NC Music · 2024 · 120 standards
North Carolina Elementary Music Standards
Every North Carolina K–5 general music standard in one place, grade by grade, with the Prodigies lesson that teaches each one.
North Carolina elementary music is taught to the NC Standard Course of Study: Music (2024), published by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 2024.
They are organized by Connect, Create, Present, and Respond.
| Official name | NC Standard Course of Study: Music (2024) |
|---|---|
| Published by | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction |
| Adopted | 2024 |
| Grades on this page | K–5 |
| Standards on this page | 120 |
| Code format | K.CN.1.1 |
| Organized by | Connect, Create, Present, Respond |
| Official source | dpi.nc.gov |
North Carolina Kindergarten music standards
20 standards. Kindergarten page, with more lesson ideas →
Connect 5
K.CN.1.1Identify the similarities and differences of music representing diverse global communities.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Short & Long with D (K, Wk 7); Beet & Cherry (K, Wk 8)
K.CN.1.2Identify how music is used in school and in daily life.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1); Listen to My Heartbeat (1, Wk 1)
K.CN.1.3Describe how music is used in personal experiences.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome to Music (K, Wk 1); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
K.CN.2.1Identify the various roles of individuals that contribute to the creation and production of music, such as singers, instrumentalists, composers, conductors, etc.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Rhythim Review (2, Wk 4); Fretting Technique (5, Wk 25)
K.CN.2.2Identify music that is created with technology tools.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Do, Re, Mi (K, Wk 9); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
Create 4
K.CR.1.1Improvise rhythmic patterns and 2-pitch melodic patterns.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19); Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17)
K.CR.1.2Notate 4-8 beats of original rhythmic ideas using iconic notation that incorporate grade-level appropriate rhythms.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6); Rhythim Review (2, Wk 4)
K.CR.2.1Create soundscapes using a variety of traditional and non-traditional sound sources.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17); Recorder Lord/Lady 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, A, B, D (4, Wk 22)
K.CR.2.2Explain the difference between original and copied musical ideas or works. PRESENT (PR)—Present, perform, produce, and develop artistic ideas and works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major & G Major (K, Wk 26); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
Present 6
K.PR.1.1Improve musical skills by incorporating feedback from instructors.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C & G (K, Wk 33); Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36)
K.PR.1.2Read iconic notation to sing or play melodic patterns with at least two pitches and rhythmic patterns with quarter note and beamed eighth pairs in a variety of meters.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Treble Clef Reivew (3, Wk 2); Rhythim Review (2, Wk 4)
K.PR.1.3Perform a steady beat in isolation and when singing or playing in unison.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Treble Clef Reivew (3, Wk 2); Strumming Basics (5, Wk 22)
K.PR.1.4Demonstrate opposites in tempos, form, texture, and dynamics.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Soft & Loud (K, Wk 15); Wheels on the Bus (K, Wk 35)
K.PR.2.1Name the production elements needed to develop formal and informal performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C & G (K, Wk 33); C Major scale note review (K, Wk 34)
K.PR.2.2Identify appropriate audience and performer etiquette.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Wheels on the Bus (K, Wk 36); Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16)
Respond 5
K.RE.1.1Identify opposites in tempos, form, texture, and dynamics in aural or written musical works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Soft & Loud (K, Wk 15); Wheels on the Bus (K, Wk 35)
K.RE.1.2Describe emotions evoked by a given musical work.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Dynamics (2, Wk 23)
K.RE.1.3Identify a variety of instruments and vocal timbre types by sound, including sing, speak, whisper, and shout.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Twinkle Twinkle (PK, Wk 28)
K.RE.2.1Describe personal preferences for musical works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sound vs Noise/Bell or Boomwhacker? (K, Wk 23); Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19)
