Libretto Writing Through Pop and Rock Songs
Enjoy a video preview (right) and explore the learning guides below. Teaching artists are available for LIVE video instruction sessions to accompany each video.
This learning series requires that you obtain a license to view/download content. If you'd like to purchase a license to download the full available content or to discuss creating a custom learning series for your students, please contact VirtualClassroom@MetGuild.org or use the link below.
Video One:
Source Material, Themes & Tone, Imagery
Miss Gracie introduces us to the work of an NYC Songwriter! Join her as she teaches us techniques to create our own original song text based on adapting an existing text, or "source material." Our text for this series will be the dystopian short story 'Harrison Bergeron.' A link to the full text of the short story is in the description section of the video player. This lesson focuses on the story arc, themes, tone, and imagery in 'Harrison Bergeron.'
Video 1 PDF
Learning Guide
Video 1 DIGITAL
Learning Guide
Key Student Learning Standard Addressed:
NYSED Reading Standard 1
CCSS.ELA-Reading.CCRA.R.1
Video Two:
Characters and Point of View Writing
In this second video of a five-part series, we continue to learn about how our singing voices work. Ms. Hanzlik will remind us of some things we can do to help our singing sounds improve - and we will learn about how and low pitches.
Video 2 PDF
Learning Guide
Video 2 DIGITAL
Learning Guide
Key Student Learning Standard Addressed:
NYSED Reading Standard 6
CCSS.ELA-Reading.CCRA.R.6
Video Three:
Heightened Language and Poetic Devices in Songwriting
In this third video of our songwriter's series, Miss Gracie helps us explore heightened language and poetic devices. We'll look at simile, metaphor, assonance, and alliteration, and explore how these devices are used in modern songwriting!
Video 3 PDF
Learning Guide
Video 3 DIGITAL
Learning Guide
Key Student Learning Standard Addressed:
NYSED Writing Standard 3
CCSS.ELA-Writing.CCRA.W.3
Video Four:
Songwriting Structure
In this video we will expand on our concept of writing structure by exploring Verse/Chorus/Bridge, and Punchline songwriting structures. We will then examine rhyme scheme and meter in poetry and lyrics.
Video 4 PDF
Learning Guide
Video 4 DIGITAL
Learning Guide
Key Student Learning Standard Addressed:
NYSED Reading Standard 5
CCSS.ELA-Reading.CCRA.R.5
Video Five:
Presentation and Revision
In this final video of our five-part series, Miss Gracie helps us explore options for presenting our original lyrics or libretto by various performance, audio, and visual mediums. We will also discuss the important writing process of Reflecting and Revising our work and then sharing with others.
Video 5 PDF
Learning Guide
Video 5 DIGITAL
Learning Guide
Key Student Learning Standard Addressed:
NYSED S&L Standard 6
CCSS.ELA-Speaking and Listening.CCRA.SL6
Additional Information: (any additional/supplemental information related to this post will appear below)
Gracie Nash, Teaching Artist
Gracie Nash is a singer/songwriter & music educator based in NYC. She has performed at venues all around the city ranging from Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockwood Music Hall. Gracie has been a teaching artist with the Met Opera Guild for 2 years now, and she's constantly in awe of the creative brilliance her students bring to life through opera based learning. Gracie holds a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance from NYU and a Masters Degree in songwriting from NYU.
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