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
Week 2
Outcomes
- To maintain a steady pulse while listening and performing
Listening
- Hallelujah Chorus From Messiah (Baroque)
- Autumn from The Four Seasons
Performing
- Hi, my name’s Joe
- Holding the violin song
Revision
- To consolidate the importance of maintaining a regular pulse
Vocabulary
- Chinrest
- Soundholes
- Fingerboard
- Pizzicato
- Pluck
- Rhythm
- Melody
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
Revision
- To explore long and short sound
Vocabulary
- Rhythm
- Quaver
- Crotchet
- Minim
- Rest
- Note groupings
- Genre
Week 4
Outcomes
- To perform a simple tune from notation
Listening
- The Loco-Motion (Pop)
Performing
- Ups and Downs
- Downs and Ups
- Rosin rap
Revision
- To echo clapping rhythms
Vocabulary
- Pluck
- Improvise
- Rhythm
- Pulse
- Beat
- Notation
- Bow
- Pizzicato
- Violin
- Viola
Week 5
Outcomes
- To recognise and perform rhythmic notation
Listening
- Please be Kind (Pop)
- Excerpts (Rap)
- Excerpts (Chinese traditional)
Performing
- Fruit words
- Pagoda
- Holding my violin song
Revision
- To improvise clapping rhythms to make patterns of increasing complexity
Vocabulary
- Bow
- Rosin
- Notation
- Stick notation
- Crotchet
- Quaver
- Rest
- Anchor
Week 6
Outcomes
- To produce a clear sound when plucking
Listening
- Danse Macabre (Romantic)
Performing
- Trick or Treat
- Pagoda
Revision
- To demonstrate an understanding of pitch
Vocabulary
- Pull
- Push
- Note values
- Pitch
- Rhythm
- Posture
Week 7
Outcomes
- To begin to play short notes using the bow
Listening
- Half Term Listening Quiz
Performing
- Trick or Treat
Revision
- To improve performance based on feedback
Vocabulary
- Heel
- Point
- Unison
- Ensemble
- String family
- Bow change
Week 1
Outcome
- To understand how to maintain the bow
Listening
- Danse Macabre
Performing
- Trick or Treat
- Ravioli Rock
- My Bonnie lies over the ocean
Revision
- To explain how music can sound happy or sad
Vocabulary
- Pull
- Push
- Heel
- Point
- String family
- Metre
Week 2
Outcomes
- To use the whole bow
Listening
- Anna Lou
Performing
- Anna Lou
Revision
- To describe notes as long and short (duration)
Vocabulary
- Blues
- Rest
- Rhythm
- Crotchet
- Quaver
- Strings
- Pitch
Week 3
Outcomes
- To recognise basic notation
Listening
- Sea Shanties
Performing
- D Shanty
Revision
- To describe notes as high- and low-pitched
Vocabulary
- Tremolo
- Tempo
- Repetition
- Pitch
- Pulse
Week 4
Outcomes
- To loosen the bowing arm
Listening
- In Flight
Performing
- In Flight
Revision
- To explain why being relaxed and physically comfortable is important when playing an instrument
Vocabulary
- Parallel
- Bow
- Notation
- Stave
- Ledger line
- Clef
Week 5
Outcomes
- To use retakes
Listening
- Blues
Performing
- 12 bar blues
Revision
- To recognise that pieces of music are organised into a structure
Vocabulary
- Timbre
- Tone
- Sound
- Intonation
- Pitch
- String family
Week 6
Outcome
- To combine a loose bowing arm and retakes
Listening
- Jingle Bells
Performing
- Jingle Bells
Revision
- To recall different note lengths
Vocabulary
- String crossing
- Swing
- Pitch
- Notation
- Structure
- Pitch
- Rhythm
Week 7
Outcome
- To perform with movements that help to keep the whole body free from tension
Listening
- Jingle Bells
Performing
- Jingle Bells
Revision
- To stay in time while performing
Vocabulary
- Form
- Structure
- Awareness
- Posture
- Bow hold
Week 1
Outcomes
- To apply skills to a new context
Listening
- Hoe Down – Aaron Copland
Performing
- Hoe Down
Revision
- To revise clapping rhythms by rote and from notation
Vocabulary
- Rhythm
- Minim
- Crotchets
- Quavers
- Note groupings
- Rest
Week 2
Outcomes
- To use the first finger
Listening
- Do Re Mi – The Sound of Music
Performing
- Way Up High
Revision
- To improvise rhythms
Vocabulary
- Improvise
- Notation
- Solo
- Unison
- Stave
Week 3
Outcomes
- To continue using the first finger
Listening
- Celtic music
Performing
- Drunken Sailor
- Celtic Song
Revision
- To recognise the features of a piece of music
Vocabulary
- String family
- Pitch
- Tempo
- Note groupings
- Note values
Week 4
Outcomes
- To transfer first finger to other strings
Listening
- English Folk music
Performing
- Tap Dancer
Revision
- To offer constructive feedback on a performance
Vocabulary
- Syncopation
- Beat
- Pulse
- Orchestration
- Arrangement
Week 5
Outcomes
- To use first finger on D and A strings
Listening
- Jazz violin
Performing
- Tap Dancer
Revision
- To understand a basic musical structure
Vocabulary
- Pitch
- Vibrations
- Frequency
- Hertz
- Pizzicato
Week 6
Outcomes
- To use first finger on D string
Performing
- Tap Dancer
Revision
- To listen for higher and lower pitches
Vocabulary
- Pizzicato
- Bow
- Tone
- Timbre
- Pitch
- Metre
Week 1
Outcomes
- To use first finger on A string
Listening
- Tango
Performing
- Tap Dancer
- Dark Horse
Revision
- To identify the different instrumental groups
Vocabulary
- Solfege
- Do
- Re
- Treble clef
- Stave
Week 2
Outcomes
- To recap using first finger
Listening
- Chinese orchestra
Performing
- Chinese Checkers
- Hoe Down
Revision
- To explore musical styles from around the world
Vocabulary
- Bamboo flute
- Erdu
- Tradition
- Pitch
- Timbre
- Dynamics
- Drone
Week 3
Outcomes
- To recap using first finger
