Middle School Music SOL Glossary

Students apply creative thinking to music when they use their skills and knowledge flexibly to create work that has individual voice and vision. A creative process is not a specific formula for developing creative work. Instead, it is following a course of action to guide the development of original work. A creative process includes inquiry and questioning, researching, interpreting, generating, testing, and discussing ideas and solutions, refining work as part of a creative community, and reflecting on the process, product, and performance of making music. (Board of Education Commonwealth of Virginia, 2020)

Critical thinking, communication, and collaboration are inherent attributes in the creation, rehearsal, refinement, and performance of music. Students understand that critique is an integral part of an artistic learning environment. Students analyze, classify, and evaluate music, compare and contrast aspects of the art form, and develop a music vocabulary that allows them to recognize, describe, and justify personal responses, beliefs, and opinions regarding music. They recognize the value in evaluating diverse opinions and responses to music. They are responsive to the talents, interests, and cultural perspectives of others. Communication and collaboration, including both verbal and nonverbal cues, active listening, problem- solving, and performance agreement, are integral to the creation, rehearsal, refinement, and performance of music. (Board of Education Commonwealth of Virginia, 2020)