Repeat short, easy rhythmic and melodic phrases by playing back from memory

Play a simple piece and ask learners to clap back the rhythm and/or to recall the melody by humming or singing it. At this stage, melodies can include simple leaps, e.g. the notes of a tonic triad, but aim to keep the overall range within an octave.

Engage learners in more extended ‘copycat’ exercises, i.e. more notes, longer phrases, greater expressive detail, e.g. play a three-bar groove and a one-bar fill and ask learners to copy.