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Lesson 5 of 6
  • Year 3

Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a chant

I can build layers of percussion under a chant as part of an ensemble and know this creates a thicker texture.

Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
  • Year 3

Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a chant

I can build layers of percussion under a chant as part of an ensemble and know this creates a thicker texture.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. We can use ostinato patterns to accompany a musical performance.
  2. We can combine different layers of sound to add texture to an accompaniment.
  3. We can play multiple layers of sound simultaneously as an ensemble.
  4. Adding more layers of sound creates a thicker texture.

Keywords

  • Ostinato - a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic

  • Texture - the combination of different layers of sounds

  • Accompaniment - a musical part that supports the main melody or chant

  • Ensemble - a group of people who perform together

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

Common misconception

When playing layers of ostinati we have to ignore the other parts in order to focus on playing our own layer accurately.

When performing layers of ostinati, it is important that each group is aware of how their part fits into the whole. Layers should work together, ensuring they are keeping a steady pulse and that the start of their musical sentences align.


To help you plan your year 3 music lesson on: Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a chant, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When layering multiple ostinati, pupils should be sat together with others playing the same part. It can be helpful for pupils to chant their rhythm out loud at the start, and then move to saying the rhythm in their heads as they play.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Unpitched percussion instruments such as claves, hand drums. or shakers.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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4 Questions

Q1.
An ostinato is ...

a combination of different layers of sounds
the way music is organised
Correct answer: a repeating musical pattern that can be rhythmic or melodic

Q2.
Feeling the steady helps us keep in time together as we play and sing.

Correct Answer: pulse, Pulse

Q3.
When we show or play the steady pulse, it is called the .

Correct Answer: beat, Beat

Q4.
Match the keyword to its definition.

Correct Answer:accompaniment,a musical part that supports the main melody or chant

a musical part that supports the main melody or chant

Correct Answer:texture,the combination of different layers of sounds

the combination of different layers of sounds

Correct Answer:rhythm,the pattern of sounds that we play and sing

the pattern of sounds that we play and sing

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword to its definition.

Correct Answer:ostinato,a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic

a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic

Correct Answer:texture,the combination of different layers of sounds

the combination of different layers of sounds

Correct Answer:accompaniment,a musical part that supports the main melody or chant

a musical part that supports the main melody or chant

Q2.
The more layers of sound, the the texture.

Correct Answer: thicker

Q3.
True or false? When we play an ostinato, it's important to listen to the other parts as we are playing.

Correct Answer: True, true

Q4.
Which of these will help you to play successfully together in an ensemble?

Correct answer: Chant “ready, steady, off we go” to help you start at the same time.
Correct answer: Listen to and watch each other and keep a steady pulse to help you stay in time.
Correct answer: Consider the dynamics of your chanting/playing so that all parts can be heard.
Ignore the other parts to focus on playing your own part.