Think about an important part of your story when the hero “comes of age” (stops acting like a child and starts understanding like an adult). What would it look like in a movie? What would you hear? Music is a sensory image that engages all of us, and just like words on a page, it is chosen for specific reasons.

Name of novel or story: ______

Describe this part of the story. What happens?


How does this character change (come of age) in this part of the story?

If you were a movie director, what would this scene look like? Who would play the major roles? Where would it happen? What time of day or year? Take clues from the descriptions in the story.

Now think of songs that you know that could accompany this incident in a movie. It is a crucial incident so music would seem natural here.

What is the name of Song #1? ______

Who is the artist/group? ______

What are the lyrics that make this song a good choice? Copy them or tape in a highlighted copy of the lyrics. (Note: Titles and song lyrics are available on many Web sites.)

Why are these lyrics good for this part of your story?

Now think of another song that you know that could accompany this incident in a movie.

What is the name of Song #2? ______

Who is the artist/group? ______

What are the lyrics that make this song a good choice? Copy them or tape in a highlighted copy of the lyrics. (Note: Titles and song lyrics are available on many Web sites.)

Why are these lyrics good for this part of your story?

Now think of a really great tune that captures the mood (emotion) of this scene.

What is the name of this tune? ______

Write your own lyrics for the tune. Your lyrics should be a poem that explains what’s happening.

Soundtrack Rubric – This is A MAJOR GRADE!

A – Exceeds Expectations / C – Meets Expectations / F – Does Not Meet Expectations
Choice of Songs / The two (2) songs you chose for this scene really bring the scene to life. They are vivid, creative, and bring the scene to life. You’ve used ONLY the lyrics that apply, and not any others. / Both songs clearly & obviously apply to your scene. You’ve used ONLY the lyrics that apply, and not any others. / Not enough songs, or the lyrics you’ve quoted don’t seem to match the scene, or you forgot to name the group or the title of the song, or you used too much or too little of the songs.
Justification of each song. / You’ve explained thoroughly why the two (2) songs you chose belongs in this scene. Your explanation is mature & thoughtful and show that you really understand this scene. / You’ve explained why the two (2) songs you chose belongs in this scene. Your explanation shows that you understand this scene. / Your justifications are surface-level. You obviously haven’t given this much thought. You apparently don’t understand this novel.
Creation of Original Lyrics / Creative! Your OWN words bring this scene to vivid life. / Your lyrics bring the scene to life. They are appropriate and complete. / Doesn’t bring the scene to life. Lacks creativity. You don’t seem to understand the scene.
CD Cover / Looks GREAT! Creative, beautiful, colorful, appropriate. / Neat, complete, and appropriate. / Inappropriate, incomplete, messy, or doesn’t reflect the scene you chose.

AUTOMATIC ZERO if you steal someone else’s lyrics and pretend they’re your own.