Write a class song!

This is a 6 week topic that aims to give the children an understanding of the song writing process.

This topic is designed to give the children the opportunity to write a song, from scratch, as a class over a six week process. It will help them to develop a good understanding of the process of writing a song, the “musical ingredients” (elements) that are needed and an appreciation of the time and skill that goes into writing a song.
The children will develop an understanding of how to structure a song, creating verses, a chorus and the opportunity to compose a bridge/middle 8 as well.

You do not necessarily have to be musical to do this but obviously some knowledge would help. It’s a great project for you to use for children who currently play an instrument as well, especially if you have been learning one via the wider opps/first access projects. Instruments can be easily incorporated into the topic. The topic also included opportunities for children to rap and beat box if they are not too keen on singing!

The first 1-3 lessons will be spent on writing some verses and a chorus. This will be followed by adding simple accompaniment using class percussion (tuned and untuned) and other instruments your class/children may have been learning how to play. The songs will be kept in C Major/A Minor (Using the common chords C, F, G & Am). This is perfect for their vocal range and for accompanying instruments.

Instrumental parts could also be added in between the verses and choruses.

By the end of the topic the class with have a complete song that they can record and perform to other years and their parents.

Links to curriculum/Possible assessment opportunities:

1. Use the voice expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes
2. Play tuned and untuned instruments musically
3. Listen with concentration and understanding to a range of high-quality live and recorded music
4. Experiment with, create, select and combine sounds using the inter-related dimensions of music

Please note: I have used the font AR CHRISTY so you may have to edit some of the slides/fonts.