Learning objective
- To identify and describe the key features of minimalist music.
Success criteria
- I can listen carefully and
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National curriculum
Music
Pupils should be taught to:
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Cross-curricular links
None.
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Before starting this unit, check that the children can recall: The meaning of basic musical elements (e.g. pulse, rhythm, pitch, tempo, dynamics and texture). What it means when we talk about repeating patterns in music. Things they might notice when listening to music (e.g. the music getting louder or quieter, or new sounds joining in).
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
May benefit from listening to the two minimalist pieces before the lesson to start thinking about their features; could benefit from having the keywords: ostinato, layers, harmony and interlocking patterns visible to support their responses during the lesson.
Pupils working at greater depth
Could be encouraged to give detailed answers when explaining musical features previously studied (e.g. ostinato, harmony); may be able to describe other music genres in which these features appear.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: naming the key features
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Vocabulary definitions
-
harmony
More than one note that sound at the same time, and usually sound good played together.
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interlocking phrase
A musical phrase or pattern that overlaps.
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Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 24th July, 2025
