A set of knowledge organisers covering styles of music found in the 4 areas of study required for the AQA Music GCSE. Each is divided by the elements of music and uses colour, imagery, and accompanying icons to help identify the key features. This resource does not include knowledge organisers for the set works. These will follow as a seperate resource.

Updated for 2022 these colourful posters explain the elements of music with key words and images to support understanding. Each element is colour-coded and is represented in visual form by an icon. This support analysis of set works at key stage 4. Pupils are able to better differentiate between elements in discussion at key stage 3 when using this clear visual system.

A great resource to develop pupils' ability to read rhythmic notation. You can use these clocks as a starter, or to support other activities across any key stage. The clocks work well in any setting from whole class teaching to individual work. There are some ready made examples and templates for pupils to create their own.

A comprehensive resource to help prepare your pupils for the new Little Shop of Horrors GCSE set work. This resource includes a pupil workbook with a range of activities to engage your class with the set work. -Background information; -Set work analysis; -15 2-mark questions. -Five practice 8-mark questions. The accompanying teacher booklet provides: -Analysis of each set work; -A starting point for discussions around the main musical issues; -Sample answers for 2 mark questions; -Mark schemes for all 8 mark questions. A PowerPoint presentation is included and breaks down the content into 7 lessons, plus exam preparation. Recognising that every teacher will want to approach the analysis differently, this PowerPoint is easily editable. And information can be included from the teacher booklet where you feel this is appriopriate. Some teachers may also want to replace the empty analysis in the pupil booklet with the completed version found in the teacher version.

The traditional Christmas song presented in an easy to access format with melody, lyrics and chords. Perfect for keeping learning musical towards the end of term. Also great for cover lessons!

Differentiated performance sheets for Bells are Ringing and Jingle Bells. A tried and tested resource, popular with year 7 pupils. The resources aim to develop pupil’s ability to play melodies on the keyboard with increasingly complex accompaniments. These arrangements work well across the full range of abilities. Add a festive feel with the addition of sleigh bells and singing. Pupils can perform one piece or combine both in a ternary form performance. This resource can be used as a teaching scheme developing pupil’s technique on the keyboard, or as a one-off lesson. Bells are Ringing: 3 levels, piano music, ukulele chords and differentiated melodies in C, Eb and Bb. Jingle Bells: 3 differentiated levels for piano with ukulele chords.

A KS3 performance SoW focussing on 1950s Rock n Roll. Resource includes: - differentiated parts for Elvis Presley's 'Hound Dog'. - Feedback prompts - An assessment sheet. - SoW plan

A fun and engaging unit in which students work creatively to produce a radio advert for a product of their choice. Students develop an understanding of the structure of adverts and learn what makes a successful jingle and underscore. They draw on existing knowledge of performance on the keyboard to play existing jingles and compose their own. An understanding of chords is developed through analysis, performance and composition of underscores. Students can work with ICT to complete their project, although the unit can also be completed using live performance.

An updated practical introduction to the elements of music for GCSE Music students. This scheme of work introduces the key terminology through a variety of differentiated composition and listening activities. Rather than including seperate powerpoints all the slides are in one document as this scheme works best with a degree of flexibility. Usually, each element of music takes 2-3 hours to complete. The final composition task can be used to revisit previously studied elements as well as introduce any not specifically covered. The resource makes use of colour coded elements of music icons and images which can be found in this accompanying classroom display resource.

A comprehensive resource to help prepare your pupils for the new Paul Simon - Graceland GCSE set work. This resource includes a pupil workbook with a range of activities to engage your class with the set work. -Background information; -Set work analysis; -15 2-mark questions. -Four practice 8-mark questions. The accompanying teacher booklet provides: -Analysis of each set work; -Sample answers for 2 mark questions; -Mark schemes for all 8 mark questions. A PowerPoint presentation is included offering contextual information and suggested tasks. Recognising that every teacher will want to approach the analysis differently, all documents are easily editable. All booklets are pre-populated with the analysis. This can be removed from the pupil booklet if this suits your teaching style.

A resource to support the teaching of sea shanties. This one ‘soon may the Wellerman come’ has been made famous recently on tik tok by Nathan Evans. This resource includes the following parts transposed into A minor: Melody and chords for piano/keyboard/guitar Melody in C Melody in Bb Melody in Eb Plus a countermelody part for the verse for instruments in C, Bb and Eb.

A small set of sheets to develop an understanding of Musical Theatre. Includes: -a worksheet describing different types of songs used in musicals; -a listening sheet to be used with songs from musicals. Use it to build up a bank of information about different songs and musicals. -a musical theatre glossary.

An introduction to DJing and Dance Music. Pupils will learn basic DJing techniques using existing tracks. They then go on to create their own dance track which can be incorporated into their final DJ mix. This set of resources includes a medium term plan, PowerPoints, and worksheets for tracking pupils’ progress. You can use any dance tracks as examples, and will need a selection to build a library of songs for pupils to use. Mixxx DJing software is free to download; my pupils have enjoyed using it and found it straightforward. I use Cubase to create the Dance Tracks.

Four practice listening tests to support section A of the new GCSE paper. This set are based on Area of Study 2: Popular Music. In particular, they cover 'Rock Music', and 'Pop Music 1990-present'. Additional listenings on the other aspects of this area of study will follow soon!

A fully planned and resourced scheme of work designed to develop KS3 students' understanding of the elements of music through a series of composition activities. Pupils in KS3 really enjoy working on this project. Included resources include a medium term plan, individual lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, and worksheets. This scheme of work is divided into seven lessons (possible to do in 6) focussing on the following areas: -Tonality -Pitch -Tempo -Developing musical ideas and storytelling. The unit requires keyboards, although other instruments could be added.

A guide to playing Ukulele chords. Suitable for printing and displaying in practice rooms, or making into flashcards. I've included the template so you can create more chords if needed.

A great resource to encourage independent thinking and growth mindset. Particularly useful with KS4 composition lessons, these cards allow students to think about what to do next, without having to ask the teacher. I have them in a folder attached to a growth mindset wall. Students can come and help themselves to a card when they need a new idea. The idea is that you take the first card and try and incorporate that idea instead of looking through until you find something you want to include. Easy to make. Just print on coloured card so they look good and cut out.

A new resource to introduce Year 10 students to the Baroque period. This is a two lesson resource, although the activities could be expanded, if desired. Lesson 1 is an introduction to the stylistic features of Baroque music through ensemble performance and analysis. Lesson 2 covers content specifically for the new AQA GCSE specification. The lesson features a variety of listening exercises based on Handel's oratorios and coronation anthems.