Music Curriculum

Music is arguably the most life-enriching academic subject of them all. A universal language that can trigger emotional responses and kickstart creativity like no other, music is a fundamental pillar of arts education. It is a subject that, besides having enormous intrinsic value in its own right, has far-reaching benefits that stretch way beyond the subject itself. Studying music through learning an instrument can help develop language, maths and cognitive skills, inspire creativity and exploration, enhance memory and coordination, encourage team work and develop social skills, instil discipline and perseverance, bring confidence through a sense of achievement and can be used as a way to relive stress at all stages of life.

Illustration of guitar, recorder, music notes and African drum

Year 3

Year 3 - Autumn - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To maintain a steady pulse

Listening

Home is Where the Heart Is (Country)
Bach – E major Prelude (Baroque)

Performing

Plucking the open strings

Vocabulary

pulse
pitch
posture
beat
rhythm

Revision

To understand the importance of a regular pulse in music

Week 2

Outcomes

To perform a simple tune by rote

Listening

Hallelujah Chorus From Messiah (Baroque)
Autumn from The Four Seasons (Baroque)

Performing

Ups and Downs

Vocabulary

chinrest
sound holes
fingerboard
pizzicato
pluck
rhythm
melody

Revision

To consolidate the importance of maintaining a regular pulse

Week 3

Outcomes

To differentiate between longer and shorter note values

Listening

Let’s Work It Out Together (Pop)

Performing

Ups and Downs
Downs and Ups

Vocabulary

rhythm
quaver
crotchet
minim
rest
note groupings

Revision

To explore long and short sounds

Week 4

Outcomes

To improvise clapping rhythms

Listening

The Loco-Motion (Pop)
Excerpts (Chinese traditional)

Performing

Pagoda

Vocabulary

strum
improvise
rhythm
pulse
beat

Revision

To echo clapping rhythms

Week 5

Outcomes

To recognise and perform rhythmic notation

Listening

Please be Kind (Pop)
Excerpts (Rap)

Performing

Rosin rap

Vocabulary

bow
rosin
notation
stick notation
crotchet
quaver
rest

Revision

To improvise clapping rhythms to make patterns of increasing complexity

Week 6

Outcomes

To produce a clear sound using the correct bow hold

Listening

Danse Macabre (Romantic)

Performing

Trick or Treat

Vocabulary

pull
push
note values
pitch
rhythm

Revision

To demonstrate an understanding of pitch

Week 7

Outcome

To perform with a clear sense of the direction of the bow (pull and push)

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Trick or Treat

Vocabulary

heel
point
unison
ensemble
string family

Revision

To improve performance based on feedback

Year 3 - Autumn - Second half term

Week 1

Outcome

To revise and reinforce the concept of pulling and pushing the bow

Listening

Love What We Do (Disco)

Performing

Ravioli Rock

Vocabulary

pull
push
heel
point
string family
metre

Revision

To maintain a steady pulse

Week 2

Outcomes

To develop skills playing short notes on different strings

Listening

Let’s Groove (Disco)

Performing

Brad’s Blues

Vocabulary

blues
rest
rhythm
crotchet
quaver
strings
pitch

Revision

To discuss the importance of silence in music

Week 3

Outcomes

To perform fast repeated notes (tremolo)

Listening

When the Saints Go Marchin’ In (Jazz)

Performing

Brad’s Blues

Vocabulary

tremolo
tempo
repetition
pitch
pulse

Revision

To analyse patterns in music

Week 4

Outcomes

To interpret and perform staff notation

Listening

Theme from ‘Jaws’ (Film music)
Sea Shanties (English Traditional)

Performing

D shanty

Vocabulary

parallel
bow
notation
stave
ledger line
clef

Revision

To identify and describe different musical features

Week 5

Outcomes

To demonstrate an increasing awareness of tone production

Listening

My Bonny Lies Over The Ocean (English Traditional)
Sea Shanties (English Traditional)

Performing

In Flight

Vocabulary

timbre
tone
sound
intonation
pitch
string family

Revision

To identify different musical genres

Week 6

Outcome

To analyse and perform a more complex tune by rote

Listening

Sea Shanties (English Traditional)

Performing

Anna Lou

Vocabulary

string crossing
swing
pitch
notation
structure
pitch
rhythm

Revision

To stay in time while performing

Week 7

Outcome

To perform with movements that help to keep the whole body free from tension

Listening

Half term listening quiz

Performing

Anna Lou

Vocabulary

form
structure
awareness
posture
bow hold

Revision

To perform with an awareness of different musical styles

Year 3 - Spring - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To perform rhythms using minims, crotchets and quavers on all strings

Listening

Your Imagination (Pop)
‘Winter’ from The Four Seasons (Baroque)

Performing

Follow me

Vocabulary

rhythm
minim
crotchets
quavers
note groupings
rest

Revision

To revise clapping rhythms by rote and from notation

Week 2

Outcomes

To perform rhythms from notation

Listening

Disco Fever (Disco)
Various (Folk Fiddle Music)

Performing

Hoe Down

Vocabulary

improvise
notation
solo
unison
stave

Revision

To improvise rhythms

Week 3

Outcomes

To perform a more complex tune using all four strings

Listening

You’re a shining Star (Pop)
The Entertainer (Ragtime)

Performing

Hoe Down
Back Scratcher

Vocabulary

string family
pitch
tempo
note groupings
note values

Revision

To recognise the features of a piece of music

Week 4

Outcomes

To understand and identify some of the basic features of Ragtime

Listening

Amazing Grace (Gospel)
The Entertainer (Ragtime)

Performing

Back Scratcher

Vocabulary

syncopation
beat
pulse
orchestration
arrangement

Revision

To offer constructive feedback on a performance

Week 5

Outcomes

To demonstrate what is meant by pizzicato

Listening

Music Makes the World Go Round (Musicals)
Paganini Caprice No.24 (Romantic)

Performing

Way Up High

Vocabulary

pitch
vibrations
frequency
hertz
pizzicato

Revision

To understand a basic musical structure

Week 6

Outcomes

To perform a piece using both pizzicato and the bow

Listening

Half term listening quiz
Paganini Caprice No.1 (Romantic)

Performing

1^st Finger Rag

Vocabulary

pizzicato
bow
tone
timbre
pitch
metre

Revision

To further refine the concept of pitch

Year 3 - Spring - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To identify do and re on staff notation

Listening

Friendship Song (Pop)
‘Spring’ from The Four Seasons (Baroque)

Performing

Chinese Checkers

Vocabulary

solfege
do
re
treble clef
stave

Revision

To identify the different instrumental groups

Week 2

Outcomes

To identify some traditional Chinese instruments

Listening

A Night on Bare Mountain (Romantic)
Various (Erdu Music)

Performing

Chinese Checkers

Vocabulary

erdu
bamboo flute
tradition
pitch
timbre
dynamics

Revision

To explore musical styles from around the world

Week 3

Outcomes

To recognise and be able to play semibreves

Listening

Family (Rock)
Sea Shanties (English trad.)

