Composing a simple high and low melody
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compose a high-low melody and perform this on pitched percussion.
Key learning points
- Pitch is how high or low the note sounds. We can show different pitches with actions as we sing and play.
- Bigger pitched percussion instruments usually make a lower pitched sound.
- Smaller pitched percussion instruments usually make a higher pitched sound.
- When we choose rhythms and notes we are composing a melody.
Keywords
Pitch - how high or low a note is
Pitched percussion - an instrument that can play musical notes of one or more pitch when we strike it
Melody - a combination of notes that make a memorable tune
Rhythm - the pattern of sounds that we play or sing
Compose - to create music
Common misconception
Bigger or longer instruments usually create a higher pitched sound. Shorter or smaller instruments usually create a lower pitched sound.
Usually, the bigger the instrument, the lower the sound.
Teacher tip
Using manipulables can be effective here. These might be heart shapes (that show the pulse) with stick notation already drawn on them. These could be laminated for future use. Lollysticks are also an option to make stick notation. Using manipulables removes the need for drawing and rubbing out.
Equipment
Pitched percussion instruments where it is easy to use only so and mi e.g. percussion tubes, glockenspiels with removable bars, chime bars or hand bells.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is pulse?
Q2.A instrument is played by striking, shaking or scraping.
Q3.What is call and response?
Q4.Which rhythm shows Ta-di?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a pitched percussion instrument?
Q2.When we create new music, we are...
Q3.Usually, longer or bigger instruments make a pitched sound.
Q4.Usually, shorter or smaller instruments make a pitched sound.
To help you plan your 1 music lesson on: Composing a simple high and low melody, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 music lesson on: Composing a simple high and low melody, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 music lessons from the Compose and create: high and low melodic responses unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.