This topic explores music of the Far East including the following countries: China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Polynesia, Bali and Java. Year 5 will also learn about the importance of the pentatonic scale in Chinese music. They will be given the opportunity to learn to play a traditional piece of Chinese music (Jasmine Flower) on tuned percussion and keyboards and will also be set the task of composing their own piece of music using the pentatonic scale. The class will also be given the opportunity to learn to sing a Filipino & Polynesian song as well as taking part in a classroom Gamelan activity for the last two weeks (they will use classroom tuned percussion to create Gamelan style music). As well as broadening their musical listening and experiences this topic is also great for linking with geography and history too.

This is a 6 week topic aimed at KS1 and KS2 to teach them about different music traditions from around the world. Throughout this topic, pupils will be given the opportunity to explore music from different countries and cultures around the globe, including: West Africa, Australia, Poland, Ireland, Jamaica and Native America. Each week will focus on a different country. The focus of each lesson will be to learn where the country is on the map, listen to an example of traditional music from that that country and learn a song/game/dance that is culturally relevant. Pupils will be given the opportunity to develop their listening and singing skills (Links to curriculum can be found at the bottom). By the end of the topic pupils should have a better understanding of different styles and genres of music and where they came from as well as developing their understanding of the role of music in different cultures and societies. Perfect for linking to Geogrpahy and History! Links to curriculum/Possible assessment opportunities: Use the voice expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes Play tuned and untuned instruments musically Listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music Experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music Please note: I have used the Font AR CHRISTY so it may look different when downloaded!

The aim of this topic is to give children the opportunity to learn about the music of Mexico through listening and singing. The children will: Listen to a variety of music styles and genres from Mexico. Learn about the instruments used in the popular Mariachi bands. Listen to some music from the Maya Civilisation. Learn to sing the song Al Citron and play the stone passing game associated with it. This a a short topic that can be stretched to 6 weeks or done in 3, depending on the amount of time dedicated to your music lessons. It would work nicely as a cross-curricular topic if you are looking at Mexico in Geography or the Mayan Civilisation in History.

This is a classroom arrangement of the South African song, Shosholoza. It features three vocal parts and a music arrangement for classroom instruments including Djembes, tuned percussion and guitars/ukuleles. Boom Whackers could easily play the same parts as well. All notes are coloured to match Boom Whackers and various percussion instruments. Enjoy!