Identifying intervals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can accurately identify a range of intervals by ear and notate them.
Key learning points
- Identifying intervals is key to melodic dictation.
- We can use reference melodies to help us identify specific intervals by comparing the interval to the specific melody.
- We also need to consider whether an interval is ascending or descending.
- Once we have worked out the interval, we can notate it by drawing it on the stave next to the given starting note.
Keywords
Interval - An interval is the distance in pitch between two notes (e.g. a 5th).
Semitone - A semitone is the smallest interval in most Western music (e.g. C to C#).
Tone - A tone (also called a major second) is an interval of two semitones (e.g. C to D).
Common misconception
Singing is only useful for singers.
When identifying intervals, singing is incredibly useful, even for those who aren't confident singers. Hearing the intervals back through singing or humming allows us to compare them to the reference melodies. Without this, it is much harder.
Teacher tip
Repeated practise is essential for interval recognition, so if possible provide additional practise exercises. At this level, differentiating between major and minor 6ths, 7ths and 3rds is not necessary. However, for high-performing pupils, consider setting tasks that allow them to practise these.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an example of an interval?
Q2.Which of these intervals is largest?
Q3.A conjunct melody can only use semitones and __________.
Q4.Which is larger – a tone or a semitone?
Q5.Which two of these intervals could be included in a disjunct melody?
Q6.Is this melody disjunct or conjunct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which reference melody could we use to identify a fifth?
Q2.Which reference melody could we use to identify a tone?
Q3.Which reference melody could we use to identify a fourth?
Q4.What interval is this?
Q5.What interval is this?
Q6.What interval is this?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Identifying intervals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Identifying intervals, 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 4 music lessons from the Listening: dictation unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.