Creating a performance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a song with an understanding of musical shape, balance and clear diction.
Key learning points
- Pedal notes create tension and excitement in music
- Appropriate use of dynamics and emphasis within the phrase can add shape to a melody
- Correct balance in a vocal ensemble is important for creating a harmonious sound
- Singing a piece through changing textures
- Singing a melody with an extended range and more complex phrases for breathing
Keywords
Pedal - a continuous pitch or note in the music which remains the same as the other harmonies change
Diction - the clear pronunciation and enunciation of words to convey the lyrics clearly and effectively
Balance - the adjustment of the dynamics of each part in an ensemble to ensure each part can be heard and altogether they create a clear, harmonious sound
Musical shape - how we use dynamics and stresses within the phrase to give a sense of direction to a performance
Common misconception
Diction (articulation) is just about clear pronunciation.
Articulation is also connected to taking suitable singing breaths. If breathing is poorly controlled, consonants can sound weak or unclear, and vowels lose focus. Good breath support allows the voice to stay energised through quick or complex lyrics.
Teacher tip
The lesson encourages pupils to focus on balance, musical shape and diction. You might choose to focus particularly on one factor over the other and cater your warm ups to focus on that particular element. The percussion part could be performed with stamps and claps in certain points in the music.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does balance refer to in singing?
Q2.Which of the following can affect the musical shape of a melody?
Q3.We can show the importance of the downbeat in a piece of music by performing it slightly than the other notes.
Q4.What is a pedal?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the clear pronunciation and enunciation of words to convey the lyrics clearly and effectively?
Q2.What describes good balance in singing?
Q3.Which of the following is not a vital element of good ensemble singing?
Q4.A can create tension and excitement in the music.
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Creating a performance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Creating a performance, 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 9 song guides unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.