Making and enjoying music
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the elements of music to describe music and can perform a song to a pulse.
Key learning points
- The elements of music help us understand the music that we listen to and enjoy.
- Pitch, tempo, dynamics and rhythm are four elements that are fundamental to how music is made.
- Performing is an example of making music.
- Keeping to a pulse is important when performing.
- Taking relaxed, deep and sustained singing breaths is important to help us sing well.
Keywords
Pitch - how high or low a note is
Tempo - how fast or slow the music is
Dynamics - how loud or soft the music is
Rhythm - a pattern of sounds
Pulse - the steady feel of the beat
Common misconception
The conductor is the only person responsible for keeping the pulse and pitch is only high and low.
The conductor can set the tempo but all performers are responsible for keeping the pulse in a performance. Pitch as high and low is slightly limiting. Help pupils make connections to other related words that they might know.
Teacher tip
When doing any singing with pupils, make sure the first note and count in is clear and that the pulse is reinforced in any rehearsal or explanation to encouarge confidence. Pulse and tempo are not the same thing, but with early performance, thinking of the beat as keeping the same tempo might help.
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