Important update!
This unit offers a preview of our enhanced Key stage 2 Music curriculum for 2026–2027.
Please note: some audio recordings are currently in draft form and will be updated before September 2026.
Explore the Music long-term plan for 2026–2027. More preview units coming soon!
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Recognise changes in dynamics, such as crescendo and diminuendo.
- Describe dynamics using simple musical vocabulary or everyday language.
- Use changes in dynamics to create a soundscape that represents a natural scene.
- Turn their own descriptive phrases into a rhythm.
- Use contrast in dynamics to show the difference between two cloud types.
- Compose music that includes a clear contrast in chords.
- Create and develop a simple melody.
- Create a melody inspired by the Northern Lights.
- Combine a melody and drone with appropriate chord choices.
Teacher video: Music in nature: chords and melodies unit overview
Lessons
Lesson 1: Exploring nature’s dynamics
Lesson 2: Cloud songs
Lesson 3: Creating contrast with chords
Lesson 4: Composing the forest
Lesson 5: Northern Lights
Key skills
Listening and evaluating
-
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Key knowledge
Listening and evaluating
To know:
- Composers
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Key vocabulary
chords (Y3)
crescendo
This content is for subscribers only. Join for access today.
Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser – Music Y5: Music in nature: Chords and melodies
Aimed at pupils, one page providing key facts and definitions from the unit ‘Music in nature: Chords and melodies’.
Vocabulary display – Music Y5: Music in nature: chords and melodies
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Music in nature: chords and melodies'.
Cross-curricular opportunities
English: Spoken language.