Students can research the life of a composer of their choosing. Students should be able to write a thorough biography on their chosen music composer. Depending on the grade level, the paper can be anywhere from one to five pages and include where the composer was born, when he became interested in composing, his first composition, etc.
Composers often discuss their creative processes in interviews. Ask students to find examples of these types of interviews. Have students focus on composers of popular music. Suggest that they look through current music magazines, books or online interviews to research. Students should examine and write about one to three composers.
Get students interested in literally making music by organizing a music making craft project for the classroom. A homemade drum is easy to make with a can (such as an oatmeal or coffee can), some glue and rubber bands. Have students paint the cans with their desired images and colors and then allow them to dry. Cut out a circle slightly larger than the can lid out of brown paper (such as a paper bag) and glue it to the lid of the can before securing it with a rubber band. Kids can then use their own hands to bang on the drums together as a class (or band).
Introduce students to the four different families of orchestra instruments: strings, winds, brass and percussion. Students should be able to associate sounds with each group before they compose a 15-second song with at least one instrument from each of the four different families. This is a great small-group project for students to complete.