Layering simple accompaniments to create a thicker texture
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can add to the texture of a song by playing a simple ostinato.
Key learning points
- We can hear the texture become thicker as each layer of sound is added one at a time.
- Adding instruments with different timbres can make the texture more interesting.
- We can layer riffs or ostinati to make the texture thicker as an accompaniment to our songs.
- Feeling the steady pulse helps us to play different layers of sound in time together.
Keywords
Texture - the combination of different layers of sounds
Pulse - the regular steady heartbeat of the music
Riff - a word used in pop music to describea repeating musical pattern
Timbre - a description of the sound or tone of an instrument or voice
Ostinato - a repeating musical pattern that can be rhythmic or melodic
Common misconception
We can only play one ostinato at a time.
We can have two or more groups playing two or more ostinati that can fit together when played to a steady pulse. By playing rhythms on instruments with different timbres, and adding tuned percussion, we change the sound and thickness of the texture.
Teacher tip
Take time for feeling the steady pulse and making sure that the rhythms fit to the steady pulse before putting them together. Using instruments with different timbres such as claves and shaker eggs will help define the rhythms more clearly.
Equipment
Glockenspiels - one betweeen two, a range of different untuned percussion with different sounds/timbres.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.The combination of different layers of sound is called ...
Q2.A constant, pitched sound that continues throughout a piece of music is called a ...
Q3.Match the following musical terms to their definitions.
Q4.An ostinato is ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.The speed of the music - how fast or slow the music is played is called the ...
Q2.True or false? We can only play one ostinato with our songs.
Q3.The combination of different layers of sound is called ...
Q4.In pop music, a short repeated musical idea is called ...
To help you plan your 3 music lesson on: Layering simple accompaniments to create a thicker texture, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 music lesson on: Layering simple accompaniments to create a thicker texture, 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 Playing together: building texture with melody, drone and ostinato unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.