Performing a spiritual in unison
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can sing two different spirituals in unison, focusing on breathing and posture.
Key learning points
- Good singing breaths are required to support the air when singing.
- Good singing breaths are low, even and sustained.
- Learning to sing a song in unison.
Keywords
Singing breath - a deep breath that is low, even and sustained; this supports airflow from the diaphragm when singing
Tone - the sound quality of the voice when singing; a good tone comes from good breath support
Unison - the name given to music where everyone sings the same thing at the same time
Singing posture - the best posture for singing with feet apart, knees slightly bent, arms by your sides and head lifted
Common misconception
Breathing does not affect musical quality.
Supporting singing with singing breaths supports intonation (singing in tune) and tone quality.
Teacher tip
Regularly check for raised shoulders, tight throats, or rushed breathing and reset with a calm model.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following things should you never do when singing?
Q2.Which of the following is the best position for singing?
Q3.Another term for a note you can sing is ...
Q4.Which statement is incorrect?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Put these in order for good breathing technique.
Q2.When everyone sings the same notes at the same time, it is called singing in .
Q3.What is the term for standing or sitting in a way that helps you to sing well?
Q4.Why might singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot in different settings lead to discussion?
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Performing a spiritual in unison, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Performing a spiritual in unison, 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.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Year 7 song guides unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.