Year 7 Keyboard Skills – Full Scheme of Work (Lessons 1- 8) | Pitch, Rhythm, Melody & Composition

A complete 8-lesson scheme introducing Year 7 students to rhythm, pitch, and melody through engaging keyboard-based activities. Includes ready-to-teach PowerPoints, practical tasks, knowledge checks, and composition guidance.

This eight-lesson sequence introduces students to the foundations of performance and composition using the keyboard. Designed to build confidence, technique, and creativity, students explore how rhythm and pitch combine to form melody before developing control, reading notation, and composing short motifs and full melodies inspired by poetry.

Each lesson follows a consistent Rosenshine-inspired structure with retrieval-style “Do Now” tasks, scaffolded knowledge checks, and incremental practice opportunities. The scheme aligns with Ofsted’s “3 I’s” framework (Intent, Implementation, Impact) and supports the Model Music Curriculum’s focus on aural skills, notation, and creative response.

What’s Included

8 ready-to-teach PowerPoints:

1 - Rhythm and Pitch = Melody – Understanding how rhythm and pitch combine to create melody.

2 - Technique and Control – Finger numbers, note control, and one-handed playing.

3 - Pitches on a Stave – Reading notation using “FACE in the space” and “Evil Grannies Bash Down Fences.”

4 - Playing with Two Hands – Introducing left-hand root notes and two-hand coordination.

5 - Sharps and Flats – Understanding accidentals and constructing major scales.

6 - Major to Minor – Exploring tonal contrast and emotional effect.

7 - Composing Melodies – Using scales to write original motifs.

8 - Composing Melodies 2 – Developing melodic phrases using poems and lyrics

Also includes:

• Practical keyboard tasks
• “Turn and Talk” discussion prompts
• Knowledge checks and reflection activities
• Built-in retrieval practice
• Extension and challenge opportunities

Curriculum Links

• KS3 National Curriculum: Performing, Composing, Listening & Appraising
• Model Music Curriculum: Year 7 strand (notation, scales, melody writing)

Why Teachers Will Love It

• Zero prep: ready-to-teach slides for each lesson
• Clear visual layout ideal for modelling on screen or board
• Integrates theory and practice naturally
• Encourages literacy through poetry and creative composition
• Structured progression that’s perfect for non-specialists or new teachers

Who It’s For

• KS3 Music (Year 7)
• Ideal for class teachers, music specialists, or cover staff
• Works with keyboards or digital pianos