Lesson 2: Playing 'Shosholoza'

Working in pairs, pupils learn the chords for the ‘Shosholoza’ song, using tuned percussion instruments such as glockenspiels, xylophones or steel pans.

Before the lesson

Classroom resources

Learning objective

  • To use tuned percussion to play a chord progression

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
  • 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

Success criteria

Cross-curricular links

Attention grabber

Main event

Differentiation

Pupils needing extra support: Can play just the first note of the chord. Use different coloured stickers on the notes: red for the A major chord, blue for the  D major chord and green for E major chord.  This will correspond with the colours on the Presentation: Playing ‘Shosholoza’ and the Activity: Playing ‘Shosholoza’.

Pupils working at greater depth: Can attempt to play all three notes together, using two beaters in one hand. This is a challenge but worth using for those who need stretching.

Wrapping up

Assessing pupils' progress and understanding

Vocabulary

Created by:
Laura Barr,  
Music specialist
In her 14 year teaching career, Laura assumed the role of Music Lead, and was Head of Music in a large secondary school. Laura has a passion for working with children with a disadvantaged background, either through deprivation or disability,…
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