Lesson 2: Interlocking patterns

Becoming more familiar with minimalist music, the children learn about composer Philip Glass and begin learning to sing and play part one of the piece 'Interlocking patterns'.

Learning objective

  • To play a minimalist melody in two parts from staff notation

National curriculum

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression
  • Listen with attention to detail and recall sounds with increasing aural memory
  • Use and understand staff and other musical notations
  • Appreciate and understand a wide range of high-quality live and recorded music drawn from different traditions and from great composers and musicians
  • Develop an understanding of the history of music

Success criteria

Cross-curricular links

Before the lesson

Download and print classroom resources

Attention grabber

Main event

Differentiation

Pupils needing extra support: These pupils can work from the Sheet music: Interlocking patterns (voices 1 and 2), as the lyrics will help them to keep track of where they are. They can also write the letter names over the top of the notes if necessary. 

 

Pupils working at greater depth: These pupils could work in a pair to try and create their own independent performance with one player on each part. 

If you have children in your class who have instrumental lessons on another instrument, there are various options for you to make useful connections between their extra-curricular and curriculum learning. 

If they play a melody instrument, you can give them the Sheet music: Interlocking patterns (lead part – concert pitch and B flat pitch) to take along to their instrumental lesson and learn with their teacher. We have provided two versions, one at concert pitch (most instruments) and one for B flat instruments (some brass and woodwind instruments). 

If they play a chord instrument (such as the guitar), we have provided the Sheet music: Interlocking patterns (piano/chords)  to take along to their instrumental lesson and learn with their teacher. 

(The instrumental teacher will appreciate access to the Music: Interlocking patterns – guide track as well).

Wrapping up

Assessing pupils' understanding and progress

Vocabulary

Created by:
Elizabeth Stafford,  
Music specialist
After a brief spell as an opera singer, Liz embarked on a 20-year career in music education, teaching at early years, primary and secondary. After Liz had her daughter, she started her own business Music Education Solutions® Limited, helping teachers…
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