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.
Music Curriculum

Year 3
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
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
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
- 1st Finger Rag
Vocabulary
- pizzicato
- bow
- tone
- timbre
- pitch
- metre
Revision
- To further refine the concept of pitch
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
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
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 3rd 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 (20th 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
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 (20th and 21st Century)
- Copland Rodeo (20th and 21st 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 (20th and 21st 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 (20th and 21st 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
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
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 (20th 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 (20th 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 (20th 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 (20th 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
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 – 4th 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
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 (20th Century/Orchestral Pop)
- Shostakovich excerpts (20th 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
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 (20th 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
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
Week 1
Outcome
- To demonstrate how to buzz and control sounds on the mouthpiece
Listening
- Ghost Parade (20th and 21st 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 (20th and 21st 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 (20th and 21st 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
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 (20th and 21st 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
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 (20th 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 (20th 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
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 (20th 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 (20th 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
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 (20th 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 (20th and 21st 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
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 (20th 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 (20th 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 (20th 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
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 (20th and 21st Century Orchestral)
- Time Lapse – Michael Nyman (20th and 21st 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
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 (20th 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
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
- 7th 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
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
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
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.