Performing

Drunken Sailor

Vocabulary

quaver
crotchet
minim
semibreve
notation
pitch

Revision

To develop listening skills and be able to analyse a piece of music

Week 4

Outcomes

To recognise dotted minims and understand what value a dot adds to a note

Listening

Double Beat Song (Native American trad.)
Various (Scottish trad. Folk)

Performing

Celtic Song

Vocabulary

bagpipe
Celtic music
tempo
timbre
dotted rhythms
note values

Revision

To identify different musical instruments

Week 5

Outcomes

To copy different combinations of the notes do, re and mi both singing and playing

Listening

Come on Over (Soul)

Performing

Do, re and me combinations by rote

Vocabulary

solfege
do
re
mi
pitch

Revision

To improvise simple melodic patterns

Week 6

Outcomes

To play a simple tune using notation for do, re and mi

Listening

Half term listening quiz

Performing

Ballad

Vocabulary

semibreves
pause
style
orchestration
arrangement
do
re
mi
solfege

Revision

To describe how tempo and dynamics affect a piece of music

Year 3 - Summer - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To perform an allegro tune using do, re and mi

Listening

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands (Gospel)

Performing

Charleston Music

Vocabulary

tempo
allegro
do
re
mi
solfege
rhythm
melody

Revision

To discuss contrasts in musical styles from around the world

Week 2

Outcomes

To perform using the key features of a Charleston

Listening

Porgy and Bess, Act 1: Summertime (Jazz)

Performing

Charleston Music

Vocabulary

syncopation
accent
pitch
rhythm
note groupings
pause
style

Revision

To demonstrate an understanding of key musical features

Week 3

Outcomes

To understand the relationship between do, re and mi as D, E and F sharp

Listening

Porgy and Bess, Act 1: Summertime (Jazz)
Haydn – String Quartet (Classical)

Performing

Summer Sun
Hot Cross Buns

Vocabulary

do
re
mi
solfege
sharp
quartet
genre
pitch

Revision

To aurally identify and name instruments from the string family

Week 4

Outcomes

To demonstrate fluency and accuracy when performing and singing using D, E, F sharp and A

Listening

The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (20th Century Orchestral)

Performing

Summer Sun
Hot Cross Buns

Vocabulary

mood
character
genre
sharp
note values
pitch
note groupings

Revision

To discuss how musical features affect the character of a piece of music

Week 5

Outcomes

To improvise using notes from A to C sharp

Listening

Panda Extravaganza (Hip Hop)
Ysaÿe – Sonata for Solo Violin (20th Century)

Performing

Call and response using A, B and C sharp

Vocabulary

improvise
solo
call and response
melody
beat
pulse

Revision

To improvise using a small set of notes

Week 6

Outcomes

To identify notes from B to C sharp when performing from staff notation

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz
Bartók – Duos for two violins (20th Century)

Performing

Au clair de la line

Vocabulary

duet
arrangement
stave
notation
sharp
natural
pitch
rhythm

Revision

To improvise simple melodic patterns

Year 3 - Summer - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To perform using staff notation

Listening

Michael Row The Boat Ashore (Gospel)
Piazzola- Libretango (Argentina traditional)

Performing

Two to Tango

Vocabulary

tango
notation
stave
pitch
rhythm
rest
note value

Revision

To understand and describe a simple ABA structure

Week 2

Outcomes

To demonstrate some of the characteristics of a Tango

Listening

The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71A – Dance Of The Reed Flutes (Romantic )

Performing

Two to Tango

Vocabulary

accents
dynamics
expressive techniques
timbre
tempo
pulse

Revision

To improve performance based on feedback

Week 3

Outcomes

To perform using the 3^rd finger on the D string

Listening

The Dragon Song (Pop)

Performing

Let’s Rock

Vocabulary

beat
chords
chord progression
sequence
echo playing

Revision

To reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong pulse

Week 4

Outcomes

To recognise the note G from notation

Listening

The Firebird Suite: Finale (20^th Century Orchestral)

Performing

Let’s Rock

Vocabulary

electric violin
notation
pitch
ledger lines
beat
pulse

Revision

To follow notated music accurately while listening

Week 5

Outcomes

To perform with an awareness of Calypso rhythms

Listening

Follow Me (Hip Hop)

Performing

Calypso

Vocabulary

Caribbean
calypso
rhythm
note groupings
note value
tempo

Revision

To explore music from different countries and cultures

Week 6

Outcome

To play ‘String Street Calypso’ while conveying mood and character

Listening

Summer from The Four Seasons (Baroque)

Performing

Calypso

Vocabulary

syncopation
mood
style
genre
calypso
rhythm
pause

Revision

To offer constructive feedback to a performance

Week 7

Outcome

To gain confidence and fluency performing using the notes D, E, F sharp and A

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Pupil Choices

Vocabulary

sharp
natural
notation
pitch
pulse
metre
key

Revision

To offer constructive feedback to a performance

Violin – Performance skills

In Year 3 we build upon the listening, performing and compositional work of KS1 by learning how to play the violin. Pupils learn to hold the violin and bow correctly as well as being taught how to produce a clear sound through use of both the bow and plucking. Pupils read a range of notes using staff notation and are able to play these on their instruments.

