Mentorship

Learning
Break-out Plan

Austin Di Pietro
104205934

Break-out Plan # 1
Date: September 20th, 2016 (Tuesday)
Break-out Title/Topic: Listening to music with a critical ear
Resources
Time
Bridge-in
- Ask students which songs they chose for their paragraph assignments ("What
5mins
song appeals to you and why; how would you describe the character of the
piece and how does the music express that character.
Pre-Assessment: Anonamous
e xamples

- Read through a couple of examples from the paragraphs (anonamous
from student
examples provided by prof) and discuss critical language as well as grammar - Is paragraphs (a couple
7mins
it written succinctly?
of sentences from
two or three
examples).
Learning Objective:
- To develop a vocabulary of specific, critical language to use when analyzing a
piece of music.
1min
- Solidify concepts of critical thinking, listening, and writing so that there is an
improvement seen in the next paragraph assignments.

Participatory Activity: Musical Example & Open Discussion Set

o f s peakers
( to

- Play a piece of chant music from the syllabus (Kyrie IV) and have the students play music)
listen critically and write down what they hear. Ask them to listen specifically for Laptop (to access
rhythm, intervals-stepwise motion, cadence, arching shape, vocals, etc. musical
e xample)
15mins

- Play the piece twice, then have each group member share their findings.
Paper/pens
Discuss each answer and start to compile a list of acceptable vocabulary to use Black board
when describing music in an academic setting.
Post-Assessment:
- After agreeing on a list of vocabulary with the mentees on the board, have
them copy it out so they always have this resource to look back on. 1min

- Take questions, comments and concerns about the next paragraph or about
general writing.
Summary:
- Reinforce that when analyzing music for a writing assignment - whether it be a
paragraph or a 15 page research paper - it is essential to use very specific words
that convey what you are trying to say exactly (this is the importance of having a
1min
large vocabulary of critical words). Although musical interpretation is about
your own opinion, you must also support that opinion with a strong vocabulary
and detailed contextual background.