What to include:

• PYP single-subject planner (editable PDF or Google Doc)
  
  

• Reflection prompts for music learners
  
  

• Weekly overview templates
  
  

• Integration planning sample (music + homeroom)
  
  

• Student goal-setting sheets

What to include:

• Rhythm flashcards
  
  

• Dynamics and tempo posters
  
  

• Composer of the month templates
  
  

• Song lyric response sheets
  
  

• Listening reflection tools

1. Music Creation & Composition

Purpose: Allow students to compose, arrange, and experiment with music digitally. Encourages creativity, collaboration, and composition skills.

Chrome Music Lab

• Simple, browser-based interactive music experiments (rhythm, melody, chords).

• Great for younger students; integrate into transdisciplinary inquiries on patterns, sound, or technology.

Soundtrap (Spotify)

• Online DAW where students can record, loop, and collaborate in real-time.

• Use for group projects, cross-curricular links (e.g., storytelling with soundtracks).

Flat.io

• Online music notation tool for creating, sharing, and collaborating on sheet music.

• Assign composition tasks; excellent for older students to explore notation and theory.

Noteflight

• Browser-based composition software with easy sharing.

• Use for formative assessment by having students submit digital scores.

BandLab & BandLab for education

• Free collaborative platform for music production, recording, and mixing.

• Encourage peer collaboration; students can produce simple songs in any style.

Tip: Encourage students to experiment freely; digital creation allows instant playback and iteration, supporting the PYP ATL of thinking skills (creativity & reflection).

2. Music Theory & Ear Training

Purpose: Strengthen aural skills, rhythm recognition, and understanding of music theory concepts.

Musictheory.net

• Lessons and exercises covering notation, scales, chords, and key signatures.

• Perfect for flipped classroom lessons; students can learn theory at home.

TonedEar

• Interactive ear-training exercises for intervals, chords, and melodies.

• Use for short daily exercises; links to ATL Communication & Thinking Skills.

Tenuto (iOS)

• App-based exercises for note identification, chord recognition, and rhythm.

• Use on tablets during independent learning stations.

Complete Music Reading Trainer

• App for sight-reading and rhythm practice.

• Great for small-group or station work in PYP music classes.

Tip: Integrate theory and aural exercises into music creation projects. For example, students can compose using newly learned scales or rhythmic patterns.

3. Classroom Management & Student Engagement

Purpose: Keep students organized, motivated, and engaged, especially in larger or multi-level music classes.

ClassDojo

• Track student behavior, participation, and share positive feedback with parents.

• Use ATL “Self-Management Skills” to encourage responsibility in practice routines.

Kahoot! / Quizizz

• Gamified quizzes for music theory, instruments, composers, or history.

• Engage students in fast-paced review games; ideal for formative assessment.

Padlet

• Digital bulletin boards for sharing recordings, compositions, or reflections.

• Great for student portfolios; encourages collaboration and reflection.

Google Classroom / Microsoft Teams

• Central hub for assignments, resources, and communication.

• Streamlines lesson planning and digital submission of projects.

Seesaw

• Student-driven digital portfolios for videos, recordings, or compositions.

• Perfect for documenting progress and reflection; supports Assessment & Reporting.

Tip: Combine engagement tools with reflection prompts to integrate Learner Profile attributes like Risk-Taker and Communicator.

4. Interactive Learning & Gamified Music Tools

Purpose: Make learning music fun, engaging, and interactive through games or digital simulations.

Chrome Music Lab: Song Maker, Rhythm

• Interactive music experiments for creating simple songs or rhythms.

• Great for stations, warm-ups, or cross-curricular links with math.

Synthesia

• Piano learning app that gamifies sheet music through visuals.

• Useful for students learning keyboard or piano; instant feedback encourages mastery.

Meludia

• Online music perception and ear-training platform.

• Helps students develop listening skills and musical memory in a game-like format.

Yousician

• Interactive learning platform for guitar, piano, ukulele, and singing.

• Supports self-paced learning; perfect for differentiation in multi-level classrooms.

Tip: Integrate interactive tools into inquiry projects. Example: students learn rhythm through Song Maker, then create a composition based on a unit theme.

5. Recording & Performance Tools

Purpose: Enable students to record, edit, and share performances digitally.

Audacity

• Free, open-source audio editing software for recording and editing.

• Students can record performances, edit mistakes, and layer tracks.

GarageBand

• Mac/iOS DAW for recording, producing, and mixing music.

• Integrate technology to create original compositions; supports collaborative projects.

Soundation

• Browser-based online studio for recording, sequencing, and mixing.

• Useful for composing backing tracks for PYP performances.

Flipgrid (Microsoft)

• Platform for recording short performance videos to share with peers or parents.

• Encourages reflection and self-assessment; supports ATL Reflection Skills.

Tip: Encourage students to document their learning journey. Flipgrid + Seesaw can create a digital performance portfolio.

6. Music Resources & Samples

Purpose: Provide access to free or copyright-safe music resources for practice, listening, or composition.

Free Music Archive

• Free music library for classroom use.

• Assign listening tasks or use as background for student projects.

Looperman

• Free loops and sample sounds for composition projects.

• Students can remix or add loops to original compositions.

MuseScore

• Free sheet music repository and notation software.

• Students can download classical or contemporary scores to study or perform.

Classics for Kids

• Introduction to classical music through stories and games.

• Supports inquiry into composers, styles, and cultural context.

Tip: Use these resources to integrate cross-curricular connections with history, culture, or literacy.

7. Assessment & Analytics

Purpose: Track, evaluate, and provide feedback on student progress in music.

SmartMusic

• Tracks student practice and performance; provides feedback.

• Helps set individual goals; aligns with ATL Self-Management Skills.

Flat.io Assignments

• Teachers assign compositions and provide feedback digitally.

• Perfect for assessing creativity and understanding of notation.

MusicFirst

• Online platform for music practice, assessment, and reporting.

• Integrates technology with performance assessment and progress tracking.

Tip: Use digital assessment to inform instruction and celebrate student growth. Combine with reflective journals or Seesaw portfolios.

What to include:

• Conceptual provocations (e.g., “How does sound express emotion?”)
  
  

• Transdisciplinary UOI lesson samples
  
  

• Student-driven projects
  
  

• Performance assessment rubrics

What to include:

• Articles or blog posts you’ve written
  
  

• PD handouts or presentation slides
  
  

• Favorite IB-aligned resource links
  
  

• Recommended educator books, podcasts, or tools