Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit focuses on adding vocal and instrumental layers to songs. Pupils rehearse contrasting songs in parts and become confident holding the pitch and pulse of a line before layering this into four and five part textures with added tuned percussion accompaniments.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to sing new rounds and partner songs in unison and understand the structure of these.

Key Notes

• It is important to warm up the voice and body to prepare for singing and to help keep the voice strong and healthy.
• When we sing the same thing at the same time, we are singing in unison.
• Rounds help develop part-singing in a simple way. The same melody fits together at different times to create harmony.
• Partner songs help develop part-singing in a simple way. The two songs work together to create a pleasing harmony.
• Understanding the structure of a song helps us sing together successfully.

Vocabulary To Learn

• unison: the same tune sung or played at the same time
• round: a song structure where multiple groups sing the same melody but start at different times
• partner songs: two or more songs that fit together sung at the same time
• structure: the way the music is organised, ordering different sections of a piece
• harmony: the combination of two or more notes played or sung together, creating a pleasing sound

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• We only need to warm up before a performance.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Layering part-singing: adding a three note melody Study Guide
• Part singing: adding a rhythmic ostinato accompaniment Study Guide
• Rehearsing and evaluating an ensemble piece with a thick texture Study Guide
• Singing and playing simultaneously: three note melodies Study Guide
• Two-part singing: rounds and partner songs Study Guide