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Changing dynamics to change the mood

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can sing songs with changing dynamics and can explain how this makes the song feel.

Key learning points

  1. We can use our voices, facial expressions and body movements to give a song character.
  2. Dynamics means how loudly or quietly the music is played or sung.
  3. We can sing with contrasting dynamics to change the character of our singing.

Keywords

  • Dynamics - how loudly or quietly the music is played or sung

  • Practise - to play or sing something several times to try and get better

  • Actions - movements and facial expressions to do while singing a song

Common misconception

Everyone responds to music in the same way.

Loud music might be exciting, but it might also be a bit scary.

Teacher tip

Allow time for pupils to try the songs with different dynamics to encourage them to think about the different effects these create.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
The voice we use to create musical sounds that can be a mixture of high sounds and low sounds is called our voice.

Correct Answer: singing

Q2.
The voice we use when we talk to each other is called our voice.

Correct Answer: Speaking voice.

Q3.
How might you change your voice when singing about a mouse?

strong and low
Correct answer: high and fast
high and slow
soft and low

Q4.
How might you change your voice when singing about an elephant?

Correct answer: strong and low
high and fast
high and slow
soft and low

4 Questions

Q1.
What are dynamics?

A combination of notes to make a memorable tune
The way an instrument sounds that helps us identify it
Correct answer: How loudly or quietly the music is played or sung

Q2.
In what ways can we help the audience to understand the story of our songs?

Use actions
Change the dynamics to match the words
Change the tempo to match the words
Correct answer: All of these

Q3.
The words in songs are called...

Correct Answer: lyrics

Q4.
True or false? When we listen to music, we all feel the same way.

Correct Answer: False, false

To help you plan your 1 music lesson on: Changing dynamics to change the mood, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...