ListenImagineCompose

Schemes of work and lesson plans

These schemes of work are based on the original Listen Imagine Compose action research projects. Each scheme of work was created by a composer working with a teacher and one class of pupils.

In some projects, the sessions were longer than a typical lesson, so you may wish to deliver activities from one lesson over several school sessions.

Whilst each scheme of work examines a different research question, they all include ideas for composing at KS3 and KS4 including starting points, ideas for development, working as groups, making the transition from working in groups to working as individuals, relevant repertoire for additional listening.... they are a real treasure trove!

Each scheme of work comprises an overview document, a lesson plan for each lesson (usually 6 in total), evaluation questions for each lesson and (where available) additional resources and worksheets. They have all been set out using the same format and their key aims and outcomes can be previewed.

You are welcome to adapt and amend the ideas to suit your own settings, and to use resource sheets as handouts. Where documents are provided as Word documents, you may edit and adapt them for your own use.

It is possible to view and download documents individually or to download the whole scheme of work package as a zip file.

Scheme of Work 1

Strategies for creative learning

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Scheme of Work 2

Constructive feedback

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Scheme of Work 3

Using listening and reflection in the creative process

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Scheme of Work 4

Making music relevent

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Scheme of Work 5

Expert composers and performers

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Scheme of Work 6

Technology as a creative tool

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Scheme of Work 1

Strategies for creative learning

This scheme of work explores how learners can become musical directors of ensembles formed of their peers in order to create their own music. Activities include: working creatively in groups and in pairs, creating loop-based compositions, taking on a musical director's role within a group. The scheme of work was originally created for pupils in Year 10. The scheme of work was created by composer Tim Steiner with teacher Bex Lewis at Parkside Federation, Cambridge.

Included in this pack:

Scheme of Work 2

Constructive feedback

This scheme of work explores how learners' work can be evaluated in a way that gives constructive feedback and encourages peer review. Compositional activities entail using note rows generated through magic squares as a starting point for group compositions, improvisation as a group and working as an ensemble. The scheme of work was originally created for pupils in Year 10 working towards BTEC Music. The scheme of work was created by composer Jackie Walduck working with teacher Jenetta Hurst at Hamstead Hall School, Birmingham.

Included in this pack:

Scheme of Work 3

Using listening and reflection in the creative process

This scheme of work explores how listening - both to musical starting points and to learners’ work in progress - can contribute to the creative process. Compositional activities include using musical and visual starting points, and group composition. The scheme of work was originally created for pupils in Year 10. The scheme of work was created by composer Kerry Andrew with teacher Paul Jones at St Marylebone School, London

Included in this pack:

Scheme of Work 4

Making music relevent

This scheme of work explores how learners can become engaged with a piece of unfamiliar repertoire through working with its “elements” to create group compositions. The scheme of work was originally created for pupils in Year 9 who have opted for GCSE Music. The scheme of work was created by composer Fraser Trainer with teacher Lizzie Hastings from Sir John Lawes School, Harpenden.

Included in this pack:

Scheme of Work 5

Expert composers and performers

This scheme of work explores how an expert performer - in this case a professional saxophonist, but could be the music teacher, a peripatetic teacher or an advanced pupil - can be used in the classroom as a stimulus for learners to create individual pieces for them. It also gives food for thought on teachers’ questioning styles. The scheme of work was originally created for pupils in Year 10. The scheme of work was created by composer David Horne with teacher Nick Heppel at King Edward VI School, Birmingham.

Included in this pack:

Scheme of Work 6

Technology as a creative tool

This scheme of work explores the use of technology - often free or home-made – as a creative tool which influences the character and nature of the resulting music. In the activities, learners work with the theme of “Endless Journeys” as a stimulus to work alone or in small groups to create music using the technology, which can be integrated with traditional acoustic instruments. The unusual nature of some of the technology encourages learners to consider what music is and the importance of context in its creation. The scheme of work was originally created for pupils from years 7 – 11 who had been identified as being “Gifted and Talented”. The scheme of work was created by composer Duncan Chapman with teacher Phil Kennedy at Fallibroome Academy, Macclesfield.