Minnesota Music Standards for Grades 6-8
Strand I:  Artistic Foundations
Standard 1:  Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the art area.

  • Benchmark 1 - Analyze the elements of music including melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, tone, color, texture, form and their related concepts.
  • Benchmark 2 - Analyze how the elements and related concepts are used in the performance and creation of, or response to music.
  • Benchmark 3 - Describe the characteristics of a variety of genres and musical styles.
Standard 2:  Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • Benchmark 1 - Read and notate music using the standard notation system with or without the use of notation software.
  • Benchmark 2 - Sing or play alone and in a group using musical expression (phrasing, dynamic contrast, balance, technique, balance, accurate articulation, etc.)
Standard 3:   Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural, historical contexts that influence the art areas.
  • Benchmark 1 - Compare and contrast connections among works in music, their purpose, and the personal, cultural, and historical contexts, including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.
  • Benchmark 2 - Analyze the meanings and functions of music.
Strand II:  Artistic Process:  Create/Make
Standard 1:  Create or make in a variety of contexts in the art are using the artistic foundations.

  •  Benchmark 1 - Improvise, compose or arrange a new musical composition using available technology to preserve the creation.
  • Benchmark 2 - Revise a musical composition, improvisation or arrangement based on feedback of others, self-reflection, and artictic intention.
  • Benchmark 3 - Explain artistic intent including how audience and occasion affect artistic choices and explain choices based on intent.
Strand III:  Artistic Process:  Perform/Present
Standard 1:  Perform/Present in a variety of contexts in the art are using the artistic foundations.
  • Benchmark 1 - Rehearse and perform music from a variety of contexts and styles alone or with small and large groups.
  • Benchmark 2 - Revise performance based on feedback of others, self-reflection, and artistic intention.
  • Benchmark 3 - Explain artistic intent including how audience and occasion affect artistic choices and explain choices based on intent.
Strand IV:  Artistic Process:  Respond/Critique
Standard 1:  Respond to and critique a variety of creations and performances using the artistic foundations.
  • Benchmark 1 - Analyze and interpret a variety of musical works and performances using established criteria.