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- Year 8
Kuku - structure and solo parts
I can play the Kuku rhythm with the different sections, including a solo.
- Year 8
Kuku - structure and solo parts
I can play the Kuku rhythm with the different sections, including a solo.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The structure of Kuku includes various different sections.
- The call arrives between every section.
- Part 3 contains solos which are performed by the djembefola. These can be prepared or improvised.
- The piece ends with an échauffement which is used to speed up or signal the end of the performance.
- We have prepared a performance of the full Kuku structure which includes a prepared or improvised solo.
Keywords
Call - a phrase that signals a piece is going to start, change or end
Échauffement - a phrase that is used to build to the climax of a piece
Break - a short phrase that breaks up the main rhythms
Solo - a featured part of a composition played by one person
Improvisation - creating music on the spot
Common misconception
The solo section has to be made up in the moment.
The solo section can use ideas that are already planned. This is a good starting point for adding solos to build confidence and then build up to doing improvised ideas.
To help you plan your year 8 music lesson on: Kuku - structure and solo parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 music lesson on: Kuku - structure and solo parts, 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 Djembe drumming and rhythms from the regions of West Africa unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Djembe and dunduns can be replaced with bass, mid and treble versions of any untuned percussion. You can also use cupped hands (bass), palm clap (tone) and full clap (slap) as an alternative.
Licence
Lesson video
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