Lesson 1: History of the Blues

After learning the origins of the Blues and identifying some features of this genre, children sing a Blues-style song.

Learning objective

  • To know some features of Blues music

National curriculum

Pupils should be taught to:

  • Develop an understanding of the history of music
  • Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression
  • Learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others

Success criteria

Cross-curricular links

Before the lesson

Classroom resources

Attention grabber

Main event

Differentiation

Pupils needing extra support: Give a copy of the Activity: Moanin’ Lisa Blues lyrics to use as they sing the song – this has the words highlighted where the notes are ‘bent’.

 

Pupils working at greater depth: Should be encouraged to sing solo and sing bent notes (the words which go slightly up in pitch at the end – the lyrics which do this are: day, zoo, eighteen, rest, town, be, lose).

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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