Tag Archives: composition

5/100 Easy Peasy Composition (and evaluation)

Posted on January 24, 2016 by

I’m teaching composition to primary classes from Reception to Year 6 (and even a one-off inset session for Primary School Teachers) this term. Here’s how I’m going about it. First, I’ve explored dynamics (loud and soft, and changing between them) with the class. … Continue reading →

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Issue 127: Samba compositions

Posted on April 18, 2014 by

I’ve been giving some thought on how to add a composition element to the Wider Opportunities samba classes I have been teaching. I’ve just six more sessions for one class, before we do a final “end-of-year” presentation. I am planning … Continue reading →

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Issue 104: Sambalele (is a monkey)

Posted on September 22, 2013 by

This is a neat little song about a monkey. I’ve come across it in a number of different versions, all with roughly the same tune, but with varied lyrics and slightly altered rhythms. This is the version that I am … Continue reading →

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Issue 95: Ah, could you take year 5 and 6 for music now?

Posted on July 13, 2013 by

So I had the luxury of ten minutes to plan an unexpected 45 minute lesson for year 5/6 No plans? no problem. I took the crate of boomwhackers (I LOVE boomwhackers – sad, but true) and we were off. I chose the … Continue reading →

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Issue 81: Rainy Day Song

Posted on March 17, 2013 by

I found a great little song on this blog: http://www.meyersmusicactivities.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/this-elementary-choral-arrangements-for.html   Don’t just stop here – go to the blog and discover the dance/game, sung ostinato, and composition activities in the original post. Brilliant! Guess what I’m going to be doing all … Continue reading →

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Issue 59: Composing simple “So-Mi” songs

Posted on October 5, 2012 by

I was delighted at how quickly the children were able to understand the concept of a simple notation for writing songs based on the two notes “soh” and “mi”, as used in the “Star Light” song. Having learned to sing … Continue reading →

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Issue 52: BBC Television – Wildlife Videos

Posted on August 18, 2012 by

The BBC website has a page where you can find all sorts of nature video clips here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/naturescalendar/autumn/video/index.shtml As a starting point for composition activities they look to be brilliant. I have watched a couple of them, and they would … Continue reading →

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Issue 46: Olympic Bid Film

Posted on July 6, 2012 by

A 3’30” film that formed part of Britain’s bid for the Olympics back in 2005 can be found here; http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4661209.stm It features young children watching sport, taking part, and dreaming about a future as an athlete. The background music reflects … Continue reading →

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