P5 - D3

Play a range of pieces from different styles and periods that are technically and musically advanced

Continue the holistic approach to learning new pieces by:

  • enabling learners to research background knowledge of style, period, etc.
  • discussing the structure, rhythmic language, etc.
  • ensuring that technical skills are applied to the musical context
  • devising related listening exercises that support the learning and memorisation of key features of the music
  • encouraging learners to explore alternative ways of interpreting pieces, taking into account their knowledge of genre and period, e.g. approaches to style, phrasing and tone quality, etc.
  • enriching learners’ understanding by structuring improvisations based on ideas from the pieces being learnt
  • providing opportunities for self- and peer-evaluation, using criteria that have been devised by learners themselves

While Tabla playing is learnt exclusively by ear in traditional settings, notation systems have been developed which can be used to support learning if the teacher feels this is beneficial. Using notation can make teaching more inclusive, helping those who are not familiar with Indian classical music to learn the time cycles and understand how the music is structured.

Continue to encourage learners to learn pieces away from the instrument in order to consider the overall character, the shape of phrases, subtleties of tempo, etc.

Continue to suggest appropriate practising strategies.

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