Objectives 
In this lesson, students will: 
· Research song writers on the Internet
· Compose an original song put to the tune of a familiar song or create original music
· Perform their song and record the music in a .wav format

Time Frame 
Two 1-hour sessions

Materials
1. Internet access 
2. Butcher paper
3. Large felt tip pens 
4. Computer
5. Cassette player/recorder
6. Cassette
7. Computer microphone
 
 

Procedure
1. Provide students an opportunity to learn about famous songwriters on the web using the web sites included here either as a group or individually.
2. Locate a cassette accompaniment tape of the class’ favorite tune (“Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Three Blind Mice,” or “Mary Had A Little Lamb” are suggestions.  If you cannot locate an accompaniment tape, ask your music teacher to record a piano accompaniment tape for you.)
3. As a whole-group activity, ask the class to sing the song along with the accompaniment.  Then choose a subject for the original song and begin writing the song on the butcher paper.  The song could be created based on a theme, such as science-clouds, math-multiplication facts, etc.)  Start with the song’s chorus, then the verses. 
4. When the song is complete, sing it together.  Use the word processor to print out a copy of the song for each student. 
5. Record the song using the sound recorded on your computer, following these steps:
· Click Start 
· Programs
· Accessories
· The Sound Recorder will either be listed under Multimedia or Entertainment, depending on your version of Windows.  Click the Sound Recorder

· This will open a player, click the record button and record your song by singing into the microphone. 

· Save the file by clicking File in the sound recorder window…Save As… and select a location in which to save the file and a name for the file.  The music file will then be saved in a .wav format and may be shared with others through email or at website.

Related Activites:
Composer Fun  http://www.quia.com/custom/391main.html