Listening
- ‘Chinese music’: Oogway ascends from KungFu Panda
Performing
- Ups and Downs
Revision
- To analyse a piece of music based on listening
Vocabulary
- Glissando
- Harmonics
- Position
- D-major
- A-major
Week 4
Outcomes
- To use second finger
Listening
- Alone by Heart
Performing
- D Shanty
- Ballad
Revision
- To identify different musical instruments
Vocabulary
- Ballad
- Position
- Sharp
- D-major
- A-major
Week 5
Outcomes
- To recognise the features of a Charleston
Listening
- Charleston: Arthur Gibbs and his gang
Performing
- Follow Me
- Charleston
Revision
- To improvise simple melodic patterns
Vocabulary
- Dotted
- Quaver
- Crotchet
Week 1
Outcomes
- To recap a range of pieces
Listening
- Stomp: brooms
Performing
- In Flight
- Celtic song
- Drunken sailor
- Tap dancer
- Chinese checkers
- Charleston
Vocabulary
- Position
- Sharp
- Dotted
- Pizzicato
Week 2
Outcomes
- To use the second finger on the D string
Listening
- Vivaldi Summer from the Four Seasons
Performing
- Charleston
- Alla Baroque
Revision
- To discuss contrasts in musical styles from around the world
Vocabulary
- Tempo
- Allegro
- Position
Week 3
Outcomes
- To recognise some features of Baroque music
Listening
- Handel Impertinence
Performing
- Ballad
- Alla Baroque
Revision
- To demonstrate an understanding of key musical features
Vocabulary
- Harpsichord
- Position
Week 4
Outcomes
- To use fingers on the A string
Listening
- Samba: La vida es un carnaval
Performing
- Hoe Down
- Little Lamb
Revision
- To aurally identify and name instruments from the string family
Vocabulary
- Sharp
- Key
- Syncopation
Week 5
Outcomes
- To play a D major scale
Listening
- Pachelbel Cannon in D
Performing
- Little Lamb
- Algy met a bear
Revision
- To discuss how musical features affect the character of a piece of music
Vocabulary
- Scale
- Key
- Sharp
- Major
- Ostinato
Week 6
Outcomes
- To play in A major
Listening
- Vivaldi Autumn from the Four Seasons
Performing
- Alla Baroque
- Autumn
Revision
- To improvise using a specific set of notes
Vocabulary
- Key
- Major
- Sharp
Week 7
Outcomes
- To produce a composition using special effects
Listening
- Stripsody by Cathy Berberian
Performing
- Charleston
- Back Scratcher
Revision
- To improvise simple melodic patterns
Vocabulary
- Notation
- Symbols
- Graphic score
- Compose
Week 1
Outcomes
- To play a G major scale
Listening
- Oliver: the musical (Food glorious food)
Performing
- Alla Baroque
- Rowing Boat
Revision
- To understand and describe a simple ABA structure
Vocabulary
- Scale
- Position
- Major key
- G string
- D string
Week 2
Outcomes
- To improvise rhythms
Listening
- Oliver: musical film (Food glorious food)
Performing
- Ravioli Rock
- Rowing Boat
Revision
- To improve performance based on feedback
Vocabulary
- Time signature
- Triple time
- Bar
- Rhythm
- Phrase
Week 3
Outcomes
- To recognise how music can represent real things
Listening
- Carnival of the animals
Performing
- The Elephant
Revision
- To reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong pulse
Vocabulary
- Time signature
- Triple time
- Bar
- Articulation
- Accent
Week 4
Outcomes
- To improvise short melodic phrases
Listening
- Mozart violin concerto cadenza
Performing
- Dark Horse
Revision
- To follow notated music accurately while listening
Vocabulary
- Improvise
- Rests
- Style
- Folk
- Key
Week 5
Outcomes
- To play the same piece in different ways
Listening
- Favourite things (The Sound of Music) in different styles
Performing
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Revision
- To explore music from different countries and cultures
Vocabulary
- Compose
- Arrange
- Style
- Genre
Week 6
Outcome
- To perform rhythms from rhythm cards
Listening
- Englishman in New York – Sting
Performing
- Dark Horse
Revision
- To discuss the features of a piece of music with appropriate vocabulary
Vocabulary
- Crotchet
- Quaver
- Minim
- Rest
- Bar
Week 7
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
Week 2
Outcomes
- To identify the parts of my instrument and how they are used
Listening
- Flute: Bach Badinerie (Baroque)
- Clarinet: Mozart Clarinet Concerto (Classical)
Revision
- To maintain a steady pulse
Vocabulary
- Woodwind
- Family
- Tuned
- Instruments
- Reeds
- Mouthpiece
- Sound hole
- Joint
Week 3
Outcomes
- To make a sound
Listening
- Go Tell It On the Mountain (Reggae)
Performing
- Flute: Headjoint Hoedown
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
Revision
- To recognise different sounds and pitches
Vocabulary
- Embouchure
- Air
- Breathing
- Reed
- Headjoint
- Diaphragm
Week 4
Outcomes
- To form a good embouchure
Listening
- I’m Always There (Soul)
Performing
- Flute: Headjoint Hoedown
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
Revision
- To demonstrate different note values
Vocabulary
- Technique
- Melodic
- Rhythmic
- Embouchure
Week 5
Outcomes
- To use the tongue to produce a clear start to a sound
Listening
- Trick or Treat (20th and 21st Century)
Performing
- Flute: Headjoint Hoedown
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
Revision
- To echo a rhythm
Vocabulary
- Crotchet
- Minim
- Quaver
- Structure
- Timbre
- Dynamics
- Pitch, duration
Week 6
Outcomes
- To press the first key and produce the correct pitch
Listening
- Understand (Hip Hop)