Listening skills

Pupils are taught to listen to and internalise various notes and sounds before being introduced to both graphic and staff notation which represent these sounds. Singing forms an essential part of this process and pupils are taught to sing a range of notes and songs throughout their lessons. Pupils are introduced to a wide variety of musical styles for both listening and performing. They are able to identify some of the key characteristics of various styles of music and can place them in their historical and geographical context.

Compositional skills

Pupils are given regular opportunities to compose and improvise using graphic and staff notation where appropriate. They use the features of different styles of music to inform their decisions related to composition.

Year 4

Year 4 - Autumn - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To recognise the parts of my instrument and how they are used

Listening

Hoedown (Orchestral Pop)
Mozart Clarinet Concerto (Classical)
Mozart Flute Concerto (Classical)

Performing

Try out clarinet

Vocabulary

woodwind family
tuned instruments
reeds mouthpiece
sound hole

Revision

To keep a steady pulse

Week 2

Outcomes

To maintain a steady beat when performing

Listening

Go Tell It On the Mountain (Reggae)
Mozart Clarinet Concerto (Classical)
Mozart Flute Concerto (Classical)

Performing

One long note
Try out flute

Vocabulary

pulse
beat
metre
rhythm

Revision

To recognise different sounds and pitches

Week 3

Outcomes

To demonstrate call and response patterns

Listening

I’m Always There (Soul)
Mozart Clarinet Concerto (Classical)
Mozart Flute Concerto (Classical)

Performing

One long note

Vocabulary

call and response
beat
pulse
melodic
rhythmic

Revision

To demonstrate different note values

Week 4

Outcomes

To listen to and analyse a piece of music

Listening

Trick or Treat (20^th and 21^st Century)
Copland Rodeo (20^th and 21^st Century)

Performing

Three note shuffle

Vocabulary

crotchet
minim
quaver
structure
timbre
dynamics
pitch
duration

Revision

To echo a rhythm

Week 5

Outcomes

To sing and perform from graphic notation

Listening

Understand (Hip Hop)
Copland Rodeo (20^th and 21^st Century)

Performing

Three note shuffle

Vocabulary

embouchure
diaphragm
graphic notation
pulse
beat
unison

Revision

To name different rhythmic values

Week 6

Outcomes

To discuss the timbre of different woodwind instruments

Listening

Copland Rodeo (20^th and 21^st Century)

Performing

Merrily We Roll Along

Vocabulary

timbre
sound
woodwind family
reedy
brassy
tone colour

Revision

To clap and sing using different rhythms

Week 7

Outcomes

To perform using staff notation

Listening

Half term listening quiz

Performing

Merrily We Roll Along

Vocabulary

stave
clef
time signature
key signature

Revision

To identify the notes on the stave

Year 4 - Autumn - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To maintain a steady beat

Listening

Looking in the Mirror (Electronic Dance)
Various (Big Band)

Performing

Jingle bells
Hot Cross Buns

Vocabulary

pulse
time signature
beat
metre

Revision

To identify the number of beats in a bar

Week 2

Outcomes

To perform a simple tune in unison

Listening

It’s All About Love (Pop)
Various (Big Band)

Performing

Jingle Bells
Hot Cross Buns

Vocabulary

dynamics
tempo
unison
ensemble
pulse
rhythm

Revision

To identify the difference between pulse and the rhythm

Week 3

Outcomes

To describe what chords and triads are

Listening

Take Time in Life (Folk)
Various (Big Band)

Performing

Jingle bells
Hot Cross Buns

Vocabulary

harmony
chords
triads
key
major
minor

Revision

To play in time with others

Week 4

Outcomes

To analyse and describe tempo changes within a piece of music

Listening

Perdido (Jazz)
Various (Big Band)

Performing

Jingle bells
Hot Cross Buns

Vocabulary

upbeat
downbeat
tempo
rhythm
beat
note groupings

Revision

To maintain a steady beat

Week 5

Outcomes

To understand the roles of different instruments in a an ensemble

Listening

Scarborough Fair (Folk)
Various (Big Band)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

ensemble
rhythm
orchestration
woodwind
string
brass
percussion

Revision

To perform a rhythmic composition

Week 6

Outcomes

To recognise different time signatures

Listening

Various (Big Band)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

sharps
flats
naturals
time signature
3/4
4/4
pulse

Revision

To identify notes on the stave

Week 7

Outcomes

To perform as a member of a small ensemble

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

ensemble
orchestration
unison
solo
time signature
key

Revision

To discuss how to perform effectively

Year 4 - Spring - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To recognise and demonstrate an awareness of beat within a piece

Listening

Bringing Us Together (Disco)
Short Ride in a Fast Machine (20^th Century Orchestral)

Performing

Low note blues

Vocabulary

pulse
beat
metre
unison
ensemble

Revision

To demonstrate how to assemble my instrument

Week 2

Outcomes

To demonstrate how to produce a clear, articulate sound of my instrument

Listening

‘Mambo’ from West Side Story (20^th Century Orchestral)
Various (Blues)

Performing

Low note blues

Vocabulary

joints
reeds
mouthpiece
pitch
note groupings

Revision

To explain the relationship between notes and the fingerings

Week 3

Outcomes

To discuss the roles of different woodwind instruments within a piece of music

Listening

Old Joe Clark (Folk)
Various (Blues)

Performing

Low note blues
Frere Jacques

Vocabulary

woodwind family
orchestration
arrangement
timbre

Revision

To name the sections of the orchestra

Week 4

Outcomes

To play different rhythms while maintaining a steady pulse

Listening

Bachianas Brasileiras No. 2 – The Little Train Of The Caipira (20^th Century Orchestral)
Various (Jazz)

Performing

Low note blues
Frere Jacques

Vocabulary

crotchet
quaver
semiquaver demisemiquaver
hemidemisemiquaver
pulse
note groupings

Revision

To improvise a rhythm over a steady beat

Week 5

Outcomes

To compose a short piece using graphic and staff notation

Listening

Dance with Me (20^th Century Orchestral)
Carnival of the Animals (Classical)

