Led by the award-winning Artistic Director Chris Moses, Musical Lyrics takes students in grades 3-8 on a creative journey into the world of musical theater. Through engaging lessons, learners explore how lyrics elevate storytelling, experiment with rhyme and rhythm, and compose their own original song lyrics inspired by the book Do You Love the Dark?. Perfect for budding lyricists and theater enthusiasts, this course provides a unique opportunity to combine the power of words with the magic of music.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the roles of book writers, composers, and lyricists in musicals and how they collaborate.
- Analyze story elements (characters, setting, and plot) and their connection to songwriting.
- Experiment with rhyme schemes and imagery to enhance lyrics.
- Create original lyrics inspired by a storyā€™s theme and characters.
- Revise and refine lyrics using peer feedback to achieve a polished composition.
Lesson Titles
Lesson 1: The Power of Lyrics
Explore the foundational elements of musicals and how lyrics contribute to storytelling.
Lesson 2: Story ElementsĀ
Analyze the story elements of Do You Love the Dark? and connect them to lyrical creation.
Lesson 3: Writing Song Lyrics
Experiment with rhyme and rhythm to write lyrics inspired by a favorite scene in the story.
Lesson 4: Refining Lyrics Through Feedback
Use peer feedback to refine lyrics, focusing on rhyme patterns and emotional tone.
This course fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence, equipping students with skills to craft compelling lyrics and appreciate the storytelling power of musical theater.
Curriculum
Standards Addressed
Download Guide for Relevant Standards
Introduction
Course Overview
About Your Instructor
Lessons
Lesson 1 - The Power of Lyrics
Lesson 2 - Story Elements
Lesson 3 -Ā Writing Song Lyrics
Lesson 4 -Ā Refining Lyrics Through Feedback
Ā
Meet Chris Moses
Chris Moses,Ā Jennings Hertz Artistic Director, Alliance Theatre.
Chris Moses is the Jennings Hertz Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years of experience in professional theater education, Chris has transformed the Allianceā€™s education initiatives, expanding its reach to over 100,000 students annually and launching innovative programs like Theatre for the Very Young and Alliance Teen Ensemble. His leadership has also fostered deep collaborations with organizations such as Atlanta Public Schools, the High Museum of Art, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
In recognition of his contributions, Chris received the prestigious Governorā€™s Award for Arts and Humanities, highlighting his impact on advancing arts education in Georgia. He has overseen the development of numerous world-premiere plays for young audiences, including The Dancing Granny and Pancakes, Pancakes. Chris also serves on the boards of TYA/USA and Working Title Playwrights and as an advisor for the Atlanta Speech School and Atlanta Partners for Education. Through his visionary leadership, Chris continues to inspire and empower communities through the transformative power of theater.
