Intermediate 1
Jazz and the Rise of Recorded Music
Recommended for 6th - 8th Grade
Designed to be completed independently by your student, Intermediate 1: Jazz and the Rise of Recorded Music is a 36 week, literature-based, open-and-go middle school curriculum (see Intermediate 1: Book Bundle). This course is both rigorous and fun, covering American popular music of the 20th and early 21st century (especially jazz), the science and history of recording, and introductory topics in music theory. With cross-disciplinary learning in history, science, and literature, this music appreciation course is one-of-a-kind!
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Booklist
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The Science of Song: How and Why We Make Music (Alan Cross, Emme Cross, Nicole Mortillaro)
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A Child's Introduction to Jazz: The Musicians, Culture, and Roots of the World's Coolest Music (Jabari Asim)
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Help Your Kids with Music: A Unique Step-By-Step Visual Guide (Carol Vorderman for DK)
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Clayton Byrd Goes Underground (Rita Williams-Garcia)
Scope & Sequence
Welcome to Intermediate 1, our course on American popular music and recording technologies! Throughout this journey, you'll explore the rich history of jazz and other influential genres like pop, rock, country, bluegrass, CCM (Christian Contemporary Music), and hip hop. Each week features engaging readings and listening assignments that bring the music to life, along with Music Theory lessons tailored for all skill levels. Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some musical knowledge, this course will help deepen their understanding and enhance their appreciation of music!
Curriculum Guide
The Intermediate 1 Curriculum Guide is your key to keeping your student on track and planning ahead. It includes everything you need: Scope & Sequence, booklists and playlist links. Each week begins with a Week-at-a-Glance page, which includes the scheduled assignments and room for notes. Each week also includes parent notes, answer keys for the History and Listening questions and Music Theory worksheets, and links & QR codes to the week's Digital Resources.
Student Workbook
The Intermediate 1 Student Workbook is both instruction book and workbook, including introductions to each lesson, History and Listening questions, and Music Theory Worksheets. History readings are assigned from The Science of Song and A Child's Introduction to Jazz (see "Books" above), while the Music Theory lessons begin with DK's Help Your Kid with Music. The year wraps up with a literature study of Clayton Byrd Goes Underground. With bonus content such as "Bonus Tracks" to listen to and internet-linked resources, the Student Workbook is designed to make it easy for your student to complete this course independently.
Music Theory
Explore how music works, beginning with fundamental elements of music and proceeding to reading music (including rhythm, pitch, major & minor scales, key signatures, and more). No prior knowledge is required, but if your student already knows something about music, "Expert Challenges" are included on many Music Theory Worksheets to allow them to dive deeper.
Literature Study
The last three lessons of Intermediate 1 study the novel Clayton Byrd Goes Underground to explore the impact of music on a personal level. In this coming of age story, you will explore the connection between the blues and hip hop, and you will see that music can be a force for healing. Listening assignments accompany the Story lessons, bringing our study to completion by bringing together old and new!