Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Middle School (Grades 6,7, & 8)

Other National Core Arts Standards Music sets

Creating: Imagine, Plan and Make, Evaluate and Refine, PresentMU: Cr

  • MU: Cr 1.1

    Imagine: Anchor Standard #1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.MU: Cr 1.1

    1. MU: Cr 1.1.6

      Generate simply rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic phrases within AB and ABA forms that convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 1.1.6

    2. MU: Cr 1.1.7

      Generate rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic phrases, and variations over harmonic accompaniments within AB, ABA, or theme and variation forms that convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 1.1.7

    3. MU: CR 1.1.8

      Generate rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic phrases and harmonic accompaniments within expanded forms (including introductions, transitions, and codas) that convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 1.1.8

  • MU: Cr 2.1

    Plan and Make: Anchor Standard #2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.MU: Cr 2.1

    1. MU: Cr 2.1.6a

      Select, organize, construct, and document personal musical ideas for arrangements and compositions within AB or ABA form that demonstrate an effective beginning, middle, and ending and convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 2.1.6

    2. MU: Cr 2.1.6b

      Use standard and/or iconic notation and/or audio/video recording to document personal simple rhythmic phrases, melodic phrases, and two-chord harmonic musical ideas.MU: Cr 2.1.6

    3. MU: Cr 2.1.7a

      Select, organize, develop, and document personal musical ideas for arrangements, songs, and compositions within AB, ABA, or theme and variation forms that demonstrate unity and variety and convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 2.1.7a

    4. MU: Cr 2.1.7b

      Use standard and/or iconic notation and/or audio/video recording to document personal simple rhythmic phrases, melodic phrases, and harmonic sequences.MU: Cr 2.1.7b

    5. MU: Cr 2.1.8a

      Select, organize, and document musical ideas for arrangements, songs, and compositions within expanded forms.MU: Cr 2.1.8a

    6. MU: Cr 2.1.8b

      Use Standard and/or Iconic notation and/or audio/video recording to document personal rhythmic phrases melodic phrases, and harmonic sequences.MU: Cr 2.1.8b

  • MU: Cr 3.1

    Evaluate and Refine: Anchor Standard #3 - Refine and complete artistic work.MU: Cr 3.1

    1. MU: Cr 3.1.6a

      Evaluate their own work, applying teacher-provided criteria such as application of selected elements of music, and use of sound sources.MU: Cr 3.1.6a

    2. MU: Cr 3.1.6b

      Describe the rationale for making revisions to the music based on evaluation criteria and feedback from their teacher.MU: Cr 3.1.6b

    3. MU: Cr 3.1.7a

      Evaluate their own work, applying selected criteria such as appropriate application of elements of music including style, form, and use of sound sources.MU: Cr 3.1.7a

    4. MU: Cr 3.1.7b

      Describe the rationale for making revisions to the music based on evaluation criteria and feedback from others (teacher and peers).MU: Cr 3.1.7b

    5. MU: Cr 3.1.8a

      Evaluate their own work by selecting and applying criteria including appropriate application of compositional techniques, style, form, and use of sound sources.MU: Cr 3.1.8a

    6. MU: Cr 3.1.8b

      Describe the rationale for refining works by explaining the choices, based on evaluation criteria.MU: Cr 3.1.8b

  • MU: Cr 3.2

    Present: Anchor Standard #3 - Refine and complete artistic work.MU: Cr 3.2

    1. MU: Cr 3.2.6

      Present the final version of their documented personal composition or arrangement, using craftsmanship and originality to demonstrate an effective beginning, middle, and ending, and convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 3.2.6

    2. MU: Cr 3.2.7

      Present the final version of their personal documented composition, song, or arrangement using craftsmanship and originality to demonstrate unity and variety, and convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 3.2.7

    3. MU: Cr 3.2.8

      Present the final version of their documented composition, song, or arrangement, using craftsmanship and originality to demonstrate the application of compositional techniques for creating unity and variety, tension and release, and balance to convey expressive intent.MU: Cr 3.2.8

Performing: Select, Analyze, Interpret, Rehearse/Evaluate/Refine, and PresentMU: Pr

  • MU: Pr 4.1

    Select: Anchor Standard #4- Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.MU: Pr 4.1

    1. MU: Pr 4.1.6

      Apply teacher-provided criteria for selecting music to perform for a specific purpose and/or context, and explain why each was chosen.MU: Pr 4.1.6

    2. MU: Pr 4.1.7

      Apply collaboratively-developed criteria for selecting music of contrasting styles for a program with a specific purpose and/or context and, after discussion, identify expressive qualities, technical challenges, and reasons for choices.MU: Pr 4.1.7

