I light of Cara's post on the use of Contemporary Music in the curriculum (if you missed it you can check it out here) I thought I would provide you with a possible lesson plan for the art classroom that would integrate contemporary music into your visual art curriculum.

Rhythm Painting (grades 7-8)

Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, students will produce collages consisting of paper cut-outs, reflecting elements of rhythm of in music. Then they will create an expressive painting demonstrating an understanding of the concept of rhythm and the mood or theme of the music.

Length of Lesson:
Two 45-minute periods for the paper collages
Five 45 minute periods for the paintings

Instructional Objectives:
Students will:
understand, describe, and interpret non-verbal language (auditory and visual).
work in different media, such as drawing, collage (manipulative), and painting.
explore the relationship between elements and principles—specifically, line, shape, and color, rhythm
observe and respond to the content in their work and in others' work.
develop critical thinking skills (comparing, contrasting, and analyzing).

Supplies:
18" x 12" white and black construction paper
assorted fadeless paper
scissors
Elmer's glue
recordings of contemporary music
posters that describe fundamental elements and principles of design
11X14 canvas board
Acrylic paint
brushes

Instructional Plan:

Days 1-2

Review

Review the vocabulary of elements and principles of art
Display historical examples of artwork and engage in a discussion about rhythm. Select another work and ask students to compare and contrast. Which one of the two has evident movement, rhythm, repetition, emphasis, and variety?

Teacher Demonstration
While playing selected contemporary music in the background, demonstrate how to create black and white paper cut-outs:

1. Select three geometric shapes (e.g., square, triangle, circle), and draw them on black construction paper. Cut out the selected shapes in different sizes.
2. Play with shapes on paper. Follow the rhythm of the music with both hands. Draw in the air and coordinate a visual movement and rhythm with the repetition of these shapes.
3. Search for the repetition of shape, movement, rhythm, variety, and emphasis. (Use posters to help explain fundamental elements of design, particularly repetition and rhythm.)
4. Glue black geometric shapes on white paper. Creating a pattern with rhythm that mimics the music they are listening to.

Student Work
Students should finish one paper cut-out using the 18" x 12" white paper (60 lb).

Closure and Cleanup
Preview what students will be working on next, the rhythm paintings.

Days 3-7

Review
Replay chosen contemporary music. Display the cutout collages from days one and two. Discuss with students how the cut-outs reflect the rhythm of the music. Evaluate which collages were more effective and discuss why. Now address mood of the music and intention of the musician. Bring in historical examples of artists working with similar themes or ideas.
Review the color wheel and techniques for painting with acrylics.

Student Planning Time
While playing selected contemporary music in the background, allow students to develop a plan for creating a painting that will be expressive of the rhythm of the music and the overall mood or intention of the musician.

5. Have students draw chosen geometric shapes on canvas (suggested that they choose no more than 3 shapes)
6. Allow students to paint
Student Work
Students should finish one 11x14 painting

Closure and Cleanup
Discuss with students how the paintings reflect the rhythm and mood of the music. Evaluate which paintings were more effective and discuss why.

Assessment:
At the end of the unit, Making Connections Between Music and Art, evaluate student performance based on this Self-Assessment Guide.

**I do not have student examples for this lesson plan, but I did some searching and found similar concept images online. Here are two for you to take a look at with links to the sites they came from here and here






This lesson was adapted from an ArtsEdge lesson plan you can read the original here