Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Music: Grade 1

Other Virginia Fine Arts sets

Creative Process

  • 1

    Apply creative thinking to composing and improvising music. Apply creative thinking by employing originality, flexibility, experimentation, individual voice, and imagination to improvise and compose music. 

    1. 1.1

      The student will improvise and compose music. 1.1

      1. a

        Improvise vocal responses to given melodic questions.1.1.a

      2. b

        Improvise body percussion.1.1.b

      3. c

        Improvise to enhance stories, songs, and poems. 1.1.c

      4. d

        Compose simple rhythmic patterns. 1.1.d

  • 2

    Understand and apply a creative process to develop ideas for creating and performing music. Understand and apply a creative process to guide the development of ideas and original work.

    1. 1.2

      The student will apply a creative process for music.1.2

      1. a

        Brainstorm multiple solutions to a musical prompt.1.2.a

      2. b

        Identify steps taken in the creation of music.1.2.b

      3. c

        Share ideas for creating music with a group. 1.2.c

Critical Thinking and Communication 

  • 3

    Analyze, interpret, and evaluate music. Develop critical thinking skills in the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of the work of self and others.

    1. 1.3

      The student will analyze music.1.3

      1. a

        Identify and classify the timbres of pitched and non-pitched instruments by sounds.1.3.a

      2. b

        Differentiate vocal and instrumental music.1.3.b

      3. c

        Distinguish between accompanied and unaccompanied vocal music.1.3.c

      4. d

        Recognize differences in melodic and rhythmic patterns and dynamics.1.3.d

  • 4

    Formulate and justify personal responses and connections to music. Recognize, justify, and articulate personal responses, beliefs, and opinions regarding music and recognize the value in learning about diverse opinions and responses to music.

    1.  1.4

      The student will describe personal ideas and emotions evoked by music.1.4

  • 5

    Develop collaboration and communication skills for music rehearsal and performance. Identify and apply collaboration and communication skills for rehearsal and performance of music.

    1. 1.5

      The student will identify collaboration and communication skills for music rehearsal and performance.1.5

      1. a

        Use etiquette appropriate to different types of events/situations (e.g., classical concert, rock concert, sporting event).1.5.a

      2. b

        Understand active listening as a musician.1.5.b

      3. c

        Work together to reach a common goal.1.5.c

History, Culture, and Citizenship

  • 6

    Understand cultural and historical influences of music. Demonstrate understanding of cultural and historical influences of music. 

    1. 1.6

      The student will explore historical and cultural aspects of music. 1.6

      1. a

        Recognize how music is used in the customs and traditions of a variety of cultures.1.6.a

      2. b

        Describe how people participate in music experiences. 1.6.b

  • 7

    Understand music as a form of community engagement. Identify and interact with music and develop a lifelong engagement as a performer, supporter, advocate, and audience member.

    1. 1.7

      The student will identify musicians in the school, community, and media.1.7

  • 8

    Ethical and legal considerations for music and intellectual property Identify and understand ethical and legal considerations for engaging with music, resources, and source material as a responsible citizen.

    1. 1.8

      The student will identify appropriate sources of information for learning about music.1.8

Innovation in the Arts

  • 9

    College, career, and the 21st Century Workplace. Connect music content and skills to career options, college opportunities, and the 21st Century workplace.

    1. 1.9

      The student will describe the roles of music and musicians. 1.9

  • 10

    Understand and explore the impact of current and emerging technologies. Participate in a rapidly changing world of music and explore the impact of current and emerging technologies, media, and processes.

    1. 1.10

      The student will recognize how music can be created using innovative tools and new media.  1.10

  • 11

    Cultivate connections to other fine arts and fields of knowledge. Identify and cultivate connections between music and other fields of knowledge to develop problem-solving skills.

    1. 1.11

      The student will identify relationships between music and concepts learned in another content area.1.11

Technique and Application

  • 12

    Music Literacy: Acquire the technical skills and artistic knowledge necessary for creative, expressive, and artistic performance. Demonstrate understanding of elements of music and ways they are used for artistic performance and creative expression

    1. 1.12

      The student will demonstrate music literacy. 1.12

      1. a

        Identify high and low pitches represented by a variety of notational systems.1.12.a

      2. b

        Read and notate rhythmic patterns that include quarter notes, paired eighth notes, and quarter rests represented by a variety of notational systems.1.12.b

      3. c

        Identify basic music symbols.1.12.c

  • 13

    Vocal Performance

    1. 1.13

      The student will develop skills for individual and ensemble singing performance.1.13

      1. a

        Sing high/low pitches and melodic contour. 1.13.a

      2. b

        Demonstrate expressive qualities of music, including changes in dynamics and tempo.1.13.b

      3. c

        Use the head voice when singing or matching high pitches.1.13.c

      4. d

        Sing songs using echo and ensemble singing.1.13.d

  • 14

    Instrumental Performance

    1. 1.14

      The student will develop skills for individual and ensemble instrumental performance. 1.14

      1. a

        Play two-pitch melodies using imitation.1.14.a

      2. b

        Play expressively with appropriate dynamics and tempo.1.14.b

      3. c

        Accompany songs and chants using body percussion as well as instruments.1.14.c

      4. d

        Use proper playing techniques. 1.14.d

  • 15

    Rhythm

    1. 1.15

      The student will recognize and perform rhythmic patterns.1.15

      1. a

        Include patterns that suggest duple and triple meter.1.15.a

      2. b

        Use instruments, body percussion, and voice.1.15.b

      3. c

        Include quarter notes, paired eighth notes, and quarter rests. 1.15.c

  • 16

    Meter

    1. 1.16

      The student will understand and apply the difference between melodic rhythm and steady beat using body percussion, instruments, and voice.1.16

  • 17

    Music and Movement

    1. 1.17

      The student will respond to music with movement.1.17

      1. a

        Use locomotor and non-locomotor movements.1.17.a

      2. b

        Demonstrate high and low pitches.1.17.b

      3. c

        Demonstrate expressive qualities of music, including changes in dynamics and tempo.1.17.c

      4. d

        Perform dances and other music activities.1.17.d

      5. e

        Dramatize songs, stories, and poems.1.17.e

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 1
Where can I read the official document?
Fine Arts Standards of Learning Music Elementary

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