This Music video introduces teachers to the work of minimalist composer Philip Glass and shows how his style connects with the tuned percussion piece in this unit. Pupils explore links between minimalism, Gamelan, and Bollywood film music, recognising features such as ostinato, layered textures, and simple harmonies. Listening tasks and guided discussions help children identify these elements and compare Glass’s music with other traditions they have studied.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Music scheme – notes. It supports teachers as they guide pupils through transferring a repetitive vocal pattern, inspired by Philip Glass, onto tuned percussion instruments. With clear modelling, use of the combined score, and opportunities for singing and playing, the lesson builds pupils’ confidence in handling overlapping patterns while deepening their understanding of minimalism in context.

Music, KS2 Whole-class instrumental lessons, Instrumental lessons, Unit 6: North America (Instrumental lessons), Lesson 2: Interlocking patterns