Grades 1–3
Compose a Four-Beat Rhythm
Pick notes and rests from the rhythm bank to fill four beats in every measure. Clap what you wrote.
Music theory worksheet · Listening and composing
My Listening Journal
Listen to a piece of music two times. Write what you hear, what it reminds you of and what you think of it.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Not needed: answers vary
- Kids practice
- Describing what you hear, Using music vocabulary, Composing a short rhythm or melody, Sharing an opinion with a reason
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- Composer or performer:
- First listen: circle what you hear.
- Second listen: write about the music.
- The mood of this music is…
- It reminds me of…
- My favorite part was…
- One question I have about this music:
- Color the stars to rate it:
Words on this sheet
slowmediumsoftfastloudpianostringsbrassvoices
Teacher tip
Print a stack and make it a weekly habit with a different style each time: classical, jazz, a film score, folk music from another country.
How to use it
- Tell kids there is no wrong answer about how music makes them feel.
- For composing, clap or play every child’s finished line so they hear their work.
- Read the reminder box at the top of the sheet together, then do the first item as a class.
Watch for
Measures with too many or too few beats. Count each one before moving on.
Talk about it
- What would you change in your own piece?
- What does this symbol tell a musician to do?
Take it further
Trade compositions with a partner and perform each other’s music.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More listening and composing worksheets
Grades 3–5
Write Your Own Melody
Write a melody of eight measures using the notes C, D, E, F and G, then give your song a name.
Grades K–2
Listen and Draw
Listen to a song with your eyes closed. Draw what the music makes you picture, then circle the words that fit.
Free for teachers
Get the free Classroom Drawing Kit
12 printable pages: six step-by-step lessons, a grid activity, draw-and-write sheets and teacher notes, sent with your welcome email. After that, new classroom printables by email.