Composing together using do, mi, so
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can contribute to the composition of a three note song (do, mi, so).
Key learning points
- Melodies do not need to be complicated. They can use simple rhythms and just a few notes.
- Effective song melodies will use repetition of ideas.
- Do, mi and so work really well together to create pleasing melodies.
- Notation needs to be written carefully and spaced out thoughtfully in order for it to be read easily.
Keywords
Melody - a combination of notes to make a memorable tune
Chant - speaking in time to a pulse
4-time - the organisation and feel of the beats as: strong-weak-medium-weak
Rhythm - the pattern of sounds and silences that we play and sing
Pitch - how high or low a note is
Common misconception
Ta-di is two beats.
Every time we chant 'Ta' it is the beginning of a new beat. Ta-di is two sounds in one beat, each sound is half a beat.
Teacher tip
Take extra time to model a simple, successful melody that includes lots of repetition and not many leaps, and model how to notate this clearly and neatly.
Equipment
Pencils or claves - four for each pupil.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How would you clap and chant this rhythm?
Q2.How does singing with hand signs help us to notate a song?
Q3.What is it called when we make music with our bodies, e.g. clapping?
Q4.When we focus on our breathing, sometimes we (incorrectly) raise our shoulders which can cause tension. Which set of bones are supposed to move when we breathe in to make space for the air we inhale?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are benefits to deeper breathing for singing?
Q2.In 4-time, the feel of the beats is:
Q3.True or false? Ta-di is two beats.
Q4.Which of the following best describes the difference between singing in unison and singing in harmony?
To help you plan your 5 music lesson on: Composing together using do, mi, so, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 music lesson on: Composing together using do, mi, so, 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 together: how songs unite us unit, dive into the full primary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.