Compose and rehearse: improvising with the minor pentatonic scale
Compose and rehearse: improvising with the minor pentatonic scale
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Why this why now
In this unit, we introduce a fourth five-note scale, with the pupils now having learnt the major pentatonic, major and minor pentachords and now the minor pentatonic. Having a sound study of tuned percussion behind them, they are now in a position to improvise effectively and fluently over a chord sequence. Improvising whilst considering repetition, balance and sequencing will give pupils the foundations they need in the later notated composition unit.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils routines are established for using instruments.
- Pupils have had plenty of opportunities to develop their sense of pulse.
- Pupils know that pitch is how high or low the note sounds.
- Pupils have played melodies on tuned percussion using the major pentatonic, major pentachord and minor pentachord.
- Pupils know that pente is Greek meaning five.
- Pupils have used a simplified stave to notate their compositions, using both noteheads to represent pitch and stems to represent rhythm.
- Pupils know that rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences.
- Pupils have explored the power of repetition and sequencing in music.
Threads
Why this why now
In this unit, we introduce a fourth five-note scale, with the pupils now having learnt the major pentatonic, major and minor pentachords and now the minor pentatonic. Having a sound study of tuned percussion behind them, they are now in a position to improvise effectively and fluently over a chord sequence. Improvising whilst considering repetition, balance and sequencing will give pupils the foundations they need in the later notated composition unit.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils routines are established for using instruments.
- Pupils have had plenty of opportunities to develop their sense of pulse.
- Pupils know that pitch is how high or low the note sounds.
- Pupils have played melodies on tuned percussion using the major pentatonic, major pentachord and minor pentachord.
- Pupils know that pente is Greek meaning five.
- Pupils have used a simplified stave to notate their compositions, using both noteheads to represent pitch and stems to represent rhythm.
- Pupils know that rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences.
- Pupils have explored the power of repetition and sequencing in music.
Compose and rehearse: improvising with the minor pentatonic scale
In this unit, pupils listen to improvisation in jazz ensembles. Using the minor pentatonic scale on pitched percussion, they learn a minor pentatonic melody and practise tools to guide successful improvisation including repetition and sequencing.
6 lessons in unit
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