Key Stage 3 Music - Reggae Lesson 1
Learning Objectives
- Be able to recognise characteristics of Reggae music
- Describe how it is different from other pop music we have studied
- Secure our understanding of Reggae characteristics through practical tasks
What do you think of when you hear the word...
Reggae?
Listen to this song...
What makes it different from regular pop songs?
Be prepared to share your answer.
Where does Reggae come from?
Class Song - Three Little Birds
Verse:
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Each by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Saying', ("This is my message to you")Chorus:
Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright.
Singing' "Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright!"Verse
Chorus
Performing Reggae
When performing reggae, the most important thing to remember is that the chords play on the offbeat. This is also known as a “skank” rhythm in Reggae.
You need to count:
1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4/1,2,3,4 etc. When you are playing a Reggae song
You will play your chords on numbers 2 & 4.
Performing Task 1
In pairs, learn the following chords:
A major, D major and E major
Practise playing a Reggae rhythm, remembering to play the chords on 2&4.
Your partner may need to count along with you to help
A = A C# E D = D F# A E = E G# B
Think….how can you make it easier to change between the chords?
Performance Task 2
- As a class band, we are going to play through “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
- Follow the instructions on the sheet to help you with the chords
- Fancy a challenge? Check out the extra tasks on the sheet OR swap to another instrument.
- We will then do a class performance of this song, which will be filmed on the iPad.
Plenary Talk
