Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 6
Composing a melodic variation to a theme
I can make a melodic change to the theme to create a melodic variation.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
- Year 6
Composing a melodic variation to a theme
I can make a melodic change to the theme to create a melodic variation.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many composers borrow the theme from other composers when they compose their variations.
- A composer can change the theme in different ways to create a variation.
- A melodic variation is when the melody is changed; however, you can still recognise aspects of the original theme.
- The melody is often changed by adding extra notes, sometimes notes adjacent to the original or just a step away.
Keywords
Theme - a short recognisable melody that is the main musical idea for a composition
Melodic variation - when the melody of the theme is altered
Melody - a combination of notes to make a memorable tune
Decoration - when the melody is embellished with extra notes
Common misconception
Embellishing a theme to create a variation makes a totally new composition
Although each variation is different, each is based on the initial theme, and pupils will be able to recognise aspects of the original theme.
To help you plan your year 6 music lesson on: Composing a melodic variation to a theme, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 music lesson on: Composing a melodic variation to a theme, 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.
Explore more key stage 2 music lessons from the Compose and Create: creating melodic variations based on a theme unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A class set of glockenspiels or other tuned instruments.
Licence
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