Performing
- Flute: B-ginning
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
Revision
- To name different rhythmic values
Vocabulary
- Notation
- Beat
- Rest
- Minim rest
- Crotchet rest
- Unison
Week 7
Outcomes
- To explain the characteristics of different styles of music
Listening
- Flute: Title tbc (Rock)
- Clarinet: Title tbc (Tango)
Performing
- Flute: B-ginning
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
Revision
- To clap and sing using different rhythms
Vocabulary
- Timbre
- Pulse
- Woodwind
- Tempo
- Texture
- Tone colour
Week 1
Outcomes
- To recognise crotchets and minims
Listening
- Flute: Title tbc Rock
- Clarinet: Title tbc Tango
Performing
- Flute: B-ginning
- Clarinet: Too-too Tango
Revision
- To identify the number of beats in a ba
Vocabulary
- Pulse
- Time signature
- Beat
- Metre
- Pitch
Week 2
Outcomes
- To accurately perform crotchets and minims
Listening
- Flute: Survivor – Destiny’s Child RnB
- Clarinet: J’ose aimer encore Tango
Performing
- Flute: B-ginning
- Flute: Kodaly rhythm cards
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
- Clarinet: Too-too Tango
Revision
- To identify the difference between pulse and rhythm
Vocabulary
- Tempo
- Beat
- Pitch
- Unison
- Ensemble
Week 3
Outcomes
- To identify different pitches on the musical stave
Listening
- Flute: Survivor – Destiny’s Child RnB
- Clarinet: Libertango Tango
Performing
- Flute: B-ginning Kodaly rhythm cards RnB
- Clarinet: Hamster Cheeks
- Clarinet: Too-too Tango
Revision
- To recall treble clef stave pitches
Vocabulary
- Pitch
- Ledger lines
- Treble clef
- Steps
- Leaps
Week 4
Outcomes
- To recognise and perform syncopated rhythms
Listening
- Flute: Cry me a river – Justin Timberlake RnB
- Clarinet: Pick up the pieces funk
Performing
- Flute: B-ginning Kodaly rhythm cards RnB
- Clarinet: In a funk
Revision
- To maintain a steady beat
Vocabulary
- Upbeat
- Downbeat
- Quaver
- Rhythm
- Beat
- Note groupings
Week 5
Outcomes
- To develop an understanding of how to improvise
Listening
- Flute: One Love – Bob Marley Reggae
- Clarinet: Pick up the pieces funk
Performing
- Flute: RnB Regg-A
- Clarinet: In a funk
Revision
- To play in time with others
Vocabulary
- Pulse
- Time signature
- Beat
- Metre
- Pitch
Week 6
Outcomes
- To demonstrate how to perform a range of dynamics
Listening
- Flute: One Love – Bob Marley (Reggae)
- Clarinet: Chameleon (funk)
Performing
- Flute: RnB Regg-A
- Clarinet: In a funk
- Clarinet: Too-too tango
Revision
- To identify notes on the stave
Vocabulary
- Bar
- Beat
- Crotchet
- Pulse
- Time signature
- 3/4
- 4/4
Week 7
Outcomes
- To perform as a member of a small ensemble
Listening
- Flute: Kingston Town – UB40 Reggae
- Clarinet: The Entertainer – Scott Joplin Ragtime
Performing
- Flute: RnB Regg-A
- Clarinet: In a funk
- Clarinet: Run Ragged
Revision
- To discuss how to perform effectively
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Orchestration
- Unison
- Solo
- Time signature
- Key
Week 1
Outcomes
- To revise different pitches and note values
Listening
- Flute: Title tbc Samba
- Clarinet: Maple Leaf Rag – Scott Joplin Ragtime
Performing
- Flute: SamBA
- Flute: RhumBA
- Clarinet: In a funk
- Clarinet: Run Ragged
Revision
- To demonstrate how to assemble my instrument
Vocabulary
- Minim
- Crotchet
- Semibreve
- Quaver
- Rest
- High
- Low
Week 2
Outcomes
- To aurally recognise different rhythms and play by ear
Listening
- Flute: Baixa do Sapateiro Mitoka Samba
- Clarinet: Maple Leaf Rag – Scott Joplin Ragtime
Performing
- Flute: Regg-A
- Flute: Sam-BA
- Flute: Rhum-BA
- Clarinet: In a funk
- Clarinet: Run Ragged
Revision
- To explain the relationship between notes and the fingerings
Vocabulary
- Joints
- Reeds
- Mouthpiece
- Pitch
- Note groupings
Week 3
Outcomes
- To perform in two-part harmonies
Listening
- Flute: Bamboleo – Gipsy Kings Samba
- Clarinet: The Girl from Ipanema Bossa Nova
Performing
- Flute: Regg-A
- Flute: Sam-BA
- Flute: RhumBA
- Clarinet: Ragamuffins
Revision
- To listen to other parts in the ensemble
Vocabulary
- Harmony
- Parts
- Blend
- Tuning
Week 4
Outcomes
- To change smoothly between 3 pitches on the instrument
Listening
- Flute: I don’t need anything but you – Annie Musical theatre
- Clarinet: Desafinado Bossa Nova
Performing
- Flute: Sam-BA
- Flute: Rhum-BA
- Flute: In the BAG
- Clarinet: Run Ragged
- Clarinet: Bossa Nova
Revision
- To move between pitches in steps
Vocabulary
- Pitch
- Melody
- Rhythm
- Keys
Week 5
Outcomes
- To play through a phrase
Listening
- Flute: I don’t need anything but you – Annie Musical theatre
- Clarinet: Drunken Sailor Sea Shanty
Performing
- Flute: Sam-BA
- Flute: Rhum-BA
- Flute: In the BAG
- Clarinet: Bossa Nova
- Clarinet: Singing Pirates
Revision
- To echo a rhythm
Vocabulary
- Rhythm
- Metre
- Pitch
- Scale
- Key
Week 6
Outcomes
- To explain the characteristics of different styles of music
Listening
- Flute: My favourite things Musical theatre
- Clarinet: Drunken Sailor Sea Shanty
Performing
- Flute: Midyear March
- Clarinet: Singing Pirates
Revision
- To describe what you hear
Vocabulary
- Timbre
- Texture
- Tempo
- Orchestration
- Dynamics
Week 1
Outcome
- To perform a variety of pieces in different styles
Listening
- Flute: The Entertainer Ragtime
- Clarinet: The Wellerman Sea Shanty
