Developing fluency in changing hand positions on the keyboard
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a piece with two independent parts demonstrating expressive elements.
Key learning points
- The accompaniment part outlines the harmony of a piece.
- The accompaniment pattern in In the Hall of the Mountain King pattern plays the root and fith of the chord.
- Performing appropriate accents in the melody.
- Refining our performance, considering expression, including dynamic changes from piano to forte with a crescendo.
- Developing fluency in hand position changes and performing two independent parts in the right and left hand.
Keywords
Accent - an emphasis on a note
Piano - a dynamic instruction meaning to play quietly
Forte - a dynamic instruction meaning to play loudly
Crescendo - gradually getting louder
Fifth - the fifth note of the scale and the top note in a chord triad
Common misconception
The accompaniment patterns for section A and section B are the same and the best way to practise is to play from the start to the end of the piece repeatedly.
The accompaniment pattern changes slightly in section B. Highlight the difference so pupils are sure of this when practising hands together. It's more efficient to identify and practise the difficult bars in isolation first.
Teacher tip
The final task can be adapted. Pupils may just complete the first phrase allowing them to work on performing independent lines. The piece can also be performed in a pair with pupils taking turns to play the melody or accompaniment. Encouarge pupils to practise the difficult bars in isolation.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Using notes outside of the normal (major or minor) key is called movement.
Q2.What term describes when notes are played in a detached manner?
Q3.What does legato mean?
Q4.A sign in music notation which shows that the note is sharp, flat or natural is called an .
Q5.A musical structure with three sections, where the first and last section are the same and the middle section is different is called an structure.
Q6.In a piano piece the role of the left hand is usually to perform the:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An emphasis on a note is called an .
Q2.Which term is a dynamic instruction meaning to play quietly?
Q3.Which term is a dynamic instruction meaning gradually getting louder?
Q4.What is the fifth note of the scale and the top note in a triad chord called?
Q5.Which of the following are good techniques for learning a piece?
Q6.When playing the accompaniment with the left hand, which number finger should play the lowest note?
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Developing fluency in changing hand positions on the keyboard, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Developing fluency in changing hand positions on the keyboard, 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 Minor, major and developing keyboard skills unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.