Music Rotation 1

Theme: Introducing the Musical Elements

Students will explore the musical elements of pitch, tempo, dynamics, timbre and texture through listening, composing and performing. Students will also work on keyboard skills, learn the layout of the keyboard and discover instruments that use the keyboard. They will rehearse and perform simple pieces on the keyboard building good habits like focus and perseverance, diligence and creativity, dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Student will also work on their vocal skills through singing each lesson. 

This topic provides students with an understanding of the musical elements so they can understand any piece of music. By learning to recognise and describe the different elements of they hear, they will be able to talk and write about music more accurately which is required in the Listening unit at GCSE.  

Keyboard/pianos are the foundation of musical instruments in general and make an excellent starting point for any budding musician. The piano teaches both treble and bass clef while most instruments teach only one or the other.  

The students will be assessed at the end of the topic with a listening test to ascertain their understanding of the key concepts and theory learnt throughout the topic.  The practical assessment is a performance of the sea shanty ‘Wellerman’. They can sing it or play it on the keyboard and will be assessed on accuracy, fluency and expression. 

Music Rotation 2

Theme: Instruments of the Orchestra

Students will study the instruments of the orchestra such as strings, Wood Wind, Brass and percussion and the layout of the orchestra. They will also learn about composers and famous orchestral pieces. Students will work as a small group to compose and perform using orchestral sounds on the keyboard.  

Student will also work on their vocal skills through singing each lesson. 

An understanding of instrumental timbres and techniques is vital for students studying music at KS3 and GCSE.  The students will be assessed at the end of the topic with a listening test to ascertain their understanding of the key concepts and theory learnt throughout the topic.  The practical assessment is a performance of a Bach Minuet on the keyboard.  It is assessed on accuracy, fluency and expression.