orchestral listeninglisteningWatch orchestra conductors at work. Discuss how conductors communicate with musicians through gestures.
Understanding conducting roleobservation and discussionLearn this hymn about Christ's intercession. Discuss how different parts work together like orchestra sections.
Hymn singing with analogysinging and discussionCreate a family or small ensemble piece using available instruments. Practice playing together with balance.
Ensemble performancegroup music makingExplore how music affects emotions. Listen to pieces expressing joy, sadness, anger, peace, and discuss musical elements that create emotion.
Emotional music analysislistening and discussionReview how major and minor tonalities affect emotional expression. Practice switching familiar songs between major and minor.
Tonality and emotionsinging and playingExperiment with how tempo and dynamics change emotional impact. Perform the same piece with different interpretations.
Expressive performance choicesperformance explorationRevisit 'It Is Well With My Soul' exploring how Spafford expressed peace despite tragedy. Sing with deep understanding.
Emotionally mature singingsinging and discussionCompose a short piece expressing a specific emotion. Share compositions and discuss how musical choices create emotional effect.
Expressive compositioncreative projectTrace CCM from the Jesus Movement to today. Listen to examples from different eras and discuss evolution of style.
CCM history knowledgelistening and discussionLearn about influential CCM artists and their faith journeys. Listen to their music and testimonies.
Artist studylistening and biographyDiscuss criteria for evaluating worship music: biblical truth, singability, God-focus. Practice analyzing songs.
Critical music evaluationdiscussion and analysisLearn 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)' by Hillsong United. Explore the song's imagery of stepping out in faith.
Contemporary worship singingsinging and discussionShare and discuss favorite contemporary Christian songs. Analyze what makes them meaningful and musically effective.
Personal music analysisdiscussion and sharingLearn basics of audio recording from early technology to digital recording. Understand microphones, speakers, and sound waves.
Recording technology understandingdiscussion and demonstrationPractice recording singing voice using available technology. Learn about recording techniques and listening back critically.
Recording skillshands-on recordingLearn how multiple tracks are recorded separately and mixed. Listen to isolated tracks from famous recordings.
Multi-track understandinglistening and discussionRecord a polished performance of 'Goodness of God' with both melody and harmony parts (if possible).
Recording project completionrecording projectListen to recordings and evaluate using a rubric. Discuss what makes a quality recording and performance.
Critical listening and evaluationassessmentChoose 3-4 pieces for end-of-year recital representing different skills (singing, recorder, etc.). Plan program order.
Program planningplanningWork on memorizing performance pieces. Practice with attention to every musical detail.
Memorization and refinementintensive practicePractice performing with confidence. Learn strategies for managing nervousness and recovering from mistakes.
Performance psychologydiscussion and practicePractice walking on stage, bowing, and presenting yourself professionally. Learn audience etiquette.
Performance etiquettepracticeComplete run-through of recital program in performance attire. Practice as if it's the real performance.
Rehearsal skillsrehearsalExplore 20th century classical music including impressionism, atonality, and minimalism. Listen to diverse examples.
Modern music appreciationlisteningIntroduction to jazz including its origins, characteristics, and important artists. Listen to various jazz styles.
Jazz appreciationlistening and discussionExplore how music enhances film. Listen to famous film scores and discuss how music creates mood and supports story.
Film music analysislisteningContinue perfecting 'How Great Thou Art' for potential recital performance. Explore its journey across cultures and time.
Hymn masterysingingDiscuss current trends in music and imagine future possibilities. Consider how Christians can influence music culture.
Critical thinking about musicdiscussionReview all notation learned this year through games and challenges. Include treble clef, bass clef, rhythms, and symbols.
Notation fluencygameReview all major and minor key signatures learned. Practice writing and performing scales in various keys.
Key signature masterytheory practiceReview all intervals and chord types. Practice identifying by ear and building on instruments.
Interval and chord knowledgetheory and ear trainingLearn this hymn celebrating God's unchanging faithfulness. Analyze its musical structure and harmonic progression.
Hymn with theory analysissinging and analysisCompose a piece demonstrating mastery of theory concepts learned this year. Include proper notation and musical elements.
Comprehensive compositioncreative projectLearn about music in the early church including chant and simple songs. Listen to Gregorian chant examples.
Church music historylistening and discussionStudy how Luther and others used hymns in the Reformation. Learn 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.'
Reformation music understandingsinging and historyExplore hymns from spiritual awakenings. Learn about Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, and their contributions.
Revival hymn knowledgesinging and historyTrace the development of contemporary worship music. Discuss strengths and considerations of modern worship.
Contemporary worship understandingdiscussionPerform a medley of hymns from different eras. Discuss how worship music has changed and stayed the same.
Historical hymn performanceperformanceExtended practice time for all recital pieces. Focus on problem areas and building confidence.
Intensive preparationpracticeRefine every detail of performance pieces. Practice transitions between pieces and stage movements.
Performance refinementpracticePractice in performance space with all technical elements. Test sound, positioning, and program flow.
Technical preparationrehearsalComplete performance run-through treating it as the real event. Receive final feedback and encouragement.
Final rehearsalrehearsalLight review and mental preparation for recital. Focus on confidence, prayer, and readiness to share musical gifts.
Mental preparationpreparationPerform complete recital program for family and friends. Celebrate musical growth and accomplishments.
Final performanceperformanceReflect on year's growth in all musical areas. Celebrate achievements and discuss favorite moments and pieces.
Self-reflectiondiscussion and celebrationCompile compositions, recordings, and documentation of year's work. Create a portfolio showcasing musical growth.
Portfolio creationprojectLook ahead to fifth grade music. Set personal goals for continued musical development and ministry.
Goal settingplanningPlan for summer musical activities including practice routines, songs to learn, and ways to use music for worship and joy.
Planning and commitmentplanningStart with Day 1 and work through at your own pace. Each lesson builds on the last!