Characteristic 3: The lesson is a musical experience
The third characteristic of a musical music lesson is that it is full of musical experience: the entire lesson, from the opening seconds (where music might be being played as the young people enter the classroom) to the moment they leave should be a musical experience. Musical experiences will, of course, include opportunities to perform, compose and listen, but also to discuss music and to express informed views about it. A good test is to ask oneself whether the activities that are planned for a lesson would be recognised as musical outside the school. If the answer is no, then there are probably better ways.
Activity 13
Allow about 30 minutes
Watch the video from a whole class instrumental lesson with a key stage 2 class. Note how the lesson begins with music that continues into the first activity with the children. Very little is said.
Return to your lesson plan and think how you can begin the lesson with music and musical experience. Have at the forefront of your mind how this music will motivate and enthuse the young people and link to the main focus of the lesson.
Return to your lesson plan and amend it accordingly.
OpenLearn - Teaching secondary music
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