Topic title: Notation
Year group: 7
When taught: January – February half term
What are we learning?
• How to identify pitches in the treble clef
• Developing our keyboard skills by developing physical technique, correct hand placement, playing simple melodies.
• How to use a graphic score to help us identify pitch and rhythm movement when written down.
• How to use graphic score the write down music
• How to use notation to write down music
• We continue to develop our vocabulary using MADTSHIRT and specific terms to describe melody.
• For pupils with an existing knowledge of score reading we use more complex notation skills such as reading on ledger lines and learning to work out chords for accompanying their melodic playing.
Why is this important to know?
• We want pupils to be able to access and play music of their choice. Being able to access scores is a key part of this. They need to be able to identify how this transfers to an instrument.
• Pupils will also need to access the skills of notation in their futures to be able to compose effectively.
• Pupils build on their ensemble skills, performing in time with others.
• Identify, playing and writing pitch is a key fundamental to building and playing music. It allows pupils to go forward as composers and performers.
• Being able to express yourself by playing and writing music is a fundamental skill that we have used to relate to one another throughout human history. Learning to express your emotions and share that with others begins with performance and composition.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
• Pupils have already begun to explore the keyboard in our previous topic. These skills become further developed with specific use of fine motor control using each finger separately.
• Keyboard skills help to prepare us for our future skills development for year 7 and beyond.
• Our next topic looks at rhythmic notation and creating interest in rhythm and texture.
• In Year 8 and beyond we use both keyboards and notation frequently for performing in a variety of styles.
• This topic introduces specific vocabulary to describe pitch and notation along with the beginnings of music theory used in all future music assessments that use listening and appraising.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
• This topic is assessed with a performance practical on the keyboard.
• It is also tested with a listening and appraising test covering the key vocabulary from this topic along with identifying notes on the score and on the keyboard.
• Please see the attached vocabulary and assessment sheet for more information.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
• Being able to perform with confidence and accuracy, using correct hand placement and all five fingers on your hand!
• Using the correct key terms to describe what a musical element is doing
• Please see the attached documents for more information.
What key words are there in this topic?
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
• Have a go at finding pieces of music you would like to play on the internet. If you search for the name of the piece and notation or score it will come up with these written down for you to play. (It is always worth typing in free pdf afterwards too!)
• Have a go at using the musical elements to describe music pieces you like to listen to. Try to use specific words to describe the melody.
• Find some pieces you would like to learn to play. Look up the name of the piece with the word ‘chords’ afterwards. Can you try to play these chords along to a recording or to accompany yourself. Use the formulas for working out major chords (starting note +4 +3) and minor chords (starting note + 3 + 4) to work out the notes you need to play these.
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
• Signing up for Duolingo music. This is free and can be used on any touchscreen device. This teaches notation reading, rhythming reading and keyboard skills, along with performing in time.
• Using the games on Music Tech Teacher to help with learning the notes on the keyboard and stave.
• Music Learning Community music games to practice your skills
• Theta Music
• Musictheory.net
• Teoria.com
• Tonesavvy.com
Supporting document/links:
Notation keywords and assessment document
Support sheet for KS3 books