Performing

Frère Jacques

Vocabulary

notation
stave
ledger lines
composition
note groupings
rhythm
metre

Revision

To echo a rhythm

Week 6

Outcomes

To edit and improve my composition

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Own pieces

Vocabulary

beat groupings
paired quaver
rests
stave
pitch

Revision

Using different methods to record ideas

Year 4 - Spring - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To perform my composition and respond to feedback

Listening

Let your Spirit Fly (R&B)
Various John Williams (Film music)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

composition
note groupings
pitch
stave
notation
arrangement

Revision

To explain how to begin and end a performance

Week 2

Outcomes

To recognise different notes on the stave

Listening

Symphony No. 5 – 4^th Movement (Classical)
Various John Williams (Film music)

Performing

Back and forth

Vocabulary

stave
pitch
ledger lines
scale
dot notations

Revision

To demonstrate the correct hand position on instruments

Week 3

Outcomes

To explain what a transposing instrument is

Listening

Frere Jacque (Jazz – 1910 version)

Performing

Higher and Lower

Vocabulary

clef
octave
transpose
key
treble
bass
alto

Revision

To explain what harmony is

Week 4

Outcomes

To play in harmony with other members of the class ensemble

Listening

On the Beautiful Blue Danube (Classical)

Performing

Two-part shuffle

Vocabulary

triad
chord
chord progression
harmony
major
minor

Revision

To listen to and analyse the roles of instruments within an ensemble

Week 5

Outcome

To perform as a member of a small ensemble with an awareness of how the parts relate to each other

Listening

The Other Side of the Moon (Rock)

Performing

Two-part shuffle

Vocabulary

syncopation
beat
layered texture
key
metre

Revision

To maintain a steady beat

Week 6

Outcomes

To interpret different notes written using staff notation

Listening

Half term listening quiz

Performing

Here we go again

Vocabulary

minim
semibreve
quaver
crotchet
paired quaver
rest
pitch
ledger lines

Revision

To recognise different note values

Year 4 - Summer - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To demonstrate how to assemble, disassemble and clean my instrument

Listening

Train is A-Comin’ (Gospel)
William Byrd excerpts (Renaissance)

Performing

Up and down the scale

Vocabulary

joints
pull-through
swab
woodwind family

Revision

To name the parts of the instrument

Week 2

Outcomes

To perform in two part harmonies

Listening

O Euchari (Medieval)
William Byrd excerpts (Renaissance)

Performing

March

Vocabulary

harmony
melody
score
two-part
solo
duet
major
minor

Revision

To gain fluency and confidence in singing

Week 3

Outcomes

To demonstrate the difference between concord and discord

Listening

Oh Happy Day (Gospel)
Mozart Piano Concerto (Classical)
Berg Violin Concerto (Romantic)

Performing

Close harmony

Vocabulary

concord
discord
triad
major
minor
pitch

Revision

To recognise if a chord sounds major or minor

Week 4

Outcomes

To perform with an accompanist and maintain a steady beat

Listening

Romeo and Juliet Overture (Romantic)
Selected Greats (Jazz)

Performing

Close Harmony

Vocabulary

beat
rhythm
note groupings
note values
pulse
accompany
melody

Revision

To demonstrate an awareness of pulse

Week 5

Outcomes

To analyse and discuss different musical styles

Listening

A World Full Of Sound (20^th Century/Orchestral Pop)
Shostakovich excerpts (20^th Century Orchestral)

Performing

Long note Boogie

Vocabulary

texture
structure
dynamics
timbre
pitch
duration
diaphragm
embouchure

Revision

To analyse the characteristics of a piece

Week 6

Outcomes

To explain how music changes the mood of a film

Listening

Half term listening quiz
Selected excerpts (Film music)

Performing

Long note Boogie

Vocabulary

texture
structure
dynamics
timbre
pitch
duration

Revision

To discuss the features of a piece of music

Year 4 - Summer - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To plan a short soundtrack for a piece of film

Listening

You Can See it Through (Electronic)
Various (Film and Theatre)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

soundtrack
genre
instrumentation
arrangement
mood
style

Revision

To explain how to collaborate as an ensemble

Week 2

Outcomes

To discuss how music can convey a particular mood

Listening

A Ceremony of Carols (20^th Century Choral)
Various (Film and Theatre)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

major
minor
note groupings
pulse
key
metre
pitch
dynamics
texture

Revision

To recognise different musical sounds

Week 3

Outcomes

To produce a score for my film soundtrack

Listening

The Octopus Slide (Funk)
Various (Film)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

multi-track recording
notation
ledger lines
pitch
rhythm
note groupings

Revision

To record music in different ways

Week 4

Outcomes

To edit and refine my soundtrack

Listening

The Octopus Slide (Funk)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

arrangement
pause
rest
rhythm
pitch
note groupings
note values

Revision

To provide constructive feedback

Week 5

Outcomes

To record my groups soundtrack / video and evaluate the performance

Listening

Connect (Electronic)
Various (Film)

Performing

Own compositions

Vocabulary

performance
ensemble
unison
solo
dynamics
expressive techniques

Revision

To explain what is needed for a successful performance

Week 6

Outcome

To compare and contrast two pieces of music

Listening

Various John Williams (Film)
Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Our pieces

Vocabulary

harmony
ensemble
texture
pitch
timbre
duration
structure

Revision

To discuss the features of different styles of music

Section

Woodwind – Performance skills

During year 4, pupils build upon their knowledge of how to read notation by learning a woodwind instrument. They are challenged to further develop their performance skills by applying what they know to a new instrument. Pupils learn about the woodwind family, the history of woodwind instruments and how to produce a wide variety of notes clearly and accurately using the reed and mouthpiece. Building upon the skills taught in Year 3, pupils read staff notation, perform as a class ensemble and develop their awareness of how to play in unison and as a soloist through both instrumental and singing activities.

Listening skills

Pupils use the elements of music to discuss music drawn from different musical periods. They apply their understanding of different musical styles when listening to new pieces drawn from different eras and are able to explain how music has evolved. Pupils listen to film music and can describe the features of music composed for the purpose of telling different stories.

Compositional kills

Pupils compose a piece to accompany a short film, using their understanding of film music to do so. They work in small groups to compose, developing their skills listening, collaborating and playing together. Pupils use the elements of music to inform their decisions about composing and conveying the purpose of their pieces.

