Choosing a fast or slow tempo for songs, chants and games
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can change the tempo of a song or musical game and can explain how this makes it feel different.
Key learning points
- We can describe the tempo of the music. For example, the song has a steady tempo.
- The same piece of music can be performed at different speeds. It can be played or sung at a slow, steady or fast tempo.
- The tempo of a piece of music changes the mood of the music and how we respond to it.
Keywords
Beat - the playing or showing of the steady pulse, like the ticking of a clock
Tempo - how fast or slow the music is played
Pulse - the regular steady heartbeat of the music
Common misconception
Tempo alone can set the musical mood.
All the musical elements work together to help set the musical mood.
Teacher tip
When exploring moving to different tempi be mindful of how difficult different movements may be at different speeds. For example, walking very slowly can be hard for pupils to do accurately. For slower tempi, big sweeping movements may help.
Equipment
drum or claves, ball
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.We call the regular, steady heartbeat of the music the .
Q2.The beat is...
Q3.True or false, you can choose and change the tempo of a piece of music.
Q4.How can we decide what the tempo of a piece of music is?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Tempo is...
Q2.You could describe the tempo of a piece of music as...
Q3.True or false: Changing the tempo is the only musical element that changes how the music will feel.
Q4.Which statement is true?
To help you plan your 1 music lesson on: Choosing a fast or slow tempo for songs, chants and games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 music lesson on: Choosing a fast or slow tempo for songs, chants and games, 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 Music and movement: feeling the pulse and changing the tempo unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.