Learning the accompaniment for Fur Elise
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play the broken chord accompaniment part to Fur Elise.
Key learning points
- Performing broken chords on the keyboard.
- Performing two independent parts at the same time on the keyboard.
- We can use expressive elements such as dynamics and rubato to add expression to a performance.
- Emphasising the downbeat helps to show a sense of rhythm.
Keywords
Broken chord - when the notes of a chord are sounded one at a time
Root note - the main note of a chord, and what the chord is named after
Octave - an interval of eight notes; octaves in music have the same name i.e. C to C on the keyboard
Downbeat - the first and strongest beat of the bar
Common misconception
Sense of pulse and sense of rhythm are the same thing
A sense of pulse is understanding the underlying beat in the music. A sense of rhythm is understanding where the stress should be in a bar or rhythm. This is much more nuanced. At this point, encourage pupils to stress the downbeat.
Teacher tip
Provide opportunity for pupils to hear different versions of Fur Elise and see the piece performed so they can develop an understanding of expressive elements. For pupils who would benefit from time to master the two hands performance, learning this piece could replace the tasks in lessons 5 and 6.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the relative major of A minor?
Q2.The number of beats in a bar of music can be referred to as the signature.
Q3.A is a short melodic idea that recurs throughout a piece of music.
Q4.What term defines musical ideas that move between the black and white notes (semitones) on the keyboard?
Q5.What name is given to the symbol (#) used to show that a note has been raised by a semitone?
Q6.Who originally composed ‘Fur Elise’?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A chord contains notes that are sounded one at a time.
Q2.The main note of a chord, and what the chord is named after is called the note.
Q3.What name is given to an interval of eight notes, for example C to C on the keyboard?
Q4.The first and strongest beat of the bar is called the .
Q5.Fur Elise begins in a key.
Q6.When playing a chord with the left hand, which number finger should play the lowest note?
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Learning the accompaniment for Fur Elise, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Learning the accompaniment for Fur Elise, 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.