K.RE.2.2Provide positive feedback for others.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Harmonizing Part II (3, Wk 30); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36)
North Carolina Grade 1 music standards
20 standards. Grade 1 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connect 5
1.CN.1.1Explain how music can reflect culture, values, and ideas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Recorder Page 2 - High D Shield Patterns (4, Wk 2)
1.CN.1.2Identify cross-curricular connections between music and other arts disciplines.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
1.CN.1.3Describe how music exists in local community traditions, celebrations, entertainment, or other uses.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Holiday Songs (1, Wk 15); Beet & Guava (1, Wk 19)
1.CN.2.1Identify the various roles of individuals that contribute to the support and consumption of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Chord Progressions Part IV (5, Wk 21); Fretting Technique (5, Wk 25)
1.CN.2.2Describe how innovations and technology are used to create and present music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Mi, Sol, La (1, Wk 10); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
Create 4
1.CR.1.1Improvise 4-8 beat rhythmic patterns and 3-pitch melodic patterns.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19); Itsy Bitsy Spider (2, Wk 31)
1.CR.1.2Notate 4-8 beats of original rhythmic ideas using iconic or standard notation that incorporate grade-level appropriate rhythms.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Rhythim Review (2, Wk 4); Beet & Shh (K, Wk 6)
1.CR.2.1Accompany readings, stories, or dramatizations with corresponding traditional and non-traditional sound sources.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: F Major Chord (2, Wk 15); C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25)
1.CR.2.2Explain how and when to give credit to others when creating work that borrows from other musicians. PRESENT (PR)—Present, perform, produce, and develop artistic ideas and works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19); Trading 4s in C Major (2, Wk 24)
Present 6
1.PR.1.1Improve musical skills by incorporating feedback from instructors and peers.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C & G (K, Wk 33); Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36)
1.PR.1.2Read iconic or standard notation to sing or play music with at least three pitches and rhythms with quarter rests in 2/4 and 4/4 meters.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Beet & Guava (1, Wk 19); Beet & Blueberry (1, Wk 26)
1.PR.1.3Sing or play in unison with simple accompaniments.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2); Skips (2, Wk 8)
1.PR.1.4Demonstrate opposites in tempos, form, texture, articulations, and dynamics.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Song Form Review (2, Wk 20)
1.PR.2.1Identify the production elements needed to develop formal and informal performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 1 - Let Us Play G A B (4, Wk 7); Recorder Knight 1 - Let Us Play E G A (4, Wk 12)
1.PR.2.2Contrast audience and performer etiquette.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Ode to Joy Performance (1, Wk 36); Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16)
Respond 5
1.RE.1.1Identify opposites in tempos, form, texture, articulations, and dynamics in aural or written musical works.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Song Form Review (2, Wk 20)
1.RE.1.2Explain how musical works are used to communicate meaning.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Holiday Songs (1, Wk 15); Perfect Intervals Review (3, Wk 23)
1.RE.1.3Identify a variety of instruments and voices by sound, including available classroom instruments.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Major Chords (2, Wk 18); Recorder Squire 5 - Merrily We Roll Along (4, Wk 11)
1.RE.2.1Describe personal preferences for music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sound vs Noise/Bell or Boomwhacker? (K, Wk 23); Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19)
1.RE.2.2Provide positive feedback and areas for improvement for others.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 36)
North Carolina Grade 2 music standards
20 standards. Grade 2 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connect 5
2.CN.1.1Describe how American music reflects the heritage, customs, and traditions of people in the United States, including various indigenous and cultural groups.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Rhythim Review (2, Wk 3); Pizza Rhythms (2, Wk 9)
2.CN.1.2Identify cross-curricular connections between music and other content areas.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part II (2, Wk 2); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
