Topic 3 Year 8 Music

Music
Topic		4 Chord Wonder
No of lessons		6-7
When is it happening		Term 3 Year 8
What will students learn		Learners should build upon their instrumental skills within an ensemble setting and learn to develop different techniques on a range of instruments. Learners will develop their awareness of the diom of the 4 chord song. Learners will learn that the majority of pop songs use the same four chords. Learners will learn to identify chords in different keys using the I, IV, V, vi model. They will learn about chord inversions and power chords and include these in their performances. Students will have an opportunity to compose their own 4 chord song using a variety of techniques to help them exploit this, such as repetitive, rhythmic and melodic devices. They should make the connections between the earlier styles of music we have studied and the 4 chord song and understand how they have influenced popular music of today. Learners should also be able to perform longer pieces of music using memory to assist them and really focus on the accuracy of pitch and timing. They should recognise how to identify the number of chords in a song and how they are manipulated within a popular music structure. Learners are able to compare different sub genres within pop music and how they use the four chords differently.
Key Knowledge that students should know at the end of 'Topic'	This is the knowledge that students will meet for the first time in this topic	How popular music is mostly restricted to 4 chord songs and why this happens. The connection between formulaic music and the music industry. The use of 4 chords in different keys and the Roman number system used in traditional classical music to determine the chords. The use of inversions, root notes and the manipulation of chords into broken chords, arpeggios and Alberti bass. The understanding of the connection between the primary chords of Blues and Caribbean music and how they have influenced the modern pop song of today. Students will understand the formulaic nature of pop music and why it is used in the music industry.
	This is knowledge that students may have met before but will need to deepen their understanding	Understanding of the use of primary chords in Blues and Caribbean music and the influence on pop music. Their understanding of how to form chords and use them as accompaniment. The use of African rhythms in popular music as seen in Samba, Blues and Caribbean music. The understanding of instrumentation in other genres which influences popular music. The ability to deconstruct and describe music accurately using keywords. The understanding of how sounds are layered to create certain effects in music.
Key Skills that students should be able to demonstrate at the end of 'Topic'	This is the skills that students will meet for the first time in this topic	Being able to recognise a 4 chord song. Being able to work with a range of keys and understand the roman numerical system of labelling chords as I, IV, V and iv. Understanding major and minor chords: how they are used and the difference between them. Being able to exploit the 4 chord system to be able to create their own compositions. How to use inversions and root notes to create other parts. How to form arpeggios and broken chord patterns.
	This is skills that students may have met before but will need to develop	How to develop the use of chords in a more complex manner. How to use chords in different keys. How to extend listening skills to be able to recognise formulae in the music industry. How to develop their technique on various instruments when recreating 4 chord songs or creating their own.
Key vocabulary that students should know and understand		Four chord song, Key, Scale, Roman Number system, Major, Minor, Inversion, Broken Chords, Arpeggio, Passing note Chords, Bass, Rhythm, Structure, Sequence,
The Big Question		What is a 4 chord song? Why is it used?
Key questions that students should be able to answer at the end of the 'Topic'		What is a 4 chord song?
		Which four chords?
		What key am I in?
		What are inversions?
		How can we make chords more interesting?
		How can I make my own 4 chord song?
		How can I develop my own 4 chord song?