The image of music

How do you get young children to understand musical directions during a lesson about composing and performing? Ibuzzybea has shared her own “musical language”, which covers the most common musical terms through a mix of photo cards, clip art and symbols.

What is it?

Instructions are shown in a clear, colourful and logical style. Printed out as prompt cards, they can be used to conduct pupils performing on a variety of instruments as they describe the style of playing in terms of dynamics, pitch and tempo. The cards will not only make music more accessible to young pupils, but will also help to develop literacy skills.

Who is it for?

Key stage 1 or SEN pupils.

What else?

Use Ibuzzybea’s accompanying resource showing photo cards of common school instruments as a guide to choose what to play or discuss. Which instruments would be good to make a strong beat, play different notes or express particular emotions?