2.CN.1.3Describe how music exists in national traditions, celebrations, entertainment, or other uses.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Beet & Passionfruit (2, Wk 13); Singing (2, Wk 21)
2.CN.2.1Compare the roles of various individuals that contribute to the creation, production, and consumption of music.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Rhythim Review (2, Wk 4); Semitones (3, Wk 32)
2.CN.2.2Explain why innovative technologies are used in music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Muffin Man (2, Wk 29); Lightly Row Performance Part II- Song + Analysis (2, Wk 34)
Create 4
2.CR.1.1Improvise 8-12 beats of rhythmic patterns and melodic patterns.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19); Rhythm Review (2, Wk 11)
2.CR.1.2Notate 8-12 beats of original rhythmic ideas using iconic or standard notation that incorporate grade-level appropriate rhythms.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Rhythim Review (2, Wk 4); Guava Review (2, Wk 12)
2.CR.2.1Accompany readings, stories, or dramatizations with corresponding vocal or instrumental sounds.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: F Major Chord (2, Wk 15); Do, Re, Mi Review (1, Wk 7)
2.CR.2.2Explain how to share music fairly. PRESENT (PR)—Present, perform, produce, and develop artistic ideas and works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Page 2 - High D Shield Patterns (4, Wk 2); Recorder Squire 5 - Merrily We Roll Along (4, Wk 11)
Present 6
2.PR.1.1Improve musical skills by applying feedback from instructors, peers, and self.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part IV - Performance (2, Wk 36); Major Chords (2, Wk 17)
2.PR.1.2Read iconic or standard notation to sing or play music with three or more pitches, and half notes, half rests, and tied rhythms in 2/4 and 4/4 meters.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Rhythm (2, Wk 22); Skips (2, Wk 8)
2.PR.1.3Sing or play in rounds and ostinatos.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Guava Review (2, Wk 12); Lightly Row Performance Part I - Steps & Skips (2, Wk 33)
2.PR.1.4Demonstrate changes in tempos, form, texture, articulations, phrasing, and dynamics.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Song Form Review (2, Wk 20)
2.PR.2.1Describe the production elements needed to develop formal and informal performances.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 1 - Let Us Play G A B (4, Wk 7); Recorder Knight 1 - Let Us Play E G A (4, Wk 12)
2.PR.2.2Demonstrate appropriate audience and performer etiquette.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 35)
Respond 5
2.RE.1.1Identify changes in tempos, form, texture, articulations, phrasing, and dynamics in aural and written musical works.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Song Form Review (2, Wk 20)
2.RE.1.2Identify a "story" told in a work of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: C Major Scale Review Part I (2, Wk 1); F Major Chord (2, Wk 15)
2.RE.1.3Describe the timbres of a variety of instruments and voices, and the way in which the sound is produced.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Steps (2, Wk 6); Dynamics (2, Wk 23)
2.RE.2.1Explain why some music is valued over others by different individuals, communities, and cultures.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Singing (2, Wk 21); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
2.RE.2.2Provide positive feedback to self and others.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36); Harmonizing Part II (3, Wk 30)
North Carolina Grade 3 music standards
20 standards. Grade 3 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connect 5
3.CN.1.1Describe music found in the local community or region.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Page 2 - High D Shield Patterns (4, Wk 2); Parts of the Ukulele (5, Wk 3)
3.CN.1.2Compare elements of music with elements of other disciplines.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Skips (2, Wk 8); Beet & Guava (1, Wk 19)
3.CN.1.3Describe personal emotions evoked by a variety of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19)
3.CN.2.1Identify music careers in the local community.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Page 2 - High D Shield Patterns (4, Wk 2); Parts of the Ukulele (5, Wk 3)
3.CN.2.2Describe how music has changed over time with the introduction of new technology.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Three Cs Part II (5, Wk 12); Skips (2, Wk 8)
Create 4
3.CR.1.1Improvise stylistically appropriate responses to given rhythmic or melodic phrases.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Sixths Part I (3, Wk 24)
