Year 3 - Music
Rehearsing layers of unpitched accompaniments under a song
Start with playing: adding percussive layers to build texture in our songs
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore texture by adding untuned percussion layers to songs and chants. Using repeated rhythms, pupils will develop their sense of pulse and accuracy of rhythm. They will identify rhythmic ostinati in listening examples and begin to describe texture.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to build layers of percussion under a song as part of an ensemble and know this creates a thicker texture.
Key Notes
- We can accompany a song by combining different layers of sound to add texture.
- We can combine multiple ostinato patterns to create a thicker texture.
- An ensemble needs to rehearse together to play successfully.
- In an ensemble, each part needs to play confidently while also understanding how the parts fit together.
Vocabulary To Learn
- ostinato: a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic
- texture: the combination of different layers of sounds
- accompaniment: a musical part that supports the main melody or chant
- ensemble: a group of people who perform together
- rehearse: to practise in order to improve and prepare for performance
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- I only need to worry about my own part in an ensemble.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
We can accompany a song by combining different layers of sound to add texture. We can combine multiple ostinato patterns to create a thicker texture.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'ostinato'
a repeating musical pattern which can be rhythmic or melodic.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: I only need to worry about my own part in an ensemble. Correction: It is important to be able to play your own part confidently in an ensemble but it is also important to understand how your part fits in with the rest of the ensemble.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Music guide library.