A complete 10-week video game music unit: 30x70 minute full lessons with slides, worksheets, lesson plans, two assessment tasks and rubrics. Ages 11–14. No prep.

What’s included (over 80 files):

30 sequenced lessons, each with a detailed lesson plan, student worksheet and presentation slides
Two full assessment tasks: a composition task using BeepBox (free browser-based tool, no software purchase needed) and a solo keyboard performance task
A–E marking rubrics with clear, distinct performance descriptors for both tasks
Unit overview and 10-week scope and sequence
Listening guides, aural training activities, peer feedback scaffolds and self-assessment tools

Unit structure:
Students explore the history of game music from 8-bit chiptunes to modern orchestral scores, then learn the elements of music (pitch, rhythm, structure, dynamics, texture, timbre, leitmotif) through the lens of game soundtracks. The unit builds to two assessments: composing an original game music track in BeepBox with a written reflection, and performing a solo keyboard piece from a differentiated set list (Beginner to Extension).

Why it works:
Game music is the hook that gets reluctant Year 7–8 students engaged with real musical learning. Every lesson includes learning intentions, success criteria, timed lesson sequences and teacher notes written so any teacher (including non-specialists covering a class) can pick it up and run it. Activities are differentiated for mixed-ability classes, including students with no prior music experience.
Practical details:

30 x 70-minute lessons (easily adapted to shorter periods)
Requires: keyboards, computers/tablets with internet access for BeepBox
Written for the Australian Curriculum v9.0 (The Arts – Music, Years 7–8) but skills-based and readily adaptable to KS3, US middle school or MYP contexts
Editable Word and PowerPoint formats

Please note: sheet music for the performance set list pieces is not included due to copyright. The task documents include a differentiated set list of widely available game music arrangements.