Gymnopedie No. 1 (Satie) | Free Music Lesson Plan (Same/Different)

Big Idea

Teach the concept of same vs. different through a graceful free, no-prep music lesson plan movement activity choreographed to Satie’s Gymnopedie No. 1.

Grade Level: 1-3
Activity: Movement & Comparison
Skill: Compare and Contrast

Students will use a movement activity and higher-order thinking skills to compare and contrast each section of the music.

This lesson is designed to fulfill the 2014 National Standard for Music:
Demonstrate and explain how the expressive qualities (such as dynamics and tempo) are used in performers’ decisions to convey expressive intent. (Responding - MU:Re9.1)

Recording of Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 (Blood Sweat, and Tears)
Whiteboard and markers

Music Lesson Plan

Step 1
Tell students, "I'm going to play a piece of music that repeats the same melody three times with a few changes each time. While listening, I want you to compare the three sections. Be ready to tell me what was the same and what was different."

Step 2
Ask students to spread out around the room and face you.

Step 3
Tell students, "When I start the music, I want you to imitate my movement. When my hands go up, yours should do the same. When my hands go around, yours should do the same." Demonstrate and practice the movements without music first.

Step 4
Start the music.

Step 5
Perform the following movements for each variation.

Introduction: Stand still during the introduction.

Variation 1: When the melody begins, draw a large circle with your right arm and end with your palm facing up. When the sustained note begins, raise your hand (palm up) for two measures. Then, rotate your hand and lower it for two measures, keeping your palm facing up.

Variation 2: Repeat the same movement with the left arm.

Variation 3: Repeat the same movement with both arms.

Step 6
Ask students, "What was the same about the dance during each variation? What was different?" Ask, "What was the same about the music during each variation? What was different?" Record these similarities and differences on the whiteboard.

Step 7
Wrap the lesson up by having students perform the movement activity again by themselves. Ask them to focus on what they hear as being the same or different as they move.