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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can work in a small ensemble using effective rehearsal strategies to prepare for a performance.

      Key learning points

      1. We can play and sing our part accurately and confidently as part of a small ensemble.
      2. Choosing an ensemble leader can help us to play in time together and begin and end at the same moment.
      3. In an ensemble, it is important to listen carefully to the overall sound to balance and blend each part.
      4. Part of playing in an ensemble is adjusting our own part when needed to help the group stay together.
      5. We can use a range of rehearsal strategies to help us prepare for a performance as an ensemble.

      Keywords

      • Rehearse - to practise in order to improve and prepare for performance

      • Tempo - the speed of the music - how fast or slow the music is played

      • Balance - how each part is matched against another to ensure that no one part overwhelms the others

      • Dynamics - how loud or quiet the music is

      Common misconception

      Rehearsing simply means playing a piece again and again.

      To rehearse effectively, we need to work on sepcific areas for improvement to help us to play and sing together and create a balanced sound.

      Teacher tip

      It is important to use a range of different rehearsal techniques. Pupils need to be taught how to rehearse, as this is itself a key skill for musicians to learn.

      Equipment

      Pitched percussion instruments that can play a G, C and D.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

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