P5 - D3

Play a range of pieces from different styles and periods that are technically and musically advanced

Continue the holistic approach to learning new pieces by:

  • enabling learners to research background knowledge of style, period, etc.
  • discussing the structure, harmonic language, etc.
  • ensuring that technical skills are applied to the musical context
  • devising related listening exercises that support the learning and memorisation of key features of the music
  • enriching learners’ understanding by structuring improvisations based on ideas from the pieces being learnt
  • providing opportunities for self- and peer-evaluation, using criteria that have been devised by learners themselves

Many genres of music are traditionally learnt exclusively by ear. Where it would support learning, you may wish to create notation systems that are appropriate to your teaching context, e.g. word rhythms, symbols, numbers, or vocal sounds. However, this may not be necessary or desirable for all musics. Music passed on orally/aurally naturally evolves as it spreads and being fixed in notation can hinder this.

Continue to encourage learners to learn pieces away from the instrument in order to consider the overall character, the shape of phrases, subtleties of tempo, etc.

Continue to suggest appropriate practising strategies.

Explore the progression of this Learning Objective