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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
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Key knowledge
Listening and evaluating
To know:
- Composers
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Key vocabulary
chords (Y3)
crescendo
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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.
