KS3 · Music · Year 9
Performing three independent parts
Year 9 song guides
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/9
Your learning goal
I can sing a song with three independent parts and use emphasis and dynamics to add musical shape.
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Performing three independent parts: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can sing a song with three independent parts and use emphasis and dynamics to add musical shape.
Key learning points
- Singing in thirds is a common and effective way of harmonising a melodic line.
- Appropriate use of dynamics and emphasis within the phrase can add shape to a melody.
- Singing a piece through changing textures.
- Singing a melody with an extended range and more complex phrases for breathing.
Words to know
- ostinato
- a repeated pattern
- third
- an interval of three notes. When both notes are performed together, the harmony would be described as ‘3rds’
- breath control
- managing airflow to sustain the phrases. This starts with taking a good singing breath
Common mistakes
When pupils take a big breath, they raise their shoulders.
A singing breath is from the diaphragm; the upper body and shoulders should remain relaxed.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Listen to different versions of the song to show the impact of the distinctive ostinato. Teach all parts to everyone and split into groups as necessary for rehearsing the parts together or assembling the song. Part 3 in the verse/bridge can be omitted, as can harmony part 2.