Performing
- Flute: In the BAG
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Clarinet: Bossa Nova
- Clarinet: Singing Pirates
Revision
- To explain how to begin and end a performance
Vocabulary
- Composition
- Note groupings
- Pitch
- Stave
- Notation
- Arrangement
Week 2
Outcome
- To perform in ¾ time
Listening
- Flute: The Entertainer Ragtime
- Clarinet: By the beautiful blue Danube Waltz
Performing
- Flute: In the BAG
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Clarinet: Singing Pirates Waltz
Revision
- To demonstrate the correct hand position on instruments
Vocabulary
- Stave
- Pitch
- Ledger lines
- Scale
- Dotted rhythms
- High
- Low
Week 3
Outcomes
- To explain what a transposing instrument is
Listening
- Frere Jacque (Jazz – 1910 version)
Performing
- Oily Rag
- Articulatango
Revision
- To explain what harmony is
Vocabulary
- Clef
- Octave
- Transpose
- Key
- Treble
- Bass
- Alto
Week 4
Outcomes
- To apply aural listening skills when learning a piece by ear
Listening
- Flute: Livin’ on a prayer Rock
- Clarinet: Sleeping Beauty Waltz – Tchaikovsky Waltz
Performing
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Flute: Rock Star
- Clarinet: Singing Pirates Waltz
Revision
- To listen to and analyse the roles of instruments within an ensemble
Vocabulary
- Triad
- Chord
- Chord progression
- Harmony
- Major
- Minor
Week 5
Outcome
- To explain what is meant by a scale
Listening
- Flute: I wanna hold your hand Rock
- Clarinet: Naughty little flea Calypso
Performing
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Flute: Rock Star
- Clarinet: Waltz
- Clarinet: Coconut Dan
Revision
- To maintain a steady beat
Vocabulary
- Key
- Notes
- Major
- Minor
- Pentatonic
- Chord
Week 1
Outcomes
- To revise different compositional techniques
Listening
- Flute: I wanna hold your hand Rock
- Clarinet: Naughty little flea Calypso
Performing
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Flute: Rock Star
- Clarinet: Waltz
- Clarinet: Coconut Dan
Revision
- To name the parts of the instrument
Vocabulary
- Note groupings
- Key signature
- Time signature
- Dynamics
- Structure
- Accompaniment
Week 2
Outcomes
- To demonstrate pulse and rhythm through body percussion
Listening
- Flute: Drunken Sailor Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Jump in the line – Harry Belafonte Calypso
Performing
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Flute: Rock Star
- Clarinet: Waltz
- Clarinet: Coconut Dan
Revision
- To demonstrate an awareness of pulse
Vocabulary
- Crotchet
- Minim
- Quaver
- Time signature
- 4 bar
Week 3
Outcomes
- To play syncopated rhythms
Listening
- Flute: Drunken Sailor Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Title tbc Samba
Performing
- Flute: Ragamuffins
- Flute: Rock Star
- Clarinet: Coconut Dan
- Clarinet: Latin Fire
Revision
- To recognise the values of dotted notes
Vocabulary
- Syncopated
- Rhythm
- Off-beat
- Pulse
- Rest
Week 4
Outcomes
- To recognise different dynamics when listening to and performing different pieces
Listening
- Flute: The Wellerman Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Baixa do Sapatero Samba
Performing
- Flute: Rock Star Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Coconut Dan
- Clarinet: Latin Fire
Revision
- To recognise if a chord sounds major or minor
Vocabulary
- Diminuendo
- Mezzo piano
- Mezzo forte
- Pause
- Forte
- Piano
Week 5
Outcomes
- To prepare repertoire for a performance
Listening
- Flute: Rock Star Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Bamboleo – Gypsy Kings Samba
Performing
- Flute: Rock Star Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Coconut Dan
- Clarinet: Latin Fire
Revision
- To explain the importance of practice and rehearsal
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Blend
- Tuning
- Accuracy
- Rhythm
- Fingering
Week 6
Outcomes
- To perform notes spanning a wider range
Listening
- Flute: The Wellerman Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Liberty Bell
- Clarinet: Liberty Bell March – Sousa March
Performing
- Flute: Rock Star Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Latin Fire – Midyear march
Revision
- To give clear note beginnings using tonguing
Vocabulary
- Note groupings
- Key signature
- Time signature
- Dynamics
- Structure
- Accompaniment
Week 7
Outcomes
- To identify steps and leaps in a piece of music
Listening
- Flute: Title tbc Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Liberty Bell March – Sousa March
Performing
- Flute: Rock Star Sea shanty
- Clarinet: Latin Fire Midyear march
Revision
- To analyse the characteristics of a piece
Vocabulary
- Interval
- Ledger lines
- Sharp
- Flat
- Natural
- Key signature
Week 1
Outcomes
- To analyse and discuss different musical styles
Listening
- Flute: J’ose encore aimer Tango
- Clarinet: Liberty Bell March – Sousa March
Performing
- Flute: Sea Shanty
- Flute: Articulatango
- Clarinet: Latin Fire
- Clarinet: Midyear March
Revision
- To discuss the features of a piece of music
Vocabulary
- Texture
- Structure
- Dynamics
- Timbre
- Pitch
- Duration
Week 2
Outcomes
- To explain what a key signature is
Listening
- Flute: J’ose encore aimer Tango
- Clarinet: British Grenadiers March
Performing
- Flute: Sea Shanty
- Flute: Articulatango
- Clarinet: Latin Fire
