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Lesson 6 of 6
  • Year 3

Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a song

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

Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
  • Year 3

Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a song

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

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. We can accompany a song by combining different layers of sound to add texture.
  2. We can combine multiple ostinato patterns to create a thicker texture.
  3. An ensemble needs to rehearse together to play successfully.
  4. In an ensemble, each part needs to play confidently while also understanding how the parts fit together.

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

I only need to worry about my own part in an ensemble.

It is important to be able to play your own part confidently in an ensemble but it is also important to understand how your part fits in with the rest of the ensemble.


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

Pupils need to learn how to practise, rehearse and work together effectively. Modelling and reinforcing these strategies will support their ensemble skills.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Unpitched percussion instruments such as claves or hand drums.

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.
Match the musical elements to its definition.

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

the pattern of sounds that we play and sing

Correct Answer:pulse,the regular, steady heartbeat of the music

the regular, steady heartbeat of the music

Correct Answer:dynamics,how loud or quiet the music is

how loud or quiet the music is

Correct Answer:beat,the playing or showing of the steady pulse like the ticking of a clock

the playing or showing of the steady pulse like the ticking of a clock

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

the combination of different layers of sounds

Q2.
A rhythmic ostinato can be played as an extra layer of sound to add to our song or chant.

Correct Answer: texture, Texture

Q3.
The song, an ostinato and playing the beat would create layers of sound.

Correct Answer: three, 3, Three

Q4.
True or false? A rhythmic ostinato can be used as an accompaniment for a song or chant.

Correct Answer: True, true

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
An is a group of people who perform together.

Correct Answer: ensemble

Q2.
Which three of the following are ways to add texture to a song or chant?

Correct answer: play the beat
Correct answer: add an ostinato
change dynamics
Correct answer: accent a rhythm

Q3.
Match the musical terms to their definition.

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

the combination of different layers of sounds

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:ensemble,a group of people who perform together

a group of people who perform together

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

a musical part that supports the main melody or chant

Q4.
When we are rehearsing, which three of these are important?

Correct answer: Deciding how we sit or stand so that we see and hear each other.
Correct answer: Agreeing how we will count in so we all start together.
Just practising our own part.
Correct answer: Discussing what could be improved and trying again.