Student Assignments

We have found that it is important to build a foundation of knowledge leading into The Big IDEA. We begin by teaching students how to set OMGs - Obtainable Musical Goals. We then teach them strategies to reach their goals, and how to analyze how they've done. The IDEA journals should be introduced one at a time, depending on the level of background knowledge the student or group possesses, all leading up to the Step 4 - The Big IDEA Journal. On this page we have also included other IDEA based and non-IDEA based assignments that you may find useful. We encourage you to mix it up,  keep kids thinking, and trying to find what works best for them and you. The goal is to help students to Practice with Purpose.

IDEA Journals

Step 1: Identify & Decide: Goal Setting for ORCHESTRA

This assignment helps students learn to set goals that IDENTIFY a section of their music to work on as well as DECIDE what musical concept needs attention. This example acts as a one-day practice guide, or you can provide several copies for students to use throughout the week. 

Step 1: Identify & Decide: Goal Setting for BAND

This assignment helps students learn to set goals that IDENTIFY a section of their music to work on as well as DECIDE what musical concept needs attention. This example acts as a one-day practice guide, or you can provide several copies for students to use throughout the week. 

Step 2: Executing Strategies 

This assignment teaches students EXECUTE a variety of strategies to help them accomplish their goals. It can be introduced as an individual assignment, sectional activity or class project. We recommend introducing this step along with one of our practice strategy guides.

Step 3: Analyze 3-2-1

This assignment asks students to ANALYZE what went well and what needs to improve. It can be edited and used for group or individual assessment to reflect upon individual practice, ensemble rehearsal, or performance.

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Step 4: The IDEA Journal

This assignment combines all 4 elements of IDEA into one journal. Student will IDENTIFY a section, DECIDE on OMGs, EXECUTE their plan, and ANALYZE their work. Included are four variations (based on length of the project and quanity goal options) 

Beginning IDEA Journal

Guided IDEA-based journal for beginning and intermediate students to strategize and reflect on practice assignments.

5-5-5 Planning Guide

Done individually, as a class activity, or sectional discussion the 5-5-5 planning Journal is designed to have your students pre-plan their practice for the week. They are to IDENTIFY and DECIDE on 5 goals, come up with 5 strategies they will use to EXECUTE those goals and then use those things to guide their practice for the week, (at least 5 days). 

Other Assignments

Concert Checklist Example

Teacher-created checklist to help young musicians streamline their practicing leading up to concert day.

Band Practice Record - Detailed

This practice record guides students through a very thorough practice session. They detail the various elements practiced as well as reflect on their practice.

Band - Time Calculating Practice Record

This assignment has students input a goal for the month and record what they do each day toward accomplishing it. The spreadsheet tallies minutes so there is no math involved!

Orchestra - Time Calculating Practice Record

This assignment has students input a goal for the month and record what they do each day toward accomplishing it. The spreadsheet tallies minutes so there is no math involved!

Practice Card BINGO

A fun way to get kids practicing more! Try using it prior to a big concert and attach prizes to the game to really get kids motivated to play!  This generic version will work for distance learning and beyond.

Practice Card BINGO:  String Version

NOTE: Want to expand beyond The Big IDEA?  

Check out our Blended Learning activities in the Resources tab.