Year 6 - Music
Improvising longer phrases using the D minor pentatonic scale
Compose and rehearse: improvising with the minor pentatonic scale
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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 listen to improvisation in jazz ensembles. Using the minor pentatonic scale on pitched percussion, they learn a minor pentatonic melody and practise tools to guide successful improvisation including repetition and sequencing.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to improvise a stylistic longer phrase using notes from the D minor pentatonic scale.
Key Notes
- A jazz piece begins with a head played by all instruments. Improvisations then follow this.
- A new arrangement of a piece can be created by changing or adding to the instrumentation.
- Improvising with a call and response structure in mind can help to organise an improvisation.
- It is helpful to perform in front of an audience to receive effective feedback.
Vocabulary To Learn
- head: the main melody or theme often used when referring to jazz music
- arrangement: adapting how an existing piece of music is going to sound, for example changing the instrumentation
- phrase: a musical thought, like a sentence in a story
- bar: a measure of musical time with a set number of beats (e.g. 4 beats in 4-time)
- improvisation: creative, in-the-moment musical composition
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Improvisation is complicated and scary!
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
A jazz piece begins with a head played by all instruments. Improvisations then follow this. A new arrangement of a piece can be created by changing or adding to the instrumentation.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'head'
the main melody or theme often used when referring to jazz music.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Improvisation is complicated and scary! Correction: Improvisation can be as simple as changing one note. Try to play what you might already be able to hear in your head. Are you planning your improvisations well?
More Lessons In This Unit
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