1. General Music Writing Topics
--Enter class and get a blank sheet of paper
--Quietly work on journal topic (that will be projected)
--Do your best—no right or wrong answer
--Use complete sentences and proper punctuation
--Writings will be checked for completion at random times
--Keep them safely tucked in your music folder

2. Journal Writing 1—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
People tend to prefer one type of music over another. Choose one of the following types of music, and tell why you might prefer to listen to it: country, rock, jazz, religious, classical, pop, rap, alternative.
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3. Journal Writing 2—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
What does music that is popular with people your age say about your generation?
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4. Journal Writing 3—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Do you think it is fair for a famous pop artist to lip-synch during a performance? Explain your viewpoint
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5. Journal Writing 4—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Think about a scary movie you have seen. Music helps to make scary scenes more frightening. What elements of music can make it sound scary? What music sounds most frightening to you? You may work with the person beside you if you like.
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6. Journal Writing 5—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Which of the following do you think plays the largest part in the development of an outstanding musician: desire, talent, practice, environment, or encouragement? Explain your viewpoint
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7. Journal Writing 6—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
What song would make a good song for your life? Explain your viewpoint
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8. Journal Writing 7—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
What role does music play in your everyday life? Consider both “real” music (radio, TV, Ipod, etc) and “accidental” (tapping of a pencil, whistling, humming, etc.)
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9. Journal Writing 8—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Imagine you had an opportunity to interview your favorite singer/musician. What would 5 questions be that you would ask them? Select your favorite question and write the answer you think that they would say. You may work with the person beside you if you like.
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10. Journal Writing 9—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Do you think it is fair for a famous pop artist to lip-synch during a performance? Explain your viewpoint
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11. Journal Writing 10—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Explain why you do or do not agree with this quotation: “The world would be a dull place without music. “
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12. Journal Writing 11—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Explain some reasons for performing music.
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13. Journal Writing 12—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
A company has hired you to select the music that customers will hear when they are placed on hold. Write the names of the top 5 songs you would suggest, and explain why you chose those. You may work with the person beside you if you like.
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14. Journal Writing 13—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Describe the appropriate behavior of a person attending a symphony.
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15. Journal Writing 14—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
What does it mean to have musical talent? Do you think a person is born with musical talent or is it learned?
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16. Journal Writing 15—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Name a type of music you dislike, and explain why.
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17. Journal Writing 16—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
A capella is a term applied to vocal music(singing) which is performed without instrumental accompaniment. Do you think singing a capella is more difficult than singing with accompaniment? Why?
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18. Journal Writing 17—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Imagine you want to open a music store in the mall. What types of music would you carry in order to be successful in the business? Explain why you would select each of those types of music.
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19. Journal Writing 18—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Imagine you have been asked to start a music club here at school. Brainstorm activities that members of the club might participate in. Select 3 activities you feel would attract the most students to join, and write a brief description of those activities. You may work with the person beside you if you like.
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20. Journal Writing 19—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Discuss what you think makes some music great.
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21. Journal Writing 20—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Song lyrics express emotions, such as love, sorrow, anger etc. What song do you feel clearly communicates a particular emotion? Write the lyrics from that song thay you feel express the emotion best. Explain why.
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22. Journal Writing 21—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
The ABC song helps children learn the alphabet. Why do you think the song makes it easier to remember the letters of the alphabet? In what other ways can music be helpful?
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23. Journal Writing 22—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Do you like to listen to music while you study? Why or why not?
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24. Journal Writing 23—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Imagine you have been invited to a costume party with a musical theme. Describe your costume.
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25. Journal Writing 24—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Is it possible for anyone to learn to sing well? Why or why not?
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26. Journal Writing 25—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
How is playing on a sports team like participating in an orchestra, band, or chorus?
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27. Journal Writing 26—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Imagine your are creating a piece of music based on the sounds you hear on a typical day. Brainstorm the sounds it might include. Now name your work, and write a description of it. You may work with the person beside you if you like.
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28. Journal Writing 27—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Recall music you have heard that caused you to get emotional. Why do you think the music created such emotion?
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29. Journal Writing 28—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Which of the five senses can be effected by music? Explain your answer
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30. Journal Writing 29—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
What song would be a good theme song for you and your friends? Why?
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31. Journal Writing 30—use complete sentences and proper punctuation
Describe music that makes you feel energetic.
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