Blues

This unit explores the style, culture and origins of the blues. The children listen to a wide range of examples of blues music. They practise and perform in a blues style, learn to use and play chords and improvise using a pentatonic scale. The unit culminates in the children composing and performing their own class blues song including chords, singing and improvisation. If children are learning instruments outside the classroom, they can easily be incorporated into the class work. Links to history and literacy abound, and it is a perfect unit to use as a transition to year 7.

Main Focus:	Singing, instrumental playing, improvisation
Prior Learning Required:	Singing in a group, ability to repeat simple rhythmic patterns, with a sense of pulse.
Age Range:	Key Stage 2 (Year 4 upwards)
Length:	Minimum 8 Lessons
Teacher Guidance:	Yes
Lesson Plans:	Yes
Activities:	Singing, rhythm games, instrumental techniques, improvisation, ensemble rehearsal and performing, composition, appraisal
Resource Types:	Videos, animated audio backing tracks, multimedia presentations.