My Music Story – Dreaming Big in Middle School

Objective: Students will explore the concept of musical goal-setting and personal storytelling by learning about a high school musician’s journey to college. They will reflect on their own musical aspirations, practice articulating their goals, and understand how musicians can use creativity and community support to pursue their dreams.

Mini-Lesson: My Music Story – Dreaming Big in Middle School

Overview: After reading a simplified version of Jim Krossman’s story from Play It Forward: Crowdfunding College for Future Music Majors, students will write their own musical origin story and set a future goal related to music (e.g., performing a solo, joining jazz band, making All-Region Band, studying music in college, etc.).

Materials Needed:

• Short summary of Jim’s story (provided by teacher or displayed on projector)
• Paper or digital journals
• Whiteboard or digital display for brainstorming

Assignment:

Instruction Steps:

1. Engage (5–10 min):
   • Read or summarize Jim’s story aloud: how he practiced on his own, made All-State Band, led as Drum Major, and raised money to help reach his dream.
   • Ask: What stood out to you? How do you think Jim stayed motivated?
2. Discuss (5–10 min):
   • Ask: What are some dreams you have in music? What would you like to do by the end of this year? In high school? Maybe even in college?
   • List answers on the board as students share.
3. Write (15 min):
   • Prompt: "Write your own music story. When did you first start playing or singing? What do you enjoy most? What’s one big dream you have? And what small steps can you take now to get there?"
4. Share (Optional):
   • Invite a few students to read their stories aloud or post on a class board.

Optional Extension:

• Create a “Wall of Music Dreams” in your classroom where students can post their goals for the year and track their progress.

Assignment Submission and Grading: My Music Story

Submission Format: Students will submit their writing in one of the following formats:

• Handwritten on notebook paper (neat and legible)
• Typed in Google Docs or Microsoft Word (shared via Google Classroom or email)

Submissions must include:

• Student's name and class period
• Title: "My Music Story"
• At least one paragraph (5–8 sentences), up to one page in length

Due Date: Submissions are due by Friday, [Insert Date] at the start of class.
Late submissions will be accepted up to 3 days late with a small penalty (-2 points per day).

Grading Rubric (20 points total):

Bonus (up to 2 points): Creative language or inspiring story

Outcome: Students begin to connect music with personal identity and long-term planning. This lesson plants the seed that effort, creativity, and community can help turn musical goals into reality—and that even as middle schoolers, their story matters.

Teacher Note: Use this as a reflective, formative writing exercise. Encourage all students to dream big and share their passion for music with pride. This is not just about grammar—it’s about helping them connect their music education to their identity and future.

Teaching Moment for High School Teacher

Objective:
Students will understand the fundamentals of creating a personal crowdfunding campaign to support their college music education, using effective storytelling, performance media, and budgeting strategies. They will demonstrate the ability to identify target institutions, articulate their goals, and produce a compelling video script and campaign outline suitable for a crowdfunding platform.

🎓 Student Assignment:
Title: Design Your Music College Crowdfunding Campaign

Overview:
Inspired by the real-life example of Jim Krossman, students will research 2–3 colleges or conservatories that match their musical and career interests, then develop a mock crowdfunding campaign that includes:

• A short narrative (storytelling script)
• Budget outline with realistic college-related costs
• A list of potential donors or community support networks
• A rough script/storyboard for a 1–2 minute video appeal

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Schools:
   • Identify 2–3 colleges you are interested in that offer your desired music program (e.g., performance, music education, composition).
   • Briefly explain why each school aligns with your goals.
2. Write Your Story:
   • Introduce yourself and your musical journey.
   • Include accomplishments, challenges overcome, and your goals.
   • Clearly state what you’re raising funds for (e.g., travel to auditions, housing deposit, equipment, etc.)
3. Make a Budget Plan:
   • Research realistic costs associated with applications, auditions, travel, and instrument-related needs.
   • Break down your target fundraising amount with clear categories.
4. Plan Your Video:
   • Draft a short script for a video appeal (1–2 minutes).
   • Include key elements: greeting, story, performance clip (description only), financial ask, and thank-you message.
5. Identify Support Network:
   • List 3–5 community groups or individuals (teachers, faith communities, family friends, etc.) who could help share your campaign.

Assignment Submission Format and Due Date

Submission Format: Students must turn in their completed assignment as a digital portfolio using one of the following formats:

• Google Slides or PowerPoint (recommended for visuals and video storyboard layout)
• Google Docs or Word document (with clear sections labeled as outlined in the instructions)
• PDF file (if formatting from another tool)

Each submission must include:

• Title Page with Student Name, Class Period, and Project Title
• Clearly labeled sections for each part of the assignment:
  • School Selection & Goal Alignment
  • Storytelling Narrative
  • Budget Outline
  • Video Script or Storyboard
  • Support Network Plan

Students may also optionally include a short video (1–2 minutes, recorded on a phone) as a sample of what their appeal might look like. This can be submitted via a private YouTube link or Google Drive folder shared with the instructor.

Due Date: All assignments are due by Friday, _____________________[Insert Date Based on Term Calendar], submitted digitally by 11:59 PM.

Late work will be accepted up to three days after the due date with a 10% deduction per day, unless an extension has been approved in advance.

Submission Platform: Assignments must be submitted through Google Classroom or emailed directly to the instructor if there are technical issues.

Grading Rubric (100 points total):

Bonus (up to 5 points): Exceptional creativity or personalization

Outcome:
Students will leave this lesson with a professional, usable outline for a real crowdfunding campaign they could launch in the future, and with a deeper understanding of how to advocate for their educational journey through performance, storytelling, and strategic planning.