- Clarinet: Midyear March
Revision
- To explain how to collaborate as an ensemble
Vocabulary
- Sharp
- Flat
- Major
- Minor
- Mood
- Style
Week 3
Outcomes
- To differentiate between major and minor keys
Listening
- Flute: Libertango Tango
- Clarinet: British Grenadiers March
Performing
- Flute: Sea Shanty
- Flute: Articulatango
- Clarinet: Latin Fire
- Clarinet: Midyear March
Revision
- To recognise different musical sounds
Vocabulary
- Major
- Minor
- Note groupings
- Pulse
- Key
- Pitch
Week 4
Outcomes
- To identify the interval between two notes
Listening
- Flute: Libertango Tango
- Clarinet: British Grenadiers March
Performing
- Flute: Articulatango
- Clarinet: Midyear March
Revision
- To recognise steps and leaps in pitch
Vocabulary
- Steps
- Leaps
- Notation
- Ledger lines
- Pitch
Week 5
Outcomes
- To use a range of expressive techniques when performing
Listening
- Flute: Libertango Tango
- Clarinet: British Grenadiers March
Performing
- Flute: Articulatango
- Clarinet: Midyear March
Revision
- To provide constructive feedback
Vocabulary
- Arrangement
- Pause
- Rest
- Rhythm
- Pitch
- Slur
- Articulation
Week 6
Outcome
- To revise different compositional techniques
Listening
- Music for pieces of wood – Reich Minimalism
Performing
- Flute: Articulatango
- Own compositions
- Clarinet: Midyear March
- Own compositions
Revision
- To compare and contrast the characteristics of different pieces
Vocabulary
- Performance
- Ensemble
- Unison
- Solo
- Dynamics
- Expressive techniques
- Orchestration
Week 7
Outcome
- To refine and perform own compositions
Listening
- Music for pieces of wood – Reich Minimalism
Performing
- Flute: Articulatango
- Own compositions
- Clarinet: Midyear March
- Own compositions
Revision
- To discuss the features of different styles of music
Vocabulary
- Harmony
- Ensemble
- Texture
- Pitch
- Timbre
- Duration
- Structure
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
Week 2
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
Revision
- To maintain a steady beat
Vocabulary
- Buzz
- Embouchure
- Mouthpiece
- Valves
- Bell
- Brass
- Timbre
Week 3
Outcomes
- To demonstrate correct instrument hold
Listening
- Lively 20th and 21st Century Orchestral
- Haydn Trumpet Concerto – Finale Classical
Performing
- Playing C
Revision
- To adopt a good posture and playing technique
Vocabulary
- Tonguing
- Rhythm
- Pulse
- Tempo
- Score
Week 4
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
Revision
- To read basic staff notation
Vocabulary
- Stave
- Ledger lines
- Semibreve
- Minim
- Note groupings
- Pitch
- Major
- Minor
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
Revision
- To demonstrate clear articulation
Vocabulary
- Articulation
- Call and response
- Notation
- Pitch
- Crotchet
- Quaver
- Semibreve
- Rest
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
Revision
- To explain how music supports film
Vocabulary
- Crotchet
- Instrumentation
- Layered texture
- Major
- Minor
- Duration
- Structure
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
Revision
- To recap different musical genres and styles through listening and performance
Vocabulary
- Swing rhythm
- Pulse
- Metre
- Beat
- Awareness
- Unison
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
Revision
- To improvise rhythmic patterns
Vocabulary
- Improvise
- Blues
- Ostinato
- Key
- Pitch
- Rhythm
Week 2
Outcomes
- To develop improvisation skills and be able to improvise 2-bar phrases
Listening
- Glassworks: I Minimalism
Performing
- Trumpet Blues
Revision
- To use correct musical vocabulary when describing music
Vocabulary
- 12 bar blues structure
- Walking bass line
- Lyrics
- Phrasing
- Slur
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
Revision
- To understand basic rhythmic notation
Vocabulary
- Quaver
- Note groupings
- Notation
- Rhythm
- Beat
- Pulse
Week 4
Outcomes
- To demonstrate sight-reading skills
Listening
- Macaroni Sundae Rock ‘n’ Roll
Performing
- The Tonguing Train
Revision
- To read and play basic staff notation
Vocabulary
- Sight reading
- Notation
- Clef
- Note groupings
- Pitch
- Rhythm
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
Revision
- To explore different musical styles from around the world
Vocabulary
- Off beat
- Syncopation
- Pitch
- Clef
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
Revision
- To use the elements of music to describe a composition
Vocabulary
- Texture
- Structure
- Pitch
- Dynamics
- Timbre
- Duration
- Style
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
Revision
- To perform simple pieces from notation
Vocabulary
- Genre
- Style
- Major
- Minor
- Scale
- Notation
- Structure
Week 1
Outcomes
- To perform a range of songs in different styles
Listening
- Glassworks: I Minimalism
- Crocodile Rock Rock ‘n’ Roll
Performing
- Christmas carols
- Trumpet Jam
- The Tonguing Train
Revision
- To perform with an awareness of others
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Unison
- Solo
- Texture
- Dynamics
- Structure
Week 2
Outcomes
- To develop improvisation skills and be able to improvise 2-bar phrases
Listening
- Glassworks: I Minimalism
Performing
- Trumpet Blues
Revision
- To use correct musical vocabulary when describing music
Vocabulary
- 12 bar blues structure
- Walking bass line lyrics
- Phrasing
- Slur
