Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Music: Accomplished

Other Colorado Arts sets

Expression of MusicMU.AC.1

  • 1

    Perform/Demonstrate contrasting pieces of music, making complex interpretive and expressive choices. MU.AC.1.1

    1. a

      Perform/Demonstrate contrasting pieces of music with accurate rhythms. (See Skill Level A in Appendix) MU.AC.1.1.a

    2. b

      Perform/Demonstrate contrasting pieces of music with accurate pitches and intonation. (See Skill Level A in Appendix) MU.AC.1.1.b

    3. c

      Perform/Demonstrate contrasting pieces of music with expressive qualities. (See Skill Level A in Appendix) MU.AC.1.1.c

  • 2

    Perform/Demonstrate music accurately and expressively, demonstrating self-evaluation and personal interpretation.MU.AC.1.2

    1. a

      Perform/Demonstrate with effective technique using consistent tone quality, intonation, balance, diction/articulation and phrasing. (See Skill Level A in Appendix) MU.AC.1.2.a

    2. b

      Respond to leader’s cues while singing or playing in an ensemble.MU.AC.1.2.b

    3. c

      Demonstrate the ability to adjust elements of music (pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, texture, balance, blend, and phrasing). (See Skill Level A in Appendix)MU.AC.1.2.c

  • 3

    Synthesize multiple sources of feedback to develop and implement personal practice cycles to refine performance.MU.AC.1.3

    1. a

      Define valid criteria for informed aesthetic judgments and apply those criteria to unfamiliar musical works and performances. MU.AC.1.3.a

    2. b

      Apply self-reflection process to refine musical performance.MU.AC.1.3.b

Creation of MusicMU.AC.2

  • 1

    Create music using melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements to convey intent.MU.AC.2.1

    1. a

      Create/Compose music incorporating level-appropriate melody, harmony, and form. (See Skill Level A in the Appendix) MU.AC.2.1.a

    2. b

      Improvise a solo vocally and/or instrumentally using varied rhythmic and melodic patterns. (See Skill Level A in the Appendix) MU.AC.2.1.b

    3. c

      Arrange music: level-appropriate melody, harmony, and form/structure. (See Skill Level A in the Appendix) MU.AC.2.1.c

Theory of MusicMU.AC.3

  • 1

    Read and notate level-appropriate music accurately and expressively. MU.AC.3.1

    1. a

      Identify by name or function and notate musical symbols. (See Skill Level A in the Appendix)MU.AC.3.1.a

    2. b

      Sight-read, observing musical symbols, tempo indications, expressive indications, and technical indications. (See Skill Level A in the Appendix) MU.AC.3.1.b

    3. c

      [Notate melodic and/or rhythmic patterns of two to four measures. (See Skill Levels A in the Appendix)MU.AC.3.1.c

  • 2

    Analyze structure, use of musical elements, and expressive choices within musical creations. MU.AC.3.2

    1. a

      Compare notation among different musical creations. MU.AC.3.2.a

    2. b

      Analyze a musical excerpt and describe the creator’s application of musical structures and elements. (See Skill Level A in the Appendix)MU.AC.3.2.b

  • 3

    Aurally identify and differentiate musical elements within musical excerpts.MU.AC.3.3

    1. a

      Listen to and notate melodies with rhythm. MU.AC.3.3.a

    2. b

      Listen to, identify, and demonstrate chords and intervals.MU.AC.3.3.b

    3. c

      Aurally recall a complex melodic phrase.MU.AC.3.3.c

  • 4

    Aurally identify music by genre, style, historical period or culture.MU.AC.3.4

    1. a

      Classify and describe aural examples of music from a given musical genre and explain the reasoning for the classificationMU.AC.3.4.a

Response to MusicMU.AC.4

  • 1

    Respond to musical performances or creations and communicate those artistic choices using informed criteria.MU.AC.4.1

    1. a

      Analyze and interpret the intention of different musical elements throughout culturally diverse musical creations and performances.MU.AC.4.1.a

    2. b

      Listen to a performance and evaluate various musical elements.MU.AC.4.1.b

    3. c

      Explain interpretations of musical creations as they connect with musicians’ intent and communicative choices. MU.AC.4.1.c

  • 2

    Describe and analyze the contributions of music on various cultures. MU.AC.4.2

    1. a

      Analyze how specific musical creations influence and are influenced by interactions between social and cultural groups. MU.AC.4.2.a

    2. b

      Analyze the present and historical relationships between music and shifts in culture.MU.AC.4.2.b

  • 3

    Compare the use of musical characteristics across multiple and diverse cultures.MU.AC.4.3

    1. a

      Analyze music influenced by two or more cultures for structure, style, and cultural context (e.g., connections, spirituality, traditions, language, community, etc.).MU.AC.4.3.a

    2. b

      Contrast performance styles and/or techniques between two or more cultures and describe the intent and application of each.MU.AC.4.3.b

    3. c

      Research and present the music of multiple and diverse cultures for indicators of cultural identity (e.g., connections, spirituality, traditions, language, community, etc.)MU.AC.4.3.c

  • 4

    Describe and analyze the contributions of music on historical periods and cultural and social contexts. MU.AC.4.4

    1. a

      Analyze examples of music associated with a specific historical event and describe how music may have contributed to the outcome of the event. MU.AC.4.4.a

    2. b

      Analyze the evolution of music and other arts and their relationship to history and social movements.MU.AC.4.4.b

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Music - Colorado Academic Standards - Adopted 2022

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