Using the voice creatively
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify some extended vocal techniques and use them in a short vocal composition.
Key learning points
- Extended vocal techniques are when a singer uses their voice in non-traditional ways to create unusual sounds.
- These are often explored by contemporary Western composers and some are common in music from different traditions.
- Techniques include clicking, popping, whispering and whistling, as well as more complex techniques like multiphonics.
- Vocalise - singing without words - is another way to use the voice.
- Creating an interesting, varied musical composition by exploring extended vocal techniques.
Keywords
Extended vocal technique - when a singer uses their voice in non-traditional ways to create unusual sounds
Vocalise - a technique where a singer sings without words
Multiphonics - a technique where more than one note is produced at the same time
Common misconception
The human voice can only produce one note at a time.
Every sound we make has multiple different notes, its just that the main note is much louder than the others. Think about when you have a croaky voice - it almost sounds like multiple notes, because it is! Multiphonics just amplify the quieter notes.
Teacher tip
Challenge pupils to record multiple tracks (on a DAW), layering up sound to combine different timbres and techniques to extend their composition. They could also extend their ABA structure into an ABACA structure or consider more sophisticated ways to develop their ideas in the repeated A section.
Equipment
DAW, other recording devices (both optional - the task can be completed without either of these).
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An choir is a standard choral ensemble, consisting of four voice types.
Q2.What is the lowest-pitched voice in an SATB choir?
Q3.Which is the lowest-pitched female voice in an SATB choir?
Q4.What is tonal music?
Q5.Which of these is effective at creating harmonic tension?
Q6.What should a dissonant chord resolve to release harmonic tension?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An vocal technique is when a singer uses their voice in a non-traditional way to create unusual sounds
Q2.Which of these is not an extended vocal technique?
Q3.Which of these is an extended vocal technique?
Q4.Singing without words is called .
Q5.What is multiphonic singing?
Q6.In an ABA structure, what happens in the B section?
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Using the voice creatively, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Using the voice creatively, 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 3 music lessons from the Approaches to contemporary composition unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.