    3. MU: Pr 4.1.8

      Apply personally-developed criteria for selecting music of contrasting styles for a program with a specific purpose and/or context, and explain expressive qualities, technical challenges, and reasons for choices.MU: Pr 4.1.8

  • MU: Pr 4.2

    Analyze: Anchor Standard #4 - Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.MU: Pr 4.2

    1. MU: Pr 4.2.6a

      Explain how understanding the structure and the elements of music are used in music selected for performance.MU: Pr 4.2.6a

    2. MU: Pr 4.2.6b

      When analyzing selected music, read and identify by name or function standard symbols for rhythm, pitch, articulation, and dynamics.MU: Pr 4.2.6b

    3. MU: Pr 4.2.6c

      Identify how cultural and historical context inform performance.MU: Pr 4.2.6c

    4. MU: Pr 4.2.7a

      Explain and demonstrate the structure of contrasting pieces of music selected for performance and how elements of music are used.MU: Pr 4.2.7a

    5. MU: Pr 4.2.7b

      When analyzing selected music, read and identify by name or function standards symbols for rhythm, pitch, articulation, dynamics, tempo, and form.MU: Pr 4.2.7b

    6. MU: Pr 4.2.7c

      Identify how cultural and historical context inform performances and result in different music interpretations.MU: Pr 4.2.7c

    7. MU: Pr 4.2.8a

      Compare the structure of contrasting pieces of music selected for performance, explaining how the elements of music are used in each.MU: Pr 4.2.8a

    8. MU: Pr 4.2.8b

      When analyzing selected music, sight-read in treble or bass clef simple rhythmic, melodic, and/or harmonic notation.MU: Pr 4.2.8b

    9. MU: Pr 4.2.8c

      Identify how cultural and historical context inform performances and result in different musical effects.MU: Pr 4.2.8c

  • MU: Pr 4.3

     Interpret: Anchor Standard #4 - Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.MU: Pr 4.3

    1. MU: Pr 4.3.6

      Perform a selected piece of music demonstrating how their interpretations of the elements of music and the expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, timbre, articulation/style, and phrasing) convey intent.MU: Pr 4.3.6

    2. MU: Pr 4.3.7

      Perform contrasting pieces of music demonstrating their interpretations of the elements of music and expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, timbre, articulation/style, and phrasing) convey intent.MU: Pr 4.3.7

    3. MU: Pr 4.3.8

      Perform contrasting pieces of music, demonstrating as well as explaining how the music's intent is conveyed by their interpretations of the elements of music and expressive qualities (such as dynamics, tempo, timbre, articulation/style, and phrasing).MU: Pr 4.3.8

  • MU: Pr 5.1

    Rehearse, Evaluate, and Refine: Anchor Standard #5 - Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.MU: Pr 5.1

    1. MU: Pr 5.1.6

      Identify and apply teacher-provided criteria (such as correct interpretation of notation, technical accuracy, originality, and interest) to rehearse, refine, and determine when a piece is ready to perform.Mu: Pr 5.1.6

    2. MU: Pr 5.1.7

      Identify and apply collaboratively-developed criteria (such as demonstrating correct interpretation of notation, technical skill of performer, originality, emotional impact, and interest) to rehearse, refine, and determine when the music is ready to perform.Mu: Pr 5.1.7

    3. MU: Pr 5.1.8

      Identify and apply personally-developed criteria (such as demonstrating correct interpretation of notation, technical skill of performer, originality, emotional impact, variety, and interest) to rehearse, refine, and determine when the music is ready to perform.MU: Pr 5.1.8

  • MU: Pr 6.1

    Present: Anchor Standard #6 - Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.MU: Pr 6.1

    1. MU: Pr 6.1.6a

      Perform the music with technical accuracy to convey the creator's intent.MU: Pr 6.1.6a

    2. MU: Pr 6.1.6b

      Demonstrate performance decorum (such as stage presence, attire, and behavior) and audience etiquette appropriate for venue and purpose.MU: Pr 6.1.6b

    3. MU: Pr 6.1.7a

      Perform the music with technical accuracy and stylistic expression to convey the creator's intent.MU: Pr 6.1.7a

    4. MU: Pr 6.1.7b

      Demonstrate performance decorum (such as stage presence, attire, and behavior) and audience etiquette appropriate for venue, purpose, and context.MU: Pr 6.1.7b