Year 5

Year 5 - Autumn - First half term

Week 1

Outcome

To demonstrate how to buzz and control sounds on the mouthpiece

Listening

Ghost Parade (20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral)
Haydn Trumpet Concerto – Finale (Classical)

Performing

Buzzing

Vocabulary

buzz
embouchure
mouthpiece
valves
bell
brass
timbre

Revision

To maintain a steady beat

Week 2

Outcome

To demonstrate correct instrument hold

Listening

Lively (20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral)
Haydn Trumpet Concerto – Finale (Classical)

Performing

Playing C

Vocabulary

tonguing
rhythm
pulse
tempo
score

Revision

To adopt a good posture and playing technique

Week 3

Outcomes

To control the pitch and duration of a note

Listening

Words Can Hurt (20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral)
What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor? (English traditional)

Performing

C-Shanty

Vocabulary

stave
ledger lines
semibreve
minim
note groupings
pitch
major
minor

Revision

To read basic staff notation

Week 4

France residential and Harvest Festival rehearsal

Week 5

Outcomes

To revise understanding of tonguing and perform from staff notation

Listening

His Eye is on the Sparrow (Gospel)
What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor? (English traditional)

Performing

C-Shanty

Vocabulary

articulation
call and response
notation
pitch
crotchet
quaver
semibreve
rest

Revision

To demonstrate clear articulation

Week 6

Outcomes

To describe how music is used to convey a particular mood

Listening

Joyful, Joyful (Gospel)
Theme from the Pink Panther (Film Music)

Performing

Secret Agent C

Vocabulary

crotchet instrumentation
layered texture
major
minor
duration
structure

Revision

To explain how music supports film

Week 7

Outcomes

To perform with a steady beat and sense of pulse

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz
Theme from the Pink Panther (Film Music)

Performing

Secret Agent C

Vocabulary

swing rhythm
pulse
metre
beat
awareness
unison

Revision

To recap different musical genres and styles through listening and performance

Year 5 - Autumn - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To improvise 1-bar phrases

Listening

The Sparkle in My Life (Pop)
St. Louis Blues (Blues)

Performing

Secret Agent C
Trumpet Blues

Vocabulary

improvise
blues
ostinato
key
pitch
rhythm

Revision

To improvise rhythmic patterns

Week 2

Outcomes

To develop improvisation skills and be able to improvise 2-bar phrases

Listening

Glassworks: I (Minimalism)

Performing

Trumpet Blues

Vocabulary

12 bar blues structure
walking bass line lyrics
phrasing
slur

Revision

To use correct musical vocabulary when describing music

Week 3

Outcomes

To demonstrate an understanding of quaver rhythms and how they are notated

Listening

Dreaming of Mars (20^th and 21^st century orchestral)
Crocodile Rock (Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Performing

The Tonguing Train

Vocabulary

quaver
note groupings
notation
rhythm
beat
pulse

Revision

To understand basic rhythmic notation

Week 4

Outcomes

To demonstrate sight-reading skills

Listening

Macaroni Sundae (Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Performing

The Tonguing Train

Vocabulary

sight reading
notation
clef
note groupings
pitch
rhythm

Revision

To read and play basic staff notation

Week 5

Outcomes

To distinguish between the pitches C, D & E

Listening

Get on Board (Gospel)
One Love (Reggae)

Performing

The Tonguing Train
Trumpet Jam

Vocabulary

off beat
syncopation
pitch
clef

Revision

To explore different musical styles from around the world

Week 6

Outcomes

To compare and contrast two pieces in different musical styles

Listening

One Love (Reggae)
Crocodile Rock (Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Performing

Trumpet Jam

Vocabulary

texture
structure
pitch
dynamics
timbre
duration
style

Revision

To use the elements of music to describe a composition

Week 7

Outcomes

To recap the key features of different musical genres and styles learnt this term

Listening

Half term listening quiz

Performing

Trumpet Jam

Vocabulary

genre
style
major
minor
scale
notation
structure

Revision

To perform simple pieces from notation

Year 5 - Spring - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To understand and perform dotted minim rhythms

Listening

Freedom is Coming (Pop)
On the Beautiful Blue Danube (Romantic)

Performing

Easy Peasy Waltz
The Trumpet Jam

Vocabulary

classical
orchestra
time signature
dotted rhythms
metre
note values

Revision

To play a piece in ¾ time

Week 2

Outcomes

To identify the Key features of a Classical Waltz and perform a piece in ¾ time

Listening

Forever Always (Pop)
On the Beautiful Blue Danube (Romantic)

Performing

Easy Peasy Waltz

Vocabulary

duet
ensemble
waltz
dotted rhythms
time signature

Revision

To explore playing music in two parts with an awareness of the other part

Week 3

Outcomes

To compare and contrast two pieces of Samba music using appropriate musical vocabulary

Listening

All Over (20^th Century Classical)
Various pieces (Samba)

Performing

B & Cuba
Easy Peasy Waltz

Vocabulary

samba
call & response
improvisation
structure
texture
dynamics

Revision

To explore different musical styles from around the world

Week 4

Outcomes

To aurally recognize and copy 4 beat patterns using the notes B-E

Listening

Free (Soul)
Bamboleo (Samba)

Performing

B & Cuba
Flashcard sight-reading (C-E)

Vocabulary

cue
note groupings
ostinato
pattern
pitch

Revision

To copy simple patterns by rote

Week 5

Outcomes

To learn the position of B on the stave and read from notation

Listening

Do you Ever Wonder (20^th Century Orchestral)
Pick up the Pieces (Funk)

Performing

B & Cuba
Trumpet Funk

Vocabulary

staff notation
pitch
time signature
key signature
unison

Revision

To demonstrate an understanding of staff notation

Week 6

Outcomes

To perform from staff notation

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Trumpet Funk

Vocabulary

articulation
staff notation
unison
pulse
note groupings

Revision

To develop listening skills and be able to analyse a piece of music

Year 5 - Spring - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To recognise the characteristics of Jazz music how it is phrased

Listening

Erie Canal (Reggae)
April in Paris (Jazz)

