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: 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 you may have to edit some of the slides/fonts.

Four play alongs using the notes G, A, B and C. Perfect for recorder. Resource includes sheet music and play along/backing tracks.

Four play alongs using the notes B and A. Perfect for beginner recorder Resource includes sheet music and play along/backing tracks.

Get your class playing together with Smile! Changes is written for Ukulele, Recorder, Boomwhackers and Tuned percussion. Resource includes: Sheet music (with and without written notes) Play along and backing track

Get your classroom band together and have fun playing Touch the sky! Touch the sky is written for Ukulele, Boomwhackers, Tuned percussion and Recorder. Resource includes sheet music (with and without note names) and play along/backing tracks.

Into the light - a duet for recorders! This resource includes a play along track and backing track (perfect for performances) as well the sheet music (with and without note names).

Let’s Rock is written for Recorder, Ukulele, Boomwhackers and tuned percussion. This resource includes play along and backing tracks and sheet music (with and without note names)

Hey ho let’s go uses the notes B, A and G. Resource includes sheet music (with and without note names) and play along/backing tracks.

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!

This is a collection of 10 Body Percussion songs. All of these songs focus on different Body Percussion rhythms to accompany them. Every song is designed to reinforce pitch, pulse and rhythm (either consciously or unconsciously) and will help with a range of social skills (turn taking, working with a partner or group etc). The songs are all in an appropriate range for children. Most use a maximum of a 6-note range with some stretching to an octave. These songs are more demanding than the other Active singing songs because of the Body Percussion rhythms so are more suitable for KS2. These songs have also been designed to fit perfectly within the Kodaly methodology if teachers are using it (using common ta and ti-ti rhythms and incorporating familiar melody lines - so-mi / mi-so-la). Scarf songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12564116 Passing songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12600356 Miscellaneous songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12564112 Rhythm stick songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12590879 Parachute songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12563992 Shaker songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12564118 Cup songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12585890 All 80 songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12564122

20 Guitar play alongs, perfect for beginners and Whole Class Ensemble Tuition (WCET). Melodies are written in TAB and all pieces have open chord accompaniment. The resource comes with sheet music and play along/backing tracks.

Four play alongs using the notes GABCD. Perfect for recorder. Resource includes sheet music and play along/backing tracks.

Clap, tap, click and stomp your way through Hubbub! Hubbub is a body percussion piece of music written for 3 groups. The resource includes sheet music and play along/backing tracks.

This is a collection of 10 songs to be sung with a scarf. Every song is designed to reinforce pitch, pulse and rhythm (either consciously or unconsciously) and will help with a range of social skills (turn taking, working with a partner or group etc). The songs are all in an appropriate range for children. Most use a maximum of a 6-note range with some stretching to an octave. All songs are in C Major but can easily be transposed to D. Each song comes with easy to follow instructions. They can be used with KS1 and KS2 and have all been tried and tested by the children I teach and have all been received well and enjoyed! These songs have also been designed to fit perfectly within the Kodaly methodology if teachers are using it (using common ta and ti-ti rhythms and incorporating familiar melody lines - so-mi / mi-so-la). Shaker songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12564118 Miscellaneous songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12564112 Rhythm stick songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12590879 Parachute songs - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-12563992 All 60 songs for £7 - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12564122

Purchase the sheet music and backing/play along tracks for 20 Ukulele play alongs, ideal for the classroom. All the play alongs use open chords and melodies are written in TAB and mainly on the first string (High A).

10 pieces for Eb Tenor Horn in a variety of different styles. These pieces progress steadily and give children the chance to play a relatively large repertoire without using too many notes. All 20 pieces cover the notes B, C, D, E, F and G and is enough for a years worth of tuition! This resource includes the sheet music (PDF) and play along/backing tracks for the first 10 pieces of music. The first 10 pieces covers the notes C, D and E. You can purchase pieces 11-20 here - https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-12863199

Four play alongs using the note B. Perfect for recorder and other woodwind instruments Resource includes sheet music and play along/backing tracks.

Winter’s night - a 3 part Christmas song, perfect for children. Resource includes: Score Parts Backing tracks Guide tracks

Ukulele chord poster.I use coloured dots with my Ukuleles (Red = C, Blue = F, Green = G). I’ve found it makes progress quicker and locating chords easier. They still develop their muscle memory and when they’re confident they can just remove them! I’ve created this Ukulele chord sheet if anyone is interested

This topic aims to teach children how to use Garage Band on the iPads. It is ideal for KS2 and KS3.It begins with step-by-step instructions for children to create a simple rock piece of music. Whilst doing this they are learning how to create a new song, add instruments, use pre-set patterns, add drums loops/tracks and play the Garage Band guitar. The class are then given the opportunity to create their own compositions whilst exploring the other features on Garage Band.The topic also teaches them how to use the Smart drums, Smart strings, Drums, Sampler, Keyboard and Microphone (audio recorder).