I love this music theme idea I implemented in class. It's engaging, creative and full of implementing music theory knowledge. So, let's jump right in! Superheroes and Villains are notorious for having theme songs, so what better way to introduce theme in music than through Superheroes and Villains?
Implementing Superhero Music Theme Ideas
Instructional Slideshow about Music Themes
I first created a slideshow give examples of Superhero theme in music that are typical..Ranging from different eras of superheroes and different variety of sounds.
We compare Superman and Avengers, Batman and Captain America, etc. With these examples, discussions about what instrumentations, composition techniques, mood of the pieces, and how it could connect to the superhero or villain it represented.
Kids love discussing the theme in music and digging deeper into those conversations - especially if you have some kids that are fanatics about the Marvel Universe.
Concept Map for Characters
I have them fill out a concept map of their super character they want to create.
It can be as silly or as serious as they want it to be. I've had creative students really getting humor superheroes.
I have also had students work together in creating arch-nemesis or sidekicks, for example; Booger Man & Kleenex Boy, there was also "Mr. Inconvenience Man", a villain that loved to create little inconveniences to cause frustration throughout your day. Encourage their creativity!
If you are looking for a concept map for your kids, I've already created one just for you! See button below to access the free download.
Presentation Prep
After the concept map, I have them fill out an Interactive Notebook for more information on their character they created on their concept map;
character name
backstory of how they got their powers
catch phrase
logo
song is linked in the slide
This is the Google Slide that would be presented to the class.
Organizing Their Music Theme Ideas
After creating their character, they start organizing their music theme ideas.
I created a diagram that helped them create rhythm and form for their composition project. I gave them limited rhythm selection, based on their previous content knowledge of music theory; quarter, half, eighth notes and rests.
The form pattern introduced to them was ABBA, to show repetition in music is important and even with theme songs.
They are to create a phrase of 8 measures for each part of them form; 8 measures for A and 8 Measures for B. This makes their theme in music 32 measures long.
Music Composition Project
I personally love Flat.io, but I know others that have done this projected and used Noteflight.com with ease as well. If these are too advanced with the group you are doing this with, you can always edited the project for Song Maker on Chrome Music Lab.
I usually spend a day introducing the composition project software if they have never played with it before and allow them to experiment with it before committing to their official project.
Please keep in mind, too, that some students don't have proper composition knowledge - AND THAT IS OK! Allow them to use their ears!
I do discuss melody line and harmony/bass lines briefly with my kids. I tell them the melody is the part you can hum, and the harmony or bass line can be simplified to support the melody. You can just have your students do a one line of melody.
Music Project Guidelines
The guidelines that I gave them for this project were:
Must have 32 measures follow the ABBA form
Two instrumentations for their song - one melody and one harmony/bass
Keep in 4/4 Time Signature
They can pick ANY instrument they want from the composition software
These guidelines can be adjusted however you want to, put this is what I choice that work for my situation.
Presentation Day
After they are done with their composition project and their slideshow presentation (the interactive notebook with all their superhero information), they play their music, show their logos and read the backstory of the character. I personally like reading their backstory while their music is playing because it definitely adds to the experience! You can even have kids dress as their superhero or villain to get bonus points!
Such a fun project to do! And definitely worth it to add it to your collection of music lesson units!
For the lesson I do with my kids, visit my Superhero vs. Villain Composition Project Lesson.
If you are looking for more resources for your music classroom or band classroom, please feel free to visit my other blog posts below!
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