Quality of sound
- Set up and tune the instruments (if appropriate, e.g. timpani, surdos) with support, developing an understanding of the reason behind tuning
- Play with more control of the position where the sticks or hands strike the instrument, developing some ability to adjust and effect change
- Develop awareness of the range of mallets, sticks, beaters and brushes available
- Play with a controlled sound at several dynamic levels
Ask learners to play familiar exercises from memory or by ear, observing where the sticks or hands strike the instrument.
Maintaining an even sound when moving between drums/notes often needs special attention.
With instruments such as congas and surdos, demonstrate to learners the effect that tuning has on voicing.
On the djembe, continue to develop the bass and tone sounds and introduce slap if appropriate.
Use copycat/call-and-response games, concentrating on where the sticks or hands strike the instrument.
Ask learners to play short phrases at specified levels, e.g. first phrase quiet, second phrase fairly loud, third phrase loud, adjusting the stick or hand height accordingly.
Ensure that excessive force is not used when playing loudly.
When playing with hands, be aware of stamina and include opportunities to rest to avoid discomfort.
Encourage learners to discover and develop ways of making a crescendo and diminuendo, e.g. on the snare drum, by moving the sticks further away from the body (towards 12 o’clock) to produce a softer sound.
Ask learners to play simple, well-known rhythms/tunes from memory, using different dynamics, e.g. a rock beat/folk-tune.
Ask learners to listen to and evaluate the tone quality produced by the teacher, other learners and themselves, analysing how improvements may be made.
Help learners to make audio recordings of their playing as a tool for evaluating their sound, using an audio recording app.
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