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
Revision
- To understand basic rhythmic notation
Vocabulary
- Quaver
- Note groupings
- Notation
- Rhythm
- Beat
- Pulse
Week 4
Outcomes
- To demonstrate sight-reading skills
Listening
- Macaroni Sundae Rock ‘n’ Roll
Performing
- The Tonguing Train
Revision
- To read and play basic staff notation
Vocabulary
- Sight reading
- Notation
- Clef
- Note groupings
- Pitch
- Rhythm
Week 5
Outcomes
- To distinguish between the pitches C, D and E
Listening
- Get on Board Gospel
- One Love (Reggae)
Performing
- The Tonguing Train
- Trumpet Jam
Revision
- To explore different musical styles from around the world
Vocabulary
- Off beat
- Syncopation
- Pitch
- Clef
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
Revision
- To use the elements of music to describe a composition
Vocabulary
- Texture
- Structure
- Pitch
- Dynamics
- Timbre
- Duration
- Style
Week 1
Outcomes
- To recap the key features of different musical genres and styles learnt this term
Listening
- Half term listening quiz
Performing
- Trumpet Jam
Revision
- To perform simple pieces from notation
Vocabulary
- Genre
- Style
- Major
- Minor
- Scale
- Notation
- Structure
Week 2
Outcomes
- To understand and perform dotted minim rhythms
Vocabulary
- Duet
- Ensemble
- Waltz
- Dotted rhythms
- Time signature
Listening
- Freedom is Coming Pop
- On the Beautiful Blue Danube Romantic
Performing
- Easy Peasy Waltz
- The Trumpet Jam
Revision
- To play a piece in ¾ time
Week 3
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
Revision
- To explore playing music in two parts with an awareness of the other part
Vocabulary
- Duet
- Ensemble
- Waltz
- Dotted rhythms
- Time signature
Week 4
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
Revision
- To explore different musical styles from around the world
Vocabulary
- Samba
- Call and response
- Improvisation
- Structure
- Texture
- Dynamics
Week 5
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
Revision
- To copy simple patterns by rote
Vocabulary
- Cue
- Note groupings
- Ostinato
- Pattern
- Pitch
Week 1
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
Revision
- To demonstrate an understanding of staff notation
Vocabulary
- Staff notation
- Pitch
- Time signature
- Key signature
- Unison
Week 2
Outcomes
- To perform from staff notation
Listening
- Half Term Listening Quiz
Performing
- Trumpet Funk
Revision
- To develop listening skills and be able to analyse a piece of music
Vocabulary
- Articulation
- Staff notation
- Unison
- Pulse
- Note groupings
Week 3
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
Revision
- To play music with a swing feel
Vocabulary
- Jazz
- Swing rhythm
- Phrasing
- Articulation
- Orchestration
- Time signature
- Key signature
- Scale
Week 4
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
Revision
- To improvise simple melodic patterns
Vocabulary
- Improvisation
- Solo
- Pitch
- Echo-playing
- Note values
Week 5
Outcomes
- To perform Mind the Gap, improvising a short solo
Listening
- Heroes Pop
Performing
- Level Up
- Mind the Gap
Revision
- To perform a short solo section in front of peers
Vocabulary
- Staff notation
- Improvisation
- Solo
- Unison
- Key
- Scale
- Structure
Week 6
Outcomes
- 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
Revision
- To understand how to build stamina through repetition
Vocabulary
- Stamina
- Articulation
- Embouchure
- Phrasing
- Rest
- Pause
- Note values
Week 7
Outcomes
- To describe the characteristics and mood of a Tango
Listening
- Happy to be Me 20th Century Orchestral
- J’ose Encore Aimer Tango
Performing
- The P Word
Revision
- To aurally identify different musical instruments
Vocabulary
- Accents
- Timbre
- Ensemble
- Pitch
- Structure
- Timbre
- Dynamics
- Duration
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
Revision
- To be able to identify and describe musical features from different genres
Vocabulary
- R&B Rhythm & Blues
- Slurs
- Phrasing
- Articulation
- Note groupings
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
Revision
- To perform with a number of different articulations
Vocabulary
- Tongued
- Articulation
- Genre
- Slur
- Phrasing
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
Revision
- To explain the features of Ragtime music
Vocabulary
- Notation
- Staff
- Pitch
- Metre
- Time signature
- Ragtime
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
Revision
- To interpret staff notation
Vocabulary
- Syncopation
- Syncopated rhythm
- Notation
- Staff
- Metre
- Beat
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
Revision
- To explain the features of Calypso music
Vocabulary
- Texture
- Tuned instruments
- Orchestration
- Structure
- Brass family
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
Revision
- To perform a piece from memory
Vocabulary
- Melody
- Notation
- Staff
- Sight-reading
- Metre
Week 7
Outcomes
- To perform a range of songs in unison and in parts
Listening
- Various genres
Performing
- Smooth Groove
- The P Word
- Blow, Blow, Blow
- Oily Rag
Revision
- To perform with an awareness of the elements of music
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Solo
- Parts
- Melody
- Harmony
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
Week 2
Outcomes