Performing

Level Up
Mind the Gap
Trumpet Funk

Vocabulary

jazz
swing rhythm
phrasing
articulation
orchestration
time signature
key signature
scale

Revision

To play music with a swing feel

Week 2

Outcomes

To demonstrate improvisation skills using the notes C-F

Listening

Dances In The Canebrakes: No. 2, Tropical Noon (20^th Century Orchestral)
A Night in Tunisia (Jazz)

Performing

Level Up
Mind the Gap

Vocabulary

improvisation
solo
pitch
echo-playing
note values

Revision

To improvise simple melodic patterns

Week 3

Outcomes

To perform ‘Mind the Gap’, improvising a short solo

Listening

Heroes (Pop)

Performing

Level Up
Mind the Gap

Vocabulary

staff notation
improvisation
solo
unison
key
scale
structure

Revision

To perform a short solo section in front of peers

Week 4

Outcome

To demonstrate accurate articulation and strengthen embouchure

Listening

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope: Main Title (Film Music)
J’ose Encore Aimer (Tango)

Performing

Level Up
The ‘P’ Word

Vocabulary

stamina
articulation
embouchure
phrasing
rest
pause
note values

Revision

To understand how to build stamina through repetition

Week 5

Outcomes

To identify more musical instruments by sound alone

Listening

Happy to be Me (20^th Century Orchestral)
J’ose Encore Aimer (Tango)

Performing

The ‘P’ Word

Vocabulary

tango
accents
timbre
characteristics
instrument family
ensemble

Revision

To aurally identify different musical instruments

Week 6

Outcomes

To describe the characteristics and mood of a Tango

Listening

Half term Listening Quiz

Performing

The ‘P’ Word

Vocabulary

texture
pitch
structure
timbre
dynamics
duration

Revision

To explore different musical styles from around the world

Year 5 - Summer - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To demonstrate slurred articulation

Listening

Look into the Night (K-Pop)
Dilemma – Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland (R&B)

Performing

Smooth Groove
The ‘P’ Word

Vocabulary

R&B (Rhythm & Blues)
slurs
phrasing
articulation
note groupings

Revision

To be able to identify and describe musical features from different genres

Week 2

Outcomes

To incorporate slurs in to a performance and play with a number of different articulations

Listening

The Lark Ascending (20^th Century)

Performing

Smooth Groove

Vocabulary

tongued articulation
genre
slur
phrasing

Revision

To perform with a number of different articulations

Week 3

Outcomes

To identify and perform the note G using staff notation

Listening

Breathe (20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral)
Maple Leaf Rag (Ragtime)

Performing

Oily Rag

Vocabulary

notation
staff
pitch
metre
time signature
ragtime

Revision

To explain the features of Ragtime music

Week 4

Outcomes

To understand ‘syncopation’ and perform syncopated rhythms from notation

Listening

Stay Connected (Native American Tradition and Hip Hop)
The Entertainer (Ragtime)

Performing

Oily Rag

Vocabulary

syncopation
syncopated rhythm
notation
staff
metre
beat

Revision

To interpret staff notation

Week 5

Outcomes

To build confidence and stamina when playing in the upper register

Listening

Keeping Time (Pop, Funk and Hip Hop)
Jump in Time (Calypso)

Performing

Blow, Blow, Blow!

Vocabulary

texture
tuned instruments
orchestration
structure
brass family

Revision

To explain the features of Calypso music

Week 6

Outcomes

To sight-read short melodies that incorporate the notes C-G

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz
Under the Sea (Calypso)

Performing

Blow Blow Blow!

Vocabulary

melody
notation
staff
sight-reading
metre

Revision

To perform a piece from memory

Year 5 - Summer - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To improve flexibility across my instrument by using lip

Listening

You and Me (Pop)
Never Gonna Give You Up (Pop)

Performing

One Small Step
Fizz-A Pop!

Vocabulary

hook
melody
accompaniment
characteristics

Revision

To be able to control a range of pitches over an increasing range

Week 2

Outcomes

To identify and describe the key features of Pop music

Listening

The Song Of Hiawatha: Overture Op. 30 (20^th Century Classical)
Reach For The Stars (Pop)

Performing

One Small Step
Fizz-A Pop!

Vocabulary

harmony
major
minor
chorus
verse
intro
outro

Revision

To be able to identify and describe musical features from different genres

Week 3

Outcomes

To further develop improvisation skills over a wider range and changing chord sequence

Listening

A Bright Sunny Day (20^th Century Classical)

Performing

One Small Step
Fizz-A Pop

Vocabulary

improvisation
solo
chord progressions
sequence
staff notation
note groupings

Revision

To be able to improvise short musical phrases

Week 4

Outcomes

To perform different dynamics levels on the instrument with an understanding of how volume affects pitch

Listening

Central Park in the Dark (20^th Century Classical)
I Don’t Need Anything But You (Musical Theatre)

Performing

The Dynamics Song

Vocabulary

dynamics
volume
forte
piano
mezzo forte
mezzo piano

Revision

To understand dynamic markings

Week 5

Outcome

To incorporate different dynamic levels throughout a known piece

Listening

‘Loud’ from Matilda (Musical Theatre)

Performing

The Dynamics Song

Vocabulary

crescendo
diminuendo
dynamics
expressive techniques

Revision

To be able to control sounds at different dynamic levels

Week 6

Outcome

To evaluate the success of the performance using appropriate musical vocabulary

Listening

You Belong with Me (Rhythm and Blues)

Performing

The Dynamics Song
Half Term Listening Quiz

Vocabulary

expression
texture
duration
structure
dynamics
timbre
pitch

Revision

To be able to offer constructive feedback on a performance

Brass – Performance skills

During this year, pupils continue to build on the musical learning achieved in Year 4 and have the opportunity to transfer their skills on to a brass instrument. Pupils learn how to hold the instrument correctly, produce and control initial sounds, and gradually build embouchure strength. As their technical skill increases, they are able to play a variety of pieces over an increasing range of notes while building upon their skills reading staff notation. Singing is also an important part of the Y5 curriculum and many of the pieces studied include opportunities to develop singing techniques and aural awareness.

