P3 - D6

Interpret music with an understanding of the musical style, structure and idiom; communicate the character of the music and the intentions of the composer, making improvements to their work in the light of their knowledge about the music

Discuss interpretative ideas with learners as songs are being learned. Build on an intuitive response to the music.

Encourage learners to think about the nature of performance and how they can communicate musical ideas to others. Particular strategies may include:

  • listening to different interpretations of music being learnt and discussing the effects, e.g. by the teacher demonstrating and/or the use of recordings
  • analysing the structure of music being learnt and the implications for communicating this in performance
  • discussing mood, meaning and emotions
  • making links between technique and interpretation
  • emphasising expressive features

Interpretation is not a separate activity. Learners should be encouraged to make interpretative decisions in all their singing, even when learning the notes. Considerations of interpretation often inform the way passages are learnt, e.g. in relation to phrasing, articulation, tempo.