Harmony writing and singing in 2 or 3 parts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use solfège to compose harmony and perform songs in 2 or 3 parts.
Key learning points
- So, mi and do create pleasing harmony when sung at the same time.
- We can layer a harmony part and a rhythmic ostinato to add a thicker texture to our to our songs.
- Singing partner songs together can create harmony.
Keywords
Harmony - when two or more pitches are played or sung together
Stave - lines on which musical notes can be placed
Solfège - a system of naming pitches so we can recognise patterns by ear, e.g. so, mi and do
Common misconception
When singing in harmony, we need to ignore the other parts to concentrate on our own part.
When singing in harmony, we need to listen carefully to the other parts to ensure our part blends with the other voices.
Teacher tip
When singing partner songs, pupils must first be able to confidently perform all the songs and actions separately. Each song starts on a different pitch. Counting in 'ready, steady, off we go' with the 3 pitches is helpful to support pupils to start on the correct note (see media clips for support).
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What solfège is shown here?
Q2.What is a melodic ostinato?
Q3.What do bar lines show in music?
Q4.The song 'Did You Ever See A Lassie?' is in ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.'So', 'mi' and 'do' make pleasing harmony when sung at the same time. True or false?
Q2.How do you know these pitches are 'so', 'mi' and 'do'?
Q3.Which song starts with this rhythm?
Q4.When singing in harmony, what is most helpful?
To help you plan your 4 music lesson on: Harmony writing and singing in 2 or 3 parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 music lesson on: Harmony writing and singing in 2 or 3 parts, 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 Singing for performance: discovering different ways to sing in harmony unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.