- To describe and demonstrate ground bass
Listening
- Time Lapse – Michael Nyman 20th and 21st Century Orchestral
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To identify different voices in music (melody, harmony, bass line)
Vocabulary
- Bass
- Ground bass
- Layered texture
- Repetition
- Melody
- Structure
Week 3
Outcomes
- To identify notes on a keyboard
Listening
- Fanfare for the Common Man (20th and 21st Century Orchestral)
- Time Lapse – Michael Nyman (20th and 21st Century Orchestral)
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To improvise simple rhythmic patterns
Vocabulary
- Bass
- Improvise
- Rhythm
- Notation
- Repetition
Week 4
Outcomes
- To define chords and describe how they can be used as harmonic building blocks
Listening
- Stand By Me – Ben E King Soul
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To use appropriate musical vocabulary when describing musical features
Vocabulary
- Chords
- Triad
- Major
- Minor
- Suspension
- Harmony
Week 5
Outcomes
- To combine chords and bass
Listening
- I will survive – Gloria Gaynor Disco
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To perform a piece in 2 parts with an awareness of the other performers
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Duet
- Texture
- Instrumentation
Week 6
Outcomes
- To perform different melodic layers from Time Lapse
Listening
- Viva la Vida – Coldplay Pop
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To read and play melodic phrases from notation
Vocabulary
- Counter-melody
- Melody
- Notation
- Unison
Week 7
Outcomes
- To understand ties and how they create syncopation
Listening
- Around the World – Daft Punk Electronic
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To explain what syncopation means
Vocabulary
- Bass
- Chords
- Melody
- Harmony
- Texture
Week 1
Outcomes
- To combine multiple parts and evaluate a group performance
Listening
- Juicy – Notorius B.I.G RnB
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To recognise what constitutes good ensemble performance
Vocabulary
- Structure
- Note groupings
- Beats
- Metre
- Texture
- Timbre
- Pulse
Week 2
Outcomes
- To play as an ensemble independently
Listening
- Time Lapse – Bohemian Band
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To recall ensemble skills
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Unison
- Balance
- Harmony
- Melody
- Structure
- Notation
Week 3
Outcomes
- To discuss the texture and structure of an arrangement
Listening
- Time Lapse – Steve Bingham
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To understand how different pieces of music are structured
Vocabulary
- Layered texture
- Instrumentation
- Structure
- Beat
- Metre
- Notation
Week 4
Outcomes
- To use rehearsal to improve accuracy and expression
Listening
- Time Lapse
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To perform in an ensemble setting with an awareness of others
Vocabulary
- Time signature
- Structure
- Metre
- Pause
- Melody
- Harmony
Week 5
Outcomes
- To evaluate and improve upon a previous performance
Listening
- Time Lapse
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To improve a performance in relation to feedback
Vocabulary
- Evaluate
- Feedback
- Balance
- Ensemble
Week 6
Outcomes
- To record a final performance of Time Lapse arrangements
Listening
- Time Lapse
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To perform in a more formal setting in front of peers
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Arrangement
- Dynamics
- Harmony
- Melody
Week 7
Outcomes
- To evaluate recorded performances
Listening
- Time Lapse
Performing
- Time Lapse
Revision
- To take on board feedback in order to improve future performance
Vocabulary
- Evaluate
- Feedback
- Balance
- Ensemble
- Pitch
- Tonality
- Features
Week 1
Outcomes
- To compare different versions of the same piece
Listening
- Don’t Stop Believin’ (various versions)
Performing
- Don’t Stop Believin’
Revision
- To identify the musical features of a piece
Vocabulary
- Instrumentation
- Dynamics
- Tempo
- Arrangement
- Structure
- Texture
Week 2
Outcomes
- To identify pitches in the bass clef
Listening
- Don’t Stop Believin’ (various versions)
Performing
- Don’t Stop Believin’
Revision
- To recall notes of the treble clef
Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Unison
- Layered texture
- Ensemble
- Structure
- Awareness
Week 3
Outcomes
- To learn a bass line on keyboard
Listening
- Don’t Stop Believin’ (various versions)
Performing
- Don’t Stop Believin’
Revision
- To develop performance confidence in front of peers
Vocabulary
- Performance
- Metre
- Tempo
- Balance
- Structure
- Chord progression
- Dynamics
Week 4
Outcomes
- To play a melody using 2 fingers or more on the keyboard
Listening
- Don’t Stop Believin’ (various versions)
Performing
- Don’t Stop Believin’
Revision
- To recall use of more than one finger on previous instruments
Vocabulary
- Evaluate
- Harmony
- Melody
- Verse and chorus
- Texture
- Ensemble
Week 5
Outcomes
- To play chords in a rhythm
Listening
- Don’t Stop Believin’ (various versions)
Performing
- Don’t Stop Believin’
Revision
- To recall different note values and associated notation
Vocabulary
- Adapt
- Change
- Consider
- Balance
- Verse and chorus
Week 6
Outcomes