Listening skills

As well as learning how to play a brass instrument to a good standard, pupils also
develop their awareness of different musical styles: they are able to identify key characteristics and name prominent artists and composers. By focusing on a different musical genre every 2-3 weeks, pupils develop an awareness of a very wide range of music and are able to identify and describe differences and similarities between them using appropriate musical vocabulary.

Compositional skills

Improvisation and composition is explored in further detail and pupils become more confident at improvising over longer phrases and a wider range of notes. Improvisation is presented as a way to further develop compositional skills and pupils learn to do this as individuals or as part of a smaller group.

Year 6

Year 6 - Autumn - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To describe and demonstrate ground bass

Listening

Do what you want to (Soul)
Pachelbel’s Canon (Baroque)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

bass
ground bass
layered texture
repetition
melody
structure

Revision

To identify and describe musical features from different genres

Week 2

Outcomes

To improvise and compose rhythmic variations on Time Lapse bass line

Listening

Fanfare for the Common Man (20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral)
Time Lapse – Michael Nyman (20^th and 21^st Century Orchestral)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

bass
improvise
rhythm
notation
repetition

Revision

To improvise simple rhythmic patterns

Week 3

Outcomes

To define chords and describe how they can be used as harmonic building blocks

Listening

It’s All About Love (Pop)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

chords
triad
major
minor
suspension
harmony

Revision

To use appropriate musical vocabulary when describing musical features

Week 4

Outcomes

To describe the texture in Time Lapse

Listening

Let’s Write a Song (Pop)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

ensemble
duet
texture
instrumentation

Revision

To perform a piece in 2 parts with an awareness of the other performers

Week 5

Outcomes

To perform different melodic layers from Time Lapse

Listening

Sunshine on a Rainy Day (Soul)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

counter-melody
melody
notation
unison

Revision

To read and play melodic phrases from notation

Week 6

Outcomes

To evaluate an initial class performance of Time Lapse incorporating the bass, chord and melodic layers

Listening

Stand By Me (Pop)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

bass
chords
melody
harmony
texture

Revision

To offer constructive feedback on a performance

Week 7

Outcomes

To understand and describe the structure of the original Time Lapse composition

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

structure
note groupings
beats
metre
texture
timbre
pulse

Revision

To identify and describe musical features

Year 6 - Autumn - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To develop skills performing as part of a small ensemble

Listening

My Best Friend (Soul)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

ensemble
unison
balance
harmony
melody
structure
notation

Revision

To collaborate with others during rehearsal

Week 2

Outcomes

To discuss the texture and structure of an arrangement

Listening

Why (Hip-Hop)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

layered texture
instrumentation
structure
beat
metre
notation

Revision

To understand how different pieces of music are structured

Week 3

Outcomes

To perform and record Time Lapse

Listening

Singing Swinging Star (Swing)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

time signature
structure
metre
pause
melody
harmony

Revision

To perform in an ensemble setting with an awareness of others

Week 4

Outcome

To evaluate and improve upon a previous performance

Listening

The Rite of Spring, PT.1 Adoration of the Earth (20^th Century Orchestral)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

evaluate
feedback
balance
ensemble

Revision

To improve a performance in relation to feedback

Week 5

Outcomes

To record a final performance of Time Lapse arrangements

Listening

Roll Alabama (Rock)

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

ensemble
arrangement
dynamics
harmony
melody

Revision

To perform in a more formal setting in front of peers

Week 6

Outcomes

To evaluate recorded performances

Listening

Time Lapse Arrangements
Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Time Lapse

Vocabulary

evaluate
feedback
balance
ensemble
pitch
tonality
features

Revision

To take on board feedback in order to improve future performance

Year 6 - Spring - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To develop an understanding of the history of the ukulele and its use in different genres of music

Listening

Disco Fever (Disco)

Performing

A selection of chords

Vocabulary

ukulele
genre
strum
fret
major
minor

Revision

To adopt a good posture and technique when performing

Week 2

Outcomes

To read and understand chord diagrams

Listening

1812 Overture (Romantic Era)

Performing

Dance the Night Away

Vocabulary

chord
chord diagram
chord sequence
fluency
key
beat
pulse

Revision

To interpret staff notation

Week 3

Outcomes

To perform the chord of A minor and use alongside the chords of C and F

Listening

La Bamba (Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Performing

Stay With Me

Vocabulary

fingerboard
sound hole
fret
tuning pegs
minor
major
strum
beat
pulse

Revision

To maintain a sense of beat when performing with an accompaniment

Week 4

Outcomes

To improvise strumming rhythms and patterns

Listening

Vakuru (Pop)

Performing

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Vocabulary

up stroke
down stroke
style
syncopation
swing rhythm
minor

Revision

To improvise rhythmic patterns

Week 5

Outcomes

To perform using a muted stroke

Listening

Change (Pop)

Performing

Uptown Funk

Vocabulary

7^th chord
muted

Revision

To copy simple patterns by rote

Week 6

Outcomes

To demonstrate how to read Ukulele TAB notation

Listening

Half Term listening quiz

Performing

Uptown Funk

Vocabulary

TAB
pick
stave
notation
pulse
metre
unison

Revision

To perform pieces from notation

Year 6 - Spring - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To perform a riff and a series of chords

Listening

Let’s Rock! (Rock)

Performing

I Feel Good

Vocabulary

riff
verse
chorus
introduction
structure
chord
chord progression

Revision

To consolidate knowledge of different types of musical notation

Week 2

Outcomes

To discuss suitable pieces to perform on my instrument

Listening

Mazurka In G Minor, Op. 24 No. 1 (Romantic Era)

Performing

I Feel Good
Over The Rainbow
Uptown Funk

Vocabulary

duet
ensemble
pulse
timing
tempo

Revision

To be able to play a number of pieces from memory

Week 3

Outcomes

To develop the skill of playing and singing simultaneously

Listening

Simple Gifts (Folk)

Performing

I Feel Good
Over The Rainbow
Uptown Funk

Vocabulary

vocal range
pitch
tuning
dynamics
vocal balance
layered texture

Revision

To play in a group with an awareness of other parts and how layers work together

Week 4

Outcomes

To examine how to structure performance

Listening

Danny Boy (Folk)

