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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can perform partner songs and a round, singing at the right time with accuracy, and keeping a steady pulse.

      Key learning points

      1. Partner songs are a type of harmony where two songs are performed at the same time
      2. Rounds are another type of harmony; singing the same song, but starting at different times
      3. A beat of silence is called a rest

      Keywords

      • Harmony - the combination of two or more notes played or sung together, creating a pleasing sound

      • Partner Songs - two songs that fit together when sung at the same time

      • Round - a song structure where multiple groups sing the same melody, but start at different times

      Common misconception

      Singing two songs together or the same song at different times will clash and not sound harmonious.

      Partner songs and rounds have melodies that fit together harmoniously, and the parts are sung following the same steady beat.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils should know a song well before attempting it as a round. As pupils concentrate on their own part, they may fall out of time. Try clapping the beat and gently singing along with that part to steer things back together.

      Equipment

      Large sheet to cover 1 student, washable marker pens.

      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).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which rhythm below is Ta-di?

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Taka-di has three sounds, but how many beats does it last for?

      Correct answer: 1
      2
      3
      4

      Q3.
      Which solfège pitch does this hand sign show?

      An image in a quiz
      so
      mi
      Correct answer: do

      Q4.
      Put these solfège in order, from highest pitch to lowest pitch:

      1 - so
      2 - mi
      3 - do
      Q1 image 1 MuseScore Studio is developed by Muse Group https://musescore.org/en Q1 image 2 MuseScore Studio is developed by Muse Group https://musescore.org/en Q1 image 3 MuseScore Studio is developed by Muse Group https://musescore.org/en Q1 image 4 MuseScore Studio is developed by Muse Group https://musescore.org/en

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is not a type of harmony?

      A round
      Correct answer: Solo singing
      Partner songs

      Q2.
      Which song partners with 'Johnny Caught A Flea'?

      Double Double
      Digga Digga Dong
      Correct answer: Alabama Gal
      Sorida

      Q3.
      What does this symbol represent?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: rest, silence, a rest, a silence

      Q4.
      Which rhythm below is not in the 'Bubblegum' song?

      Ta
      Ta-di
      Taka-di
      Correct answer: Taka-dimi
      Q3 MuseScore Studio is developed by Muse Group https://musescore.org/en

      To help you plan your 4 music lesson on: Partner songs and rounds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...