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Lesson 2 of 4
  • Year 8

Learning Gumama in harmony

I can sing Gumama as part of a three-part homophonic texture, focusing on producing clear, tall vowel sounds.

Lesson 2 of 4
New
New
  • Year 8

Learning Gumama in harmony

I can sing Gumama as part of a three-part homophonic texture, focusing on producing clear, tall vowel sounds.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Singing Gumama in three-part homophonic harmony.
  2. Correct balance is important when signing in homophonic harmony.
  3. Correct balance is where the parts are performed at the same volume to create a rich and warm tone in a vocal ensemble.
  4. Syncopation adds energy and creates a groove in the music.
  5. Syncopation and triplets can create rhythmic interest.

Keywords

  • Harmony - the notes that accompany the melody

  • Homophony - two or more different layers which move at the same time (in harmony)

  • Syncopation - a rhythm which emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats, often referred to as off-beat rhythms

  • Triplet - three notes performed in a beat where normally two would be played

Common misconception

Good balance means the parts should be the same volume all the time.

There is a nuance to balance and we always need to listen to other performers in the ensemble to check we can hear them and particularly hear the lead line. In Gumama all parts are of equal importance so the parts are a similar volume.


To help you plan your year 8 music lesson on: Learning Gumama in harmony, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When teaching the song, use body movements (conducting beats etc. to show the pulse) to emphasise the notes that land on the beat, the syncopation and the triplets. The song can also be performed with hand drums or cajons to add rhythmic interest and reinforce the pulse.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
A good singing breath is ...

Correct answer: from the diaphragm
Correct answer: with a relaxed body and shoulders
Correct answer: even and sustained
taken as quickly as possible

Q2.
What are tall vowels?

Vowels that are sung with a wide mouth shape.
Correct answer: Vowels that are sung with an open, vertical mouth shape.
When we sing vowels we hold the note for slightly longer.

Q3.
What word describes notes that land off the beat?

ostinato
Correct answer: syncopation
articulation

Q4.
How would you describe all the notes and parts that accompany the melody?

tune
Correct answer: harmony
bass line

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Why is it helpful to show expression on our faces when we sing?

Correct answer: improves tone
people can see how we feel
Correct answer: helps us to project
Correct answer: looks confident

Q2.
What is the texture when there are two or more different layers in the music which move at the same time?

octaves
unison
Correct answer: homophonic

Q3.
Which of these best describes the correct approach to balance?

Correct answer: Listen to each other and adjust dynamics to ensure all parts can be heard.
Keep to the instructed dynamic regardless of what other parts are doing.
One part should always be louder than another in music.

Q4.
What is the term for three notes performed in a beat where normally two would be played?

Correct Answer: triplet