As the school year winds down and the final concerts, assessments, and report cards loom, music teachers know that May and June can be a whirlwind. But once the big performances are over, what do you do with your students in those final classes? Instead of just coasting through the last weeks, use this time to celebrate your students’ growth, reflect on their progress, and keep the music-making going in fun and meaningful ways.
Here are 10 engaging end-of-year activities for music teachers to wrap up the year on a high note:
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- Create a Classroom Soundtrack
Ask students to help build a playlist that reflects their year in music class. They can nominate songs they learned, performed, or just enjoyed. You can play the playlist during cleanup days, reflection time, or while students work on end-of-year projects.
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- “Then and Now” Reflection Projects
Encourage students to reflect on their musical growth. Prompt them with questions like:
• What was the most challenging piece you learned?
• What skill are you most proud of mastering?
• What’s something you can do now that you couldn’t do in September?
Let students present their reflections in creative formats—journals, video recordings, or posters.
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- Highlight Reel Videos
Compile photos and video clips from concerts, rehearsals, and class activities into a fun year-end slideshow or highlight reel. Share it with families, post it on your classroom page, or show it in your final class.
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- Musical Jeopardy or Kahoot! Review
Keep students engaged with a fun trivia review game! Cover content you’ve learned throughout the year—music theory, instrument families, famous composers, and pieces studied. Bonus points for silly sound effects or themed prizes!
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- Student-Led Mini-Lessons
Let students teach a short lesson to the class based on something musical they’re passionate about. Topics could include a favorite instrument, a style of music from their culture, or even how to beatbox!
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- Improv and Composition Challenges
Provide simple prompts and let students compose or improvise short pieces. Try:
• “Write a melody using only three notes.”
• “Compose a piece inspired by your favorite animal.”
• “Improvise a rhythm using found objects.”
These can be done individually or in small groups—and recorded for a keepsake.
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- Music-Themed Art or Writing Projects
Let students express their musical learning in other formats:
• Design a concert poster
• Write a letter to next year’s music students
• Create a “musician trading card” with fun facts and stats
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- End-of-Year Talent Show
Host an informal, in-class talent show where students can share a musical performance or a talent of their choice. It’s a great way to celebrate individuality and build community in your music room.
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- Organize and Inventory Day (With a Twist)
Get students involved in organizing the classroom or music library. Turn it into a challenge: Who can sort the fastest? Who can find the oldest score? Add music and treats to make it festive.
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- Write Notes of Musical Appreciation
Have students write short notes of encouragement or thanks to classmates, teachers, or school staff who supported their music journey. These can be heartfelt or humorous and remind students of the community they’ve built.
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The end of the school year is the perfect time to reinforce your classroom community, reflect on growth, and keep students creatively engaged. Whether you’re teaching general music, choir, band, or anything in between, these activities can help you finish strong while celebrating everything your students have accomplished.
What are your go-to end-of-year activities? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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