This Music video introduces teachers to the first lesson of the Key stage 2 instrumental scheme, which begins with the music of South Africa. The lesson sets out the essential foundations for both reading staff notation and learning tuned percussion technique, while also encouraging pupils to recognise that Western staff notation is just one of many valid ways of writing music. Alongside a staff notation quiz to establish core knowledge, teachers are given the chance to support small groups in refining their percussion technique, ensuring pupils are set up for success in later lessons.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Music scheme – notes. It introduces staff notation in context, links back to prior learning from Key stage 1, and broadens children’s awareness of different global music traditions. The lesson ends with listening examples of South African jazz, Afro pop, and traditional Zulu folk music, helping pupils challenge common misconceptions and develop their listening skills ahead of performing a harmonic ostinato in the next lesson.

Music, KS2 Whole-class instrumental lessons, Instrumental lessons, Unit 1: South Africa (Instrumental lessons), Lesson 1: Introduction to staff notation