3.CR.1.2Notate 4-8 measures of original rhythmic ideas and melodic ideas using iconic or standard notation that incorporate grade-level appropriate rhythms and pitches.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Seconds - Part I (3, Wk 8)
3.CR.2.1Arrange an existing piece by changing one or more musical elements.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Treble Clef Reivew (3, Wk 2); Recorder Page 5 - B A G Shield Patterns (4, Wk 5)
3.CR.2.2Identify music that can be used by everyone fairly. PRESENT (PR)—Present, perform, produce, and develop artistic ideas and works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35); Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13)
Present 6
3.PR.1.1Improve compositions and musical skills by applying formal or informal feedback.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
3.PR.1.2Read iconic or standard notation to sing or play music using any pentatonic scale, and whole note, dotted half note, whole rest, and beamed sixteenth note rhythms in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 meters.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Treble Clef Reivew (3, Wk 2); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
3.PR.1.3Sing or play partner songs.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 2 - Warm Up #1 (4, Wk 8); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
3.PR.1.4Demonstrate the meaning of symbols and terminology for a variety of tempos, articulations, forms, and dynamics when performing music.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Seconds - Part II (3, Wk 9); Introduction to Intervals (3, Wk 6)
3.PR.2.1Compare, with guidance, music to perform and the production elements needed to support a performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 1 - Let Us Play E G A (4, Wk 12); Recorder King/Queen 1 - Let Us Play Low C & D (4, Wk 23)
3.PR.2.2Identify how audience and performer etiquette changes based on the context.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 35)
Respond 5
3.RE.1.1Identify symbols and terminology for a variety of tempos, articulations, forms, and dynamics in aural and written musical works.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Soft & Loud (K, Wk 15)
3.RE.1.2Infer meaning from musical works using musical vocabulary.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part III (3, Wk 21); Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6)
3.RE.1.3Identify a variety of instruments and voices by sound, including folk and orchestral instruments.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Lightly Row Performance Part I - Steps & Skips (2, Wk 33); Holiday Songs (1, Wk 17)
3.RE.2.1Contrast individual preferences for particular works or genres of music with preferences of peers.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part III (3, Wk 21); Sound vs Noise/Bell or Boomwhacker? (K, Wk 23)
3.RE.2.2Apply specific criteria to construct respectful feedback about music and composition.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Harmonizing Part II (3, Wk 30); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
North Carolina Grade 4 music standards
20 standards. Grade 4 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connect 5
4.CN.1.1Describe styles and musicians who have influenced, or been influenced by, the customs and traditions of indigenous and other cultural groups in North Carolina.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27); Recorder Lord/Lady 4 - Jingle Bells (4, Wk 21)
4.CN.1.2Describe how other content areas can inspire programmatic music, soundscapes, or concepts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 36); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 36)
4.CN.1.3Describe personal emotions and memories evoked by a variety of music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Welcome (5, Wk 1); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
4.CN.2.1Describe music careers in North Carolina.
4.CN.2.2Compare how music has changed and remained the same with advances in technology and digital media.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Key of G Major (3, Wk 34); F Major Chord (2, Wk 15)
Create 4
4.CR.1.1Improvise pentatonic melodies over an ostinato.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Lord/Lady 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, A, B, D (4, Wk 22); Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17)
4.CR.1.2Notate or record 4-8 measures of original rhythmic ideas and melodic ideas for two or more performers that incorporate grade-level appropriate rhythms and pitches.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22)
4.CR.2.1Align original poetry with a pre-existing melody; or a pre-existing piece of poetry with an original melody.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27); Recorder Knight 2 - Breath Technique (4, Wk 13)