    5. MU: Pr 6.1.8a

      Perform the music with technical accuracy, stylistic expression, and culturally authentic practices in music to convey the creator's intent.MU: Pr 6.1.8a

    6. MU: Pr 6.1.8b

      Demonstrate performance decorum (such as stage presence, attire, and behavior) and audience etiquette appropriate for venue, purpose, context, and style.MU: Pr 6.1.8b

Responding: Select, Analyze, Interpret, EvaluateMU: Re

  • MU:Re  7.1

    Select: Anchor Standard #7 - Perceive and Analyze Artistic WorkMU: Re 7.1

    1. MU: Re 7.1.6

      Select or choose music to listen to and explain the connections to specific interests or experiences for a specific purpose.MU: Re 7.1.6

    2. MU: Re 7.1.7

      Select or choose contrasting music to listen to and compare the connections to specific interested or experiences for a specific purpose.MU: Re 7.1.7

    3. MU: Re 7.1.8

      Select programs of music (such as a CD mix or live performances) and demonstrate the connections to an interest or experience for a specific purpose.MU: Re 7.1.8

  • MU: Re 7.2

    Analyze: Anchor Standard #7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work.MU:Re 7.2

    1. MU: Re 7.2.6a

      Describe how the elements of music and expressive qualities relate to the structure of the pieces.MU: Re 7.2.6a

    2. MU: Re 7.2.6b

      Identify the context of music from a variety of genres, cultures, and historical periods.MU: Re 7.2.6b

    3. MU: Re 7.2.7a

      Classify and explain how the elements of music and expressive qualities relate to the structure of contrasting pieces.MU: Re 7.2.7a

    4. MU: Re 7.2.7b

      Identify and compare the context of music from a variety of genres, cultures, and historical periods.MU: Re 7.2.7b

    5. MU: Re 7.2.8a

      Compare how the elements of music and expressive qualities relate to the structure within programs of music.MU: Re 7.2.8a

    6. MU: Re 7.2.8b

      Identify and compare the context of programs of music from a variety of genres, cultures, and historical periods.MU: Re 7.2.8b

  • MU: Re 8.1

    Interpret: Anchor Standard #8 - Interpret intent and meaning in an artistic work.MU: Re 8.1

    1. MU: Re 8.1.6

      Describe a personal interpretation of how creators' and performers' application of the elements of music and expressive qualities, within genres and cultural and historical context, convey expressive intent.MU: Re 8.1.6

    2. MU: Re 8.1.7

      Describe a personal interpretation of contrasting works and explain how creators' and performers' application of the elements of music and expressive qualities, within genres, cultures, and historical periods, convey expressive intent.MU: Re 8.1.7

    3. MU: Re 8.1.8

      Support personal interpretation of contrasting programs of music and explain how creators' or performers' apply the elements of music and expressive qualities, within genres, cultures, and historical periods to convey expressive intent.MU: Re 8.1.8

  • MU: Re 9.1

    Evaluate: Anchor Standard #9 - Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.MU: Re 9.1

    1. MU: Re 9.1.6

      Apply teacher-provided criteria to evaluate musical works or performances.MU: Re 9..1.6

    2. MU: Re 9.1.7

      Select from teacher-provided criteria to evaluate musical works or performances.MU: Re 9.1.7

    3. MU: Re 9.1.8

      Apply appropriate personally-developed criteria to evaluate musical works or performances.MU: Re 9.1.8

ConnectingMU: Cn

  • MU: Cn 10.0

    Connect #10: Anchor Standard #10 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.MU: Cn 10.0

    1. MU: Cn 10.0.6

      Demonstrate how interests, knowledge, and skills relate to personal choices and intent when creating, performing and responding to music.MU: Cn 10.0.6

    2. MU: Cn 10.0.7

      Demonstrate how interests, knowledge, and skills relate to personal choices and intent when creating, performing and responding to music.MU: Cn 10.0.7

    3. MU: Cn 10.0.8

      Demonstrate how interests, knowledge, and skills relate to personal choices and intent when creating, performing and responding to music.MU: Cn 10.0.8

  • MU: Cn 11.0

    Connect #11: Anchor Standard #11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.MU: Cn 11.0

    1. MU: Cn 11.0.6

      Demonstrate understanding of relationship between music and the other arts, disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.MU: Cn 11.0.6

    2. MU: Cn 11.0.7

      Demonstrate understanding of relationship between music and the other arts, disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.MU: Cn 11.0.7

    3. MU: Cn 11.0.8

      Demonstrate understanding of relationship between music and the other arts, disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.MU: Cn 11.0.8

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8
Where can I read the official document?
National Common Core State Standards

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