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.
Scheme of work
Key Question
What pedagogic strategies are there for creative learning in music?
Aims of this project/scheme?
- Developing creative and dynamic collaborations.
- Explore new approaches to composing that encourages the development of meaning for a diverse range of learners and abilities.
- Compose and develop knowledge through musical voice.
- Learners to begin to work as musicians.
Key outcomes
- Learners begin to think and act like composers and performers.
- Learners develop their creative thinking and learning processes through; questioning and challenging, making connections, exploring ideas and reflecting critically on ideas, actions, and outcomes.
- Learners will begin to think and act as leaders.
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Lesson 1
To create multi-layered textures.
To develop listening and collective awareness.
To develop creative leadership skills.
Topic and Purpose
To explore creative processes leading to idea generation
Objective
To introduce learners to the idea of building compositions by adding layers.
Engagement
Learners will work collaboratively in groups, sharing and appraising ideas.
Group discussion and decision making processes will be important for engagement within the lesson.
Stick-ability
This builds skills of leading and following within an ensemble. It also encourages creative processes such as play and idea generation.
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Lesson 2
To create multi-layered textures.
To develop listening and a collective awareness.
To develop creative leadership skills.
Topic and Purpose
Understanding layers and developing creative ideas.
Objective
To develop learners’ understanding of layers in composition and to introduce them to the idea of artistic leadership.
Engagement
Group and class discussions will aid reflection on ensemble leadership, things that are good about the pieces being created and
how things could be improved.
Stick-ability
This lesson builds skills of leading and following. It also encourages collaboration through working in an ensemble where each learner is offered time to develop ideas and play.
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Lesson 3
To develop skills and ideas like a composer and direct collaborative pieces like an artistic director.
Topic and Purpose
The development of creative learning processes.
Objective
To introduce the process of artistically directed composition.
Engagement
This is a way to get the group focused, committed, and communicative. One of the key aims is to develop group awareness and ability to focus on whole group development.
Stick-ability
Learners will develop the ability to listen to and take account of different views. They form collaborative relationships, resolving issues to reach agreed outcomes.
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Lesson 4
To develop an understanding of music in terms of layers of material.
To develop as composers as artistic directors.
Topic and Purpose
Developing creative and dynamic collaborations.
Objective
To develop personal artistic direction processes, working like a composer and director.
Engagement
Learners begin to think and act like composers and performers.
Stick-ability
Continue to develop a range of creative thinking and learning processes that will enable learners to compose both within a group and individually.
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Lesson 5
To refine and develop compositions and performances.
To develop artistic leadership in pupils.
Topic and Purpose
To work as composers and
artistic directors.
Objective
To refine and develop compositions through reflection and critical appraisal.
Engagement
The learners will be able to work both individually and collaboratively.
Stick-ability
The development of leadership and team working skills by taking responsibility, showing confidence in their ideas and their contribution to others’ work.
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Lesson 6
To rehearse and perform the compositions.
Topic and Purpose
The development and realisation of creative learning processes for the development of a composition.
Objective
To conclude the scheme of work with a composed piece which will be performed.
Engagement
The learners will perform their composed pieces realising their creative ideas.
Stick-ability
Learners will develop creative approaches to composition either leading to or enabling future original work.
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