the traditional music of a culture that is passed down through generations

a common scale in folk music, consisting of five different notes

when there are small changes in pitch between one note and the next (moving by ‘step’)

a short section of a melody, normally lasting 1, 2 or 4 bars

G major pentatonic scale audio

British English CC

task A Japanese folk melody audio (Tanabata Sama)

vocal melody

say the words with this rhythm

first phrase (and to join in)

second phrase (and to join in)

first two phrases (and to join in)

keyboard melody - two phrases separately

complex variation of melody - vocal version

complex variation - keyboard

full keyboard melody - simple and extended version

task B feedback 

Characteristics of folk songs

Music

Composing a pentatonic melody

Modes and sea shanties

Singing sea shanties

Folk dance and the minor scale

Playing a folk melody in two parts

This unit explores folk music from around the world, with detailed looks at sea shanties and Russian folk dance. Pupils are exposed to a diverse array of folk music, exploring characteristics that are typical of folk traditions, composing simple melodies and performing using keyboards and vocals.

Folk songs from around the world

How is folk music passed between generations?

simple melodies, repetition, storytelling

Which of these are common features of folk music?

If a melody moves by small steps, we call it a ________ melody.

What are the five notes in the G major pentatonic scale?

Which note is on the second line from the bottom of the treble clef stave?

Which note is in the top space of the treble clef stave?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Characteristics of folk songs

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.