Hamilton Riffs

GRADES 7-12 MUSIC AND SOCIAL STUDIES

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In today’s lesson, we show you how to use this musical as the key to unlock not just Alexander Hamilton’s role, but also many other prominent figures in American History.  This lesson is more like a unit.  The pre-assessment piece actually uses a wonderful lesson found on Discovery Education as the foundation for the next steps.  Students use the musical to understand the key debates between Jefferson and Hamilton, and then learn about how the musical’s writer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, used hip-hop to highlight these moments.  Students then take what they’re learned, and research their own choice of historical figure to write a piece of music about and perform.

Students review the differences between Hamilton and Jeffersons’ opinions on creating an economic system for the United States. Use the lesson Hamilton and Jefferson found here.

View the interview of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda from PBS Newshour here. How does Miranda use the choices of music, genre, casting, and theatre to highlight Hamilton’s role in history?

Lesson Process:

Step 1: Students select a historical figure from a list provided from the teacher and research the role of that figure in the United States. Create a list of accomplishments, failures, and how the US changed based on this persons’ influence. Select the most pivotal decision or moment in that person’s life.

Step 2: Select a musical genre that would best communicate the selected figure’s role and influence. (Similar to what Miranda did for Hamilton).

Step 3: Study the song Cabinet Battle #1 from Hamilton and how this debate was highlighted in the musical through the music. Who sings this piece? What musical form was used to create the piece?

Step 4:  Students create their own song highlighting the pivotal decision or moment in their selected figure’s life (from Step 1). Using a musical genre and form that best communicates that figure.

Time Required:
30-45 minutes

Materials List:

  • Open space
  • Screen/Projector
  • DVD player/ TV
  • Internet
  • Speakers
  • Paper and Pencils
  • Selection of musical instruments (optional).

Assessment:

Students perform their songs for the class. They can either perform it themselves, or have a peer/ group perform it for them. At the end of the performance, students in the class can interview the songwriter for 60 seconds on the musical choices made, and how this piece depicts the figure’s key moment in history.