Music composition project is here just for you! Perfect for a middle school music class wanting to find a way to integrate video game interests. What better way to reach student than to get on their level! Here is what I did for my Video Game Composition...
What you need:
Chromebooks/Desktop/Laptops
Smartboard/Projector (Optional)
Video Game Composition Handout
Color Pencils
Video Game Music Project Instructions:
I have students fill out their worksheets first. I found that having short term goals each day helps my middle school students stay on task and not feel overwhelmed by the project.
Here are the tasks they have to complete:
The students are expected to complete the handout before going on to anything else.
Once they are done, they will continue to create their characters and levels in a pixel website or a drawing website. They will download these images onto their slideshow.
When done with that, they will compose their music for each level and special feature using Beepbox.co This is a great website for kids to explore composition in a simple form.
Make sure to play with this website yourself being having your kids jump in - most will catch on to it, but some will need some guidance.
For the slideshow presentation the students make, you can copy and paste the URL of their composition onto the slide. I found this to be the simplest way to transfer the composition onto the slide.
Typical time frame for a 45 minute class with 6th graders: 14 days
When all is completed, the students present their slideshow to the class. I have LOVED seeing what my kids create.
Things I Love About this Music Project
The kids that are quiet have an outlet for something they can create and love.
Kids can tell stories through play, which is a great cross curriculum activity.
If you play any historical games (like Assassins Creed), the historical accuracy is amazing!
***Play this up when you teach about video games- the creators and composers had to become familiar with the historical accuracy of everything; music, clothes, environment, customs, cultures, etc. if a kid has a historical video game concept, have them research that time period! Cross curriculum again!
Want to Collaborate with Other Teachers in Your Building?
Check out the video below to see what we are doing for our building! If you want the student collaborative handout, just click on the link below and get access to the handout to save you some time!
Hope your kiddos enjoy this as much as my kiddos did!
If you are looking for resources and just don't have the time to make them yourself, head over to the Video Game Composition Project.
If you are looking for more resources for your music classroom or band classroom, please feel free to visit my other blog posts below!