4.CR.2.2Identify how to responsibly use resources for online access of music. PRESENT (PR)—Present, perform, produce, and develop artistic ideas and works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Page 2 - High D Shield Patterns (4, Wk 2); Recorder Squire 5 - Merrily We Roll Along (4, Wk 11)
Present 6
4.PR.1.1Improve compositions and musical skills by applying feedback from peers or self based on student-generated criteria.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
4.PR.1.2Read standard notation to sing or play music using any major key, and dotted quarters and groups of three eighth notes and rests in 6/8 meter, and beamed sixteenth and eighth note rhythms in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 meters.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Treble Clef Reivew (3, Wk 2); Rhythm Review Part III (3, Wk 5)
4.PR.1.3Sing or play songs with occasional harmonizations.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Mi, Sol, La (1, Wk 8); G Major Chord (1, Wk 22)
4.PR.1.4Demonstrate the meaning of symbols and terminology for the continua of tempos and dynamics, including crescendos and decrescendos, and a variety of forms and articulations when performing music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); 1 8 They're Great (K, Wk 13)
4.PR.2.1Compare, with guidance, music to perform and the production elements needed to support the context and purpose of a performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 1 - Let Us Play E G A (4, Wk 12); Recorder King/Queen 1 - Let Us Play Low C & D (4, Wk 23)
4.PR.2.2Create criteria for audience and performer etiquette in a variety of contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Sweet Beets (PK, Wk 35)
Respond 5
4.RE.1.1Identify symbols and terminology for tempos, dynamics, including crescendos and decrescendos, and a variety of forms and articulations in aural and written musical works.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Finding notes on the Treble Clef (1, Wk 3)
4.RE.1.2Compare different interpretations of the same musical work using musical vocabulary.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6); Inverse Intervals (3, Wk 26)
4.RE.1.3Describe the timbres of a variety of instruments and voices used in diverse types of ensembles.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder History - From Medieval to Modern (4, Wk 6); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
4.RE.2.1Compare personal responses to a musical work before and after engaging with similar musical works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Fifths Part I (3, Wk 17); Seconds, Thirds and Fourths Review (3, Wk 16)
4.RE.2.2Generate criteria in collaboration with others for evaluating musical performances and compositions.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Seconds - Part II (3, Wk 9); Four Finger Fretting Exercise (5, Wk 26)
North Carolina Grade 5 music standards
20 standards. Grade 5 page, with more lesson ideas →
Connect 5
5.CN.1.1Describe styles and musicians who have influenced, or been influenced by, the customs and traditions of indigenous and other cultural groups in the United States.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder King/Queen 6 - Au Clair de la Lune (4, Wk 27); Recorder Lord/Lady 4 - Jingle Bells (4, Wk 21)
5.CN.1.2Describe how other disciplines inspire, and can be a part of, music creation or performance.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part IV (3, Wk 22); Harmonizing Part II (3, Wk 30)
5.CN.1.3Identify how music is used in the media to evoke emotions.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hello Am Chord Part I (5, Wk 13); Welcome (5, Wk 1)
5.CN.2.1Identify the characteristics and behaviors of musicians that connect to college, career, and post-secondary skills.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Chromatic Intervals (3, Wk 33); C Major Solfege Hand-Sign Review (2, Wk 25)
5.CN.2.2Cite examples of musical works or musicians that were innovative for their time.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Trading 4s in C Major (2, Wk 24); Chromatic Intervals (3, Wk 33)
Create 4
5.CR.1.1Improvise a 4-12 measure melody over a changing harmonic accompaniment.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Blues in C Major (2, Wk 19); Recorder Knight 6 - Improvisation & Composing with E, G, and A (4, Wk 17)
5.CR.1.2Notate or record original rhythmic ideas and melodic ideas using several voices or instruments that incorporate grade-level appropriate rhythms and pitches.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Page 4 - B A Shield Patterns (4, Wk 4); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
5.CR.2.1Accompany an existing melody with an original rhythmic or melodic ostinato.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 2 - Breath Technique (4, Wk 13); Itsy Bitsy Spider (2, Wk 31)
