Achieve*NET Home | Program Home | Program Resources

A PASSION FOR MUSIC

Module I: Motivation and Inspiration

Teacher Facilitation Guide
The following curriculum materials are designed to be used with the Achievement Television program A Passion for Music. VHS tapes of the program can be ordered through the Gift Shop of the Academy of Achievement web site.

Program Overview
Module I explores passion for music from the vantage points of musician, producer, and listener. Panelists voice their opinions on the importance of listening to new types of contemporary music, including hip-hop, without judging or having to "like" it. They emphasize the importance of understanding the message and motivation behind the music. Panelists talk about different types of musical expression and describe their own reasons for creating music.

Viewing/Facilitation Strategies

• Introduce the Pre-Viewing Activity to the whole class. After students complete the activity, allow time for them to share their responses.
• Review and discuss the lives and musical accomplishments of each person on the panel. What perspective did they each bring to the panel discussion? Discuss terms.
• View Module I and if time allows, immediately break into small groups for the group activity.
• During the next class period, have the telecast available for students to review. Ask them to complete a Curriculum Connection activity independently or with a partner.
• Assign the Research Project as a class assignment or as an optional independent project.

Student Activities

Pre-Viewing Activity:
After a class discussion about ideas students believe might be a part of a discussion on "a passion for music," have them individually think of different types of musical styles and musicians/composers. Challenge them to consider where their own musical tastes and ideas may have come from.

Group Activity
In small groups, students use the program and Interviews in the Gallery of Arts to expand their look at where creative ideas and inspiration come from. They will use their information to create a chart that compares how different influences have inspired a variety of artists.

Student Academic Standards

• Knows various roles that musicians perform (e.g., entertainer, teacher, transmitter of cultural tradition) and representative individuals who have functioned in these roles
• Understands the functions music serves, roles of musicians (e.g., lead guitarist in a rock band, composer of jingles for commercials, singer in Peking opera), and conditions under which music is typically performed in various cultures of the world
• Understands the roles of musicians (e.g., orchestra conductor, folk singer, church organist) in various music settings and cultures.

Curriculum Connections Activities
Psychology: Johnny Cash - Music and Emotion History: Music Makes Memories Careers: Wynton Marsalis - Shaping Beauty

Research Project
Students conduct research related to the types and functions of music throughout the ages. They use their research to develop a multimedia documentary on the music of a specific group of people or a timeline tracing one type of music, such as lullabies, across time and cultures.

Terms to Discuss

• alien
• barometer
• consciousness
• contemporary music
• heavy-metal music
• hip-hop music
• homage
• motivation
• passion