- To play a 2-parts together in time
Listening
- Don’t Stop Believin’ (various versions)
Performing
- Don’t Stop Believin’
Revision
- To maintain a steady pulse
Vocabulary
- Pitch
- Structure
- Texture
- Ensemble
- Timbre
- Dynamics
Week 1
Outcomes
- To develop ensemble and communication skills in a rehearsal environment
Vocabulary
- Tuned instruments
- Collaborate
- Ensemble
- Texture
- Melody and accompaniment
Listening
- Heal the Earth (Reggae)
Performing
- Hold Back the River
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
Vocabulary
- Introduction
- Ending
- Unison
- Balance
- Dynamics
- Structure
Listening
- My Funny Valentine (Jazz)
Performing
- Hold Back the River
Revision
- To perform longer sections of music fluently, either from memory or from notation
Week 3
Outcomes
- To assess the use of the elements of music in a recorded performance
Vocabulary
- Structure
- Harmony
- Melody
- Verse and chorus
- Texture
- Ensemble
- Pitch
- Duration
Listening
- Let’s Go Surfin’ (Pop)
Performing
- Hold Back the River
Revision
- To develop performance confidence in front of peers
Week 4
Outcomes
- To record my final piece with an awareness of how to perform in an ensemble
Vocabulary
- Chords
- Tonality
- Ensemble
- Major
- Minor
- Vocal balance
- Dynamics
Listening
- Main Title from Schindler’s List (Film Music)
Performing
- Hold Back the River
Revision
- To evaluate previous work to inform future targets
Week 5
Outcomes
- To peer and self-assess recorded performances
Vocabulary
- Evaluate
- Harmony
- Melody
- Verse and chorus
- Texture
- Ensemble
Listening
- So Amazing (Soul)
Performing
- Hold Back the River
Revision
- To take apply feedback in order to improve future performances
Week 1
Outcomes
- To perform in the Battle of the Bands Grand Finale
Vocabulary
- Ensemble
- Phrase
- Compare
- Contrast
- Beat groupings
- Vocal balance
Listening
- Half Term Listening Quiz
Performing
- Hold Back the River
Revision
- To be able to offer feedback and describe a performance giving justified musical reasoning
Week 2
Outcomes
- To develop an understanding of the history of the ukulele and its use in different genres of music
Vocabulary
- Ukulele
- Genre
- Strum
- Fret
- Major
- Minor
Listening
- Disco Fever (Disco)
Performing
- A selection of chords
Revision
- To adopt a good posture and technique when performing
Week 3
Outcomes
- To read and understand chord diagrams
Vocabulary
- Chord
- Chord diagram
- Chord sequence
- Fluency
- Key
- Beat
- Pulse
Listening
- 1812 Overture (Romantic Era)
Performing
- Dance the Night Away
Revision
- To interpret staff notation
Week 4
Outcomes
- To perform the chord of A minor and use alongside the chords of C and F
Vocabulary
- Fingerboard
- Sound hole
- Fret
- Tuning pegs
- Minor
- Major
- Strum
- Bbeat
- Pulse
Listening
- La Bamba (Rock ‘n’ Roll)
Performing
- Stay With Me
Revision
- To maintain a sense of beat when performing with an accompaniment
Week 5
Outcomes
- To improvise strumming rhythms and patterns
Vocabulary
- Up stroke
- Down stroke
- Style
- Syncopation
- Swing rhythm
- Minor
Listening
- Vakuru (Pop)
Performing
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Revision
- To improvise rhythmic patterns
Week 6
Outcomes
- To perform using a muted stroke
Vocabulary
- 7th chord
- Muted
- Strum
- Tonality
Listening
- Change (Pop)
Performing
- Uptown Funk
Revision
- To copy simple patterns by rote
Week 1
Outcomes
- To demonstrate how to read Ukulele TAB notation
Vocabulary
- TAB
- Pick
- Stave
- Notation
- Pulse
- Metre
- Unison
Listening
- Half Term listening quiz
Performing
- Uptown Funk
Revision
- To perform pieces from notation
Week 2
Outcomes
- To perform a riff and a series of chords
Vocabulary
- Riff
- Verse
- Chorus
- Introduction
- Structure
- Chord
- Chord progression
Listening
- Let’s Rock! (Rock)
Performing
- I Feel Good
Revision
- To consolidate knowledge of different types of musical notation
Week 3
Rhos y Gwaliau
Week 4
Outcomes
- To discuss suitable pieces to perform on my instrument
Vocabulary
- Duet
- Ensemble
- Pulse
- Timing
- Tempo
Listening
- Mazurka In G Minor, Op. 24 No. 1 (Romantic Era)
Performing
- I Feel Good
- Over The Rainbow
- Uptown Funk
Revision
- To be able to play a number of pieces from memory
Week 5
Outcomes
- To develop the skill of playing and singing simultaneously
Vocabulary
- Vocal range
- Pitch
- Tuning
- Dynamics
- Vocal balance
- Layered texture
Listening
- Simple Gifts (Folk)
Performing
- I Feel Good
- Over The Rainbow
- Uptown Funk
Revision
- To play in a group with an awareness of other parts and how layers work together
Week 6
Outcomes
- To examine how to structure performance
Vocabulary
- Lead vocal
- Backing vocals
- Harmony
- Melody
- Verse and chorus
- Texture
- Ensemble
Listening
- Danny Boy (Folk)
Performing
- I Feel Good
- Over The Rainbow
- Uptown Funk
Revision
- To understand how different pieces of music are structured
Week 7
Outcomes
- To record ukulele performance in pairs
Vocabulary
- Metre
- Tempo
- Balance
- Structure
- Dynamics
- Chord progression
Listening
- Friendship should never end (Pop)
Performing
- I Feel Good
- Over The Rainbow
- Uptown Funk
Revision
- To perform in a formal setting in front of peers
- To evaluate and assess a musical performance
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.