Improvising longer phrases using the D minor pentatonic scale
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can improvise a stylistic longer phrase using notes from the D minor pentatonic scale.
Key learning points
- A jazz piece begins with a head played by all instruments. Improvisations then follow this.
- A new arrangement of a piece can be created by changing or adding to the instrumentation.
- Improvising with a call and response structure in mind can help to organise an improvisation.
- It is helpful to perform in front of an audience to receive effective feedback.
Keywords
Head - the main melody or theme often used when referring to jazz music
Arrangement - adapting how an existing piece of music is going to sound, for example changing the instrumentation
Phrase - a musical thought, like a sentence in a story
Bar - a measure of musical time with a set number of beats (e.g. 4 beats in 4-time)
Improvisation - creative, in-the-moment musical composition
Common misconception
Improvisation is complicated and scary!
Improvisation can be as simple as changing one note. Try to play what you might already be able to hear in your head. Are you planning your improvisations well?
Teacher tip
Use this unit's whole body, breathing, vocal and chant warm-ups to prepare the pupils for music.
Equipment
Pitched percussion instruments, ideally one-between-two with the notes C, D, F, G, A, C', D'.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.The minor pentatonic scale is the built on the following tones: __________, do, re, mi, so.
Q2.Match the musical genre to its definition.
the layering of multiple short, repeated musical ideas (cells)
a music genre from New Orleans characterised by improvisation
improvising over a framework of a raag and a taal
use of the mouth and voice to mimic sounds such as a drum machine
Q3.What does it mean to clap on the offbeat in 4-time?
Q4.What is the difference between pitched and unpitched percussion?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.A new of a piece can be created by changing or adding to the instrumentation.
Q2.A call and response is a __________ musical structure that can help to shape improvised melodies.
Q3.If a piece is in 4-time, a four bar phrase will contain how many beats?
Q4.To create balance, we can follow an ascending phrase with a phrase.
To help you plan your 6 music lesson on: Improvising longer phrases using the D minor pentatonic scale, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 music lesson on: Improvising longer phrases using the D minor pentatonic scale, 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 rehearse: improvising with the minor pentatonic scale unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.