A step-by-step guide to creating a simple medieval piece using Garageband (but can be simply adapted to include other common music software), as well as an Assessment sheet for students to self assess and provide feedback to you on their learning experience. The worksheet helps to produce compositions of different levels of complexity according to ability. Model the task on a Smartboard, if you have one, or illustrate on a practical basis by using simple Orff tuned percussion for a drone, a tin whistle or recorded for a melody using the Dorian mode. This worksheet limits the constant demands of help from students and supports you in managing your time between all members of the class

This suitable for all years above year 8 and firmly bases the style in its historical context, leading students to compare classical composers with contemporary ones using Ground Bass in similar and different ways. Designed so that students can input four simple tracks into any music composition software reproducing the Pachelbel Canon harmonic structure. Students are led to enter the notes again in a second section with suggested differences and are encouraged to progress to as many different versions they can produce. A brief appraisal and ‘pupil voice’ is included at the end to enable you to see how students dealt with the task.

A step-by-step guide enabling students to create a simple three part waltz adding a bass, fill and melody using Garageband or other similar software package. This would suit a class who have already covered the basic three triads.

“Thank you so much for this. I have only ever taught the old version and was panicking a bit about the new syllabus”. This is a Scheme of Work based on the two publications by CGP, namely ‘GCSE AQA Music for the Grade 9-1 exams - Complete Revision and Practice’ for class work and ‘GCSE Music for the Grade 9-1 Course - Exam Practice Work Book’ used for homework. Each book houses it own copy of the CD. The composition element does not have an extensive composition lesson-by-lesson scheme as most teachers like to use a workshop strategy, giving one-to-one help and advice.

A worksheet (in publisher format) that enables students to perform Leitmotifs used in films. It provides two choices in performing a short Leitmotif from well-known films: Jaws or Star Wars. The most able are provided with a guide to create their own Leitmotif.

Suitable for a non-specialist as well as for a preparatory lesson on practical African drumming. A simple reading and comprehension exercise which informs students on the nature of drumming in African tribal societies as well a the type of drums used as well as in what context.

Designed for key stage three for classes dealing with chords for the first time. Linked to Garageband, but can be used with any other software. Students learn the C major triad in two different areas of the keyboard. A rhythm chant is also used with words alongside a marching background rhythm, which enable students to play in the rhythm using the triad. Multi-tracking enables students to produce multi-layered fanfares.

A written worksheet that would be suitable for a non-specialist allowing students to access the internet later in the lesson to complete some research on the sounds of the instruments. The concept of Drone and Mode needs to be known.

A worksheet in PDF format that enables students to perform Leitmotifs used in films. It provides two choices in performing a short Leitmotif from well-known films: Jaws or Star Wars. The most able are provided with a guide to create their own Leitmotif.

A powerpoint to guide performers who are paired to perform a simple Ragtime piano piece. The guide provides a simple background to how the style originated and evolved leading to some animation of the different parts. This would suit a class who would ideally learn each part in their pairs. The more difficult part is the bass, with the easier part in the treble. The is room for all students learning both parts and then to allocate to themselves, which part would be most suitable for them. In any case, students either perform live or record onto music software to play back to the class or the teacher for appraisal.

A worksheet illustrating the origin and background to Rap music. A template is provided to create lyrics with or without a background beat in the classroom. This can be accompanied with a simple, but limited, patois dictionary (also available on my resource site) to support students. Brief level descriptors are provided to enable students to understand where they are in their learning and what they can do to improve. A simple feedback section provides information by students as to the difficulties they faced. The second page provides key words for the techniques used in DJ performance. This lesson can either start with a DJ illustration with the lyrics constructed afterwards or the lyrics tested out in partners or groups followed by a DJ beat with progressive additions to improve the piece.

A complete Year 8 Scheme of Work for Music - National Curriculum with end of term milestone assessments. Complete lesson plans for the year, which include references to cross-curricular themes, PLTS, special needs provision, G&T and many other necessary provisions. Detailed enough to satisfy the most fussy of Ofsted inspectors!

A publisher format worksheet designed for use with any music software or integrated live performers and backing tracks. Suitable for year 8 and above. Students learn to perform a simple nursery, which is scalic and in simple ternary form. This enables students to perform the music quickly. This would suit the next stage of variations composition. Different combinations are suggested to provide a coherent and flowing set of variations, which can be re-ordered according to the student’s wish. Simple to more complex changes to the original are suggested, which lead to students creating their own changes. An appendix is provided to enable students to use the three main chords of I, IV and V for a ‘fill’ and bass part.

This is a document to help accurately assess new year 7 students entering the school for the first time. Assessment includes whether students have met the requirements for key stage two as well as ongoing assessment for key stage three. The document helps to integrate exam board assessment into national curriculum assessments. The resources includes points scores for all music qualifications as well as a record card for students during their study time for the whole of key stage three. This helps students and teachers to identify where they are in their learning and to enable teachers to report to parents, school managers and governors on progress in their subject.

Save time and be efficient! The new year 7 students are coming in September and you need to make an assessment of their musical knowledge and skills as well as monitor their progress towards the end of the key stage. This interactive Excel tool will automatically keep tabs on the progress of your students as you take note of what they have achieved throughout key stage three, as well as include an assessment on their prior knowledge from key stage two. Two automatic charts are produced as well as automatic data on the progress of individuals and the class with the standards listed in the national curriculum. You can link classes together to provide a whole year analysis or indeed a whole key stage three analysis by linking the data (a facility offered by Excel). This is a perfect complement to ‘Entry Assessment for Music’ file listed in my Resources.

A worksheet to compose simple Canons. This includes an assessment sheet for students to self-assess and provide feedback from their learning. The worksheet would benefit from a simple preparatory activity using echo-clapping or echo singing to reiterate the principle of Canon. This can be achieved ‘en class’ by dividing the class into two or three sections, which then copy the given rhythm / pattern from the previous section of the class. You can extend this to three bars to create a three-part Canon. The worksheet enables students to create one of three differentiated Canons depending on their ability. The worksheet can act as a preparatory sheet before they use any notation or multi-channel software.

This is an Excel file, which lists the points awarded for most music qualifications, grades and levels. This will enable to identify how your students are progressing and their real achievement through GCSE, ABRSM, A level examinations as well as National Curriculum Levels. This resource will enable you to add points to your National Curriculum Assessments so that students will benefit with extra points when they leave your school. This can also affect your personal performance management with students scoring higher points scores above their GCSE or A-level grades. See equivalent qualifications and compare their points scores. Three lists in Level hierarchy, points hierarchy and Qualification List.

A practical worksheet which uses a set number of speech phrases to introduce students to the rhythms of waltz. A preparatory session using these speech phrases enable students to produce a rhythm string. This prepares them for a waltz melody using Sibelius software. The lesson can be preceded by students learning how to “box” waltz.

A worksheet suitable for a non-specialist (cover work) or as a preparatory lesson to a practical series of lessons performing reggae music. Short paragraphs with following questions as well as the opportunity for students to draw as well as express their own views/opinions about Rastafarian belief.