5.CR.2.2Cite artists correctly when utilizing or adapting their original music. PRESENT (PR)—Present, perform, produce, and develop artistic ideas and works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Fretting Technique (5, Wk 25); Recorder Page 2 - High D Shield Patterns (4, Wk 2)
Present 6
5.PR.1.1Improve compositions and musical skills by applying feedback from peers or self based on student-generated criteria.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9); When The Saints Go Marching In Performance (3, Wk 35)
5.PR.1.2Read standard notation to sing or play music using any major or minor key, and syncopation in 2/4, 3/4, or common time meters, including rhythms in 6/8 meter.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Compound Meter Part I (3, Wk 19); Compound Meter Part II (3, Wk 20)
5.PR.1.3Sing or play songs with two-part harmony.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Hello C Chord Part III (5, Wk 10); Chord Progressions Part III (5, Wk 20)
5.PR.1.4Demonstrate the meaning of symbols and terminology for the continua of tempos and dynamics, and a variety of forms and articulations independently when performing music.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Dynamics (2, Wk 23); Seconds - Part I (3, Wk 8)
5.PR.2.1Compare music to perform and the production elements needed to support the context and purpose of a performance, working collaboratively.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Recorder Page 4 - B A Shield Patterns (4, Wk 4); Upbeat (1, Wk 2)
5.PR.2.2Evaluate the etiquette of the audience and performers in a variety of contexts.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Recorder Knight 5 - Bounce High, Bounce Low (4, Wk 16); Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 36)
Respond 5
5.RE.1.1Analyze symbols and terminology for the continua of tempos and dynamics, and a variety of forms and articulations in aural and written musical works.
Related Prodigies PK-5 lessons: Strumming Speed Exercise (5, Wk 24); Dynamics (2, Wk 23)
5.RE.1.2Speculate on the composer's purpose in choosing specific qualities for a musical work using musical vocabulary.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Inverse Intervals (3, Wk 26); Seconds - Part II (3, Wk 9)
5.RE.1.3Analyze the timbres of a variety of instruments and voices within a musical work.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Gently Sleep Performance (4, Wk 34); Recorder Squire 4 - Gently Sleep (4, Wk 10)
5.RE.2.1Defend personal preferences for particular musical works.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Sound vs Noise/Bell or Boomwhacker? (K, Wk 23); Hot Cross Buns (PK, Wk 19)
5.RE.2.2Evaluate musical performances and compositions using student-generated criteria.
Taught in Prodigies PK-5: Chord Progressions Part I (5, Wk 18); Recorder Squire 3 - Hot Cross Buns (4, Wk 9)
Free printable
The North Carolina K–5 music standards checklist
Every standard on this page as a one-page-per-grade PDF with a box to tick, ready for your curriculum map, your evaluation binder, or the next time someone asks “how is this standards-aligned?”
From the folks who built this page
Teach every one of these with Prodigies PK-5
Prodigies PK-5 has a lesson for 105 of the 120 North Carolina standards on this page (88%). 252 open-and-go video lessons, PK through Grade 5, with plans, printables and assessments, taught by Mr. Rob with colorful bells your kiddos can play from day one.
- Every lesson is already tagged to your state's codes
- No music degree needed to press play
- 30 days free, no credit card, nothing to cancel
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Questions teachers ask
What are the North Carolina music standards called?
NC Standard Course of Study: Music (2024), published by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (2024).
How many elementary music standards does North Carolina have?
This page lists 120 standards: 20 in Kindergarten, 20 in Grade 1, 20 in Grade 2, 20 in Grade 3, 20 in Grade 4, 20 in Grade 5.
Does North Carolina use the National Core Arts Standards?
Not directly. North Carolina uses its own framework, organized by Connect, Create, Present, Respond. The ideas overlap a lot with NCAS, which is why our compare tool can line them up.
Where can I find the official document?
The official source is https://www.dpi.nc.gov/students-families/enhanced-opportunities/arts-education/music. This page copies the standard text word for word and adds grade-by-grade navigation and lesson matches.
Is there a music curriculum aligned to the North Carolina standards?
Prodigies PK-5 has a lesson for 105 of the 120 standards on this page (88%). Every lesson is tagged to these codes. Try it free for 30 days.