Performing

I Feel Good
Over The Rainbow
Uptown Funk

Vocabulary

lead vocal
backing vocals
harmony
melody
verse and chorus
texture
ensemble

Revision

To understand how different pieces of music are structured

Week 5

Outcome

To record ukulele performance in pairs

Listening

Friendship should never end (Pop)

Performing

I Feel Good
Over The Rainbow
Uptown Funk

Vocabulary

metre
tempo
balance
structure
dynamics
chord progression

Revision

To perform in a formal setting in front of peers

Week 6

Outcome

To evaluate and assess recorded ukulele performances

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Vocabulary

balance
structure
feedback
assess
pulse
ensemble

Revision

To be able to offer constructive feedback on a performance

Year 6 - Summer - First half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To arrange a piece for a small ensemble

Listening

Wake up! (Hip Hop)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

rehearsal technique ensemble
note value
pulse
arrangement
structure
texture

Revision

To collaborate with others in rehearsals to benefit the overall performance

Week 2

Outcomes

To discuss the importance of collaboration when performing an ensemble piece

Listening

We Shall Overcome (Gospel)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

fluency
unison
layered texture
ensemble
structure
awareness

Revision

To perform from memory or from notation

Week 3

Outcome

To perform and record a performance

Listening

Down By the Riverside (Gospel)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

performance
metre
tempo
balance
structure
chord progression
dynamics

Revision

To develop performance confidence in front of peers

Week 4

Outcomes

To evaluate a recorded performance and identify strengths and targets

Listening

You Belong with Me (Rhythm and Blues)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

evaluate
harmony
melody
verse and chorus
texture
ensemble

Revision

To explain how to incorporate different textures into a piece of music

Week 5

Outcome

To consider feedback and targets in a final ensemble recording

Listening

Dance the Night Away (Salsa)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

adapt
change
consider
balance
verse and chorus

Revision

To discuss what contributes to a successful ensemble performance

Week 6

Outcomes

To evaluate the strengths and targets of recorded performances

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

pitch
structure
texture
ensemble
timbre
dynamics

Revision

To judge a performance giving justified musical reasoning

Year 6 - Summer - Second half term

Week 1

Outcomes

To develop ensemble and communication skills in a rehearsal environment

Listening

Heal the Earth (Reggae)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

tuned instruments
collaborate
ensemble
texture
melody and accompaniment

Revision

To work well with others in rehearsals to benefit the overall performance

Week 2

Outcomes

To discuss and demonstrate how to start and finish the performance appropriately

Listening

My Funny Valentine (Jazz)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

introduction
ending
unison
balance
dynamics
structure

Revision

To perform longer sections of music fluently, either from memory or from notation

Week 3

Rhos y Gwaliau

Week 4

Outcomes

To assess the use of the elements of music in a recorded performance

Listening

Let’s Go Surfin’ (Pop)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

structure
harmony
melody
verse and chorus
texture
ensemble
pitch
duration

Revision

To develop performance confidence in front of peers

Week 5

Outcome

To record my final piece with an awareness of how to perform in an ensemble

Listening

Main Title from Schindler’s List (Film Music)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

chords
tonality
ensemble
major
minor
vocal balance
dynamics

Revision

To evaluate previous work to inform future targets

To work well with others in rehearsals to benefit the overall performance

Week 6

Outcomes

To peer and self-assess recorded performances

Listening

So Amazing (Soul)

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

evaluate
harmony
melody
verse and chorus
texture
ensemble

Revision

To take apply feedback in order to improve future performances

Week 7

Outcome

To perform in the Battle of the Bands Grand Finale

Listening

Half Term Listening Quiz

Performing

Hold Back the River

Vocabulary

ensemble
phrase
compare
contrast
beat groupings
vocal balance

Revision

To be able to offer feedback and describe a performance giving justified musical reasoning

Keyboard, ukulele and Battle of the Bands – Performance skills

The Y6 music curriculum builds upon the instrumental skills developed in the whole class lessons in years 3, 4 and 5. It gives the pupils the opportunity to utilise their instrumental skills by performing in a variety of ensemble settings as well as developing a new skill through playing the keyboard and ukulele. During the autumn term, pupils can either learn keyboard skills or play another instrument that they already play to a reasonable standard. The unit is centred around the use of a ‘Ground Bass’ and pupils use the elements of music to identify and describe the use of ground basses across a wide range of styles and genres throughout music history.

Pupils use their instrumental skills to perform the piece Time lapse by Michael Nyman by working through the individual layers and then putting them together in a group performance. As well as developing musicianship skills such as listening and aural awareness, there is a key focus on team work and developing ensemble skills, such as communication, in rehearsals.

A further new skill is explored in the Spring term with a unit on learning the ukulele. A variety of basic chords are learnt and the pupils develop an appropriate instrument hold and strumming technique. Notation reading skills are further developed by introducing TAB and chord diagrams which enable the pupils to rehearse and perform songs independently. Singing is also an important part of the Y6 curriculum and many of the pieces studied include opportunities to develop singing technique and aural awareness.

In the final term, pupils utilise their instrumental and vocal skills in a grand Battle of the Bands performance. Ensemble skills are further developed and the student bands are encouraged to rehearse independently, whilst being guided to produce the best possible outcome through good teamwork and communication. The performances are then recorded and peer evaluated to find the best band of each class. These four bands are then invited to battle it out to be crowned the winner in a performance in front

Listening skills

Pupils are introduced to the set songs for performance and use their analysis skills to explore the different musical layers and structure. Pupils develop their understanding of texture by learning to play the different layers on their preferred instruments before being placed in their own bands. When learning the ukulele, pupils learn a brief historical context of the instrument and understand its usage across a number of styles and genres. Pieces composed in different musical styles are studied throughout the year and pupils use the elements of music to discuss these.

Compositional skills

Pupils further develop their compositional skills by creating their own unique arrangement of Time Lapse by deciding on the structure, texture, timbres and other musical elements as a group. They also apply their understanding of the compositional structure of pieces they have studied. Compositional techniques and rhythmic skills are built upon further and pupils also extend their improvisation skills by creating their own unique strumming patterns on the ukulele.