Composing a major pentatonic melody
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compose, notate and perform a major pentatonic melody that uses dotted rhythms (Ta-mi).
Key learning points
- Compositions can be changed and improved with the music being created over time.
- Music can be shared by the oral tradition. It can also be notated to be shared and remembered for another day.
- Stick notation is one way to notate our compositions.
- Rehearsing is essential to help us prepare for a performance.
- Playing slowly and keeping to the steady pulse is one way to help us to rehearse and perform effectively.
Keywords
Compose - to create a piece of music over time
Melody - a combination of notes to make a memorable tune
Phrase - a musical thought, like a sentence in a story
Rehearse - to practise in order to improve and prepare for performance
Perform - to present music, playing or singing for an audience
Common misconception
Rehearsing isn't important. We can just do it if we have time.
Rehearsing helps us to practise and prepare, so our performance can be successful.
Teacher tip
Not all pupils instantly know how to practise. Modelling practising will help, narrating how you are choosing to practise and why.
Equipment
Pitched percussion instruments e.g. glockenspiels or xylophones. Ideally one each but one-between-two will also work if pupils compose with a partner.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When we write music down, we are __________ the music.
Q2. is the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing.
Q3.Which of these is an example of a pitched percussion instrument?
Q4.What rhythm is this?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.True or false? We only need to practise if we have time.
Q2.What would you recommend to someone trying to compose a melody similar to Ame Ame?
Q3.The scale using do, re, mi, so, la in ascending order is called the scale.
Q4.True or false? Stick notation can be used to show rhythm and pitch.
To help you plan your 3 music lesson on: Composing a major pentatonic melody, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 music lesson on: Composing a major pentatonic 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 2 music lessons from the Compose and Create: major pentatonic melodies unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.