Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Music: Grade 8

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. 8.1

      The student will demonstrate creative thinking by composing and improvising original music.8.1

      1. a

        Improvise sixteen-measure melodic and rhythmic phrases.8.1.a

      2. b

        Compose sixteen-measure melodies and rhythms.8.1.b

      3. c

        Arranging an existing musical tune.8.1.c

  • 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. 8.2

      The student will apply a creative process for music.8.2

      1. a

        Develop individual solutions to creative challenges through independent research, investigation, and inquiry of music ideas and concepts.8.2.a

      2. b

        Collaborate with peers to define, organize, develop, and share ideas, investigations, and research of music ideas and concepts.8.2.b

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. 8.3

      The student will analyze, interpret, and evaluate music.8.3

      1. a

        Analyze and interpret works of music using inquiry skills and music terminology.8.3.a

      2. b

        Formulate criteria to be used for evaluating works of music.8.3.b

      3. c

        Apply formulated criteria for critiquing musical works and performances of self and others.8.3.c

  • 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. 8.4

      The student will formulate and justify personal responses to music.8.4

      1. a

        Analyze how time and place influence the characteristics that give meaning and value to a work of music.8.4.a

      2. b

        Describe personal, emotional, and intellectual responses to works of music.8.4.b

  • 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. 8.5

      The student will explain and apply collaboration and communication skills for music, including active listening.8.5

History, Culture, and Citizenship

  • 6

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

    1. 8.6

      The student will explore historical and cultural influences of music.8.6

      1. a

        Describe the cultural influences, musical styles, composers, and historical periods associated with the music literature being studied. 8.6.a

      2. b

        Compare and contrast a variety of musical periods and styles using music terminology.8.6.b

      3. c

        Compare and contrast the functions of music in a variety of cultures.8.6.c

  • 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. 8.7

      The student will describe opportunities for music performance and advocacy within the community.8.7

  • 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. 8.8

      The student will explain and apply digital citizenship skills related to intellectual property in music research, performance, and sharing.8.8

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. 8.9

      The student will investigate connections between music skills and college, career, and workplace skills.8.9

  • 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. 8.10

      The student will explore and investigate technology and new media to create, edit, and present music.8.10

  • 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. 8.11

      The student will analyze cross-disciplinary connections with music.8.11

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. 8.12

      The student will read and notate music.8.12

      1. a

        Identify and perform melodic patterns using specific interval names (e.g., third, fifth).8.12.a

      2. b

        Read and notate rhythmic patterns of increasing complexity, including tied rhythms, eighth note triplets, syncopation. 8.12.b

    2. 8.13

      The student will perform a variety of music.8.13

      1. a

        Use indicated dynamics, phrasing, and other elements of music.8.13.a

      2. b

        Sing or play music written in three parts on the treble and bass staves.8.13.b

      3. c

        Consistently demonstrate appropriate performance practices.8.13.c

    3. 8.14

      The student will sing and/or play a variety of instruments.8.14

      1. a

        Play melodies and accompaniments written on the grand staff.8.14.a

      2. b

        Play music of increased difficulty in a variety of ensembles using traditional and nontraditional instruments.8.14.b

    4. 8.15

      The student will read, count, and perform rhythmic patterns.8.15

      1. a

        Use a counting system.8.15.a

      2. b

        Include patterns that suggest duple and triple meter.8.15.b

      3. c

        Use instruments, body percussion, and voice.8.15.c

      4. d

        Include complex rhythms and syncopation8.15.d

    5. 8.16

      The student will respond to music with movement.8.16

      1. a

        Create movements individually or collaboratively to interpret a musical composition.8.16.a

      2. b

        Create movements to illustrate forms, meters, and patterns.8.16.b

      3. c

        Demonstrate how choreography is a form of expression and communication.8.16.c

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8
Where can I read the official document?
Fine Arts Standards of Learning General Music

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