Modes and sea shanties
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what a mode is and have performed a modal sea shanty melody.
Key learning points
- A mode is a type of scale, of which there are seven different types.
- The dorian mode is commonly used in folk music, and it sounds similar to a minor scale.
- A sea shanty is a type of folk song that was traditionally sung by sailors to coordinate their movements.
- What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor? is a famous example which uses the D dorian mode and a strophic structure.
Keywords
Mode - a type of scale, of which there are seven main types
Dorian mode - a mode that sounds similar to a minor scale; the D dorian mode uses the white notes starting on D
Strophic - a structure based on repeating verses, with variation in the lyrics
Sea shanty - a folk song traditionally sung by sailors to help them coordinate their movements
Common misconception
The dorian mode is the same as a minor scale.
There is a slight difference, with one different note. All of the modes are closely linked to major and minor scales, but have slightly different notes that help to create different moods.
Teacher tip
Sea shanties are traditioanlly sung, so to build on the learning from this lesson consider doing some singing warm-ups or activities with the class based on singing sea shanties. Drunken Sailor is an easy and fun song for pupils to learn.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A phrase is a short section of a melody, normally 1, 2 or _____ bars long.
Q2.A scale that includes five notes is called a __________ scale.
Q3.A conjunct melody moves by __________ steps.
Q4.Order the five notes of the G major pentatonic scale.
Q5.Which of these is NOT a common characteristic of folk music?
Q6.A pair of quavers (eighth notes) is worth how many beats?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statement is true about a mode?
Q2.Which of these is the name of a mode?
Q3.The dorian mode sounds similar to what scale?
Q4.A __________ is a type of folk song that was traditionally sung by sailors to coordinate their movements.
Q5.A __________ structure repeats the same verse with different lyrics.
Q6.Which of these shows the D dorian mode?
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Modes and sea shanties, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Modes and sea shanties, 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 Folk songs from around the world unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.