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Adding Note Values

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Subjects

  • Music
  • Math

Grade

  • 3-5
  • 6-8

Brief Description

Students use the values of musical notes to complete math problems.

Objectives

Students

  • learn the names and values of musical notes,
  • define the word beat as it relates to music,
  • learn how fractions relate to music note values,
  • complete math problems using music note values.

Keywords

music, note, value, add

Materials Needed

  • chart paper or colored tagboard
  • markers
  • teacher-selected textbooks or library sources on music note values or a printout from the site noted in the lesson for teacher reference
  • paper
  • pens or pencils

Lesson Plan

  • Prior to the lesson, create a chart showing the names and values of musical notes. Consult teacher-selected textbooks or library sources or the following Web site for reference.
    Introduction to Music Theory
    (click on teaching topics in left margin list)
  • Introduce the chart. Discuss the meaning of the word beat as it relates to music. Explain the note names and values; for example, a whole note has four beats, a half note has two beats. Discuss the use of fractions and math values in music.
  • Create math problems for students to solve using music note values. Put the examples on the board or develop a work sheet. Here are some examples:
    1/2 note + 1/2 note = how many beats?
    1/2 note + 1/4 note = how many beats?
    Two half notes = what kind of note?
    Four quarter notes = what kind of note?
    Two dotted half notes = how many beats?
Variation: Create problems using note symbols only. Have students write the solutions as the number of beats or numerical equivalents.

Assessment

Evaluate students' answers.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Lois Lewis

National Standards

Fine Arts:
  NA-M.K-4.5
  NA-M.K-4.8
  NA-M.5-8.5
  NA-M.5-8.8

Mathematics:
  NM.K-4.4
  NM.K-4.8
  NM.K-4.12
  NM.5-8.4
  NM.5-8.7