Tonic Solfa Notation Music JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

MUSIC LESSON PLAN

Subject: Music
Class: JSS 2 / Basic 8
Term: First Term
Week: Week 1
Age: 12-13 years
Topic: Tonic Solfa Notation
Sub-topic: Accidentals in Solfa Notation
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define tonic solfa notation in music.
2. Explain the meaning of accidentals in solfa notation.
3. Describe the concept of modulation with accidentals in tonic solfa.

Keywords: Tonic Solfa, Accidentals, Modulation, Sharp, Flat, Natural

Set Induction:
Start by playing a short piece of music using the tonic solfa system (do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti). Engage the students by asking them to identify any changes or variations in the notes they hear.

Entry Behavior:
The students have prior knowledge of the elements of design in music from their previous classes, which will help them understand the structure and patterns in tonic solfa notation.

Learning Resources:

• Musical instruments (keyboard, recorder)
• Tonic solfa chart
• Audio samples of music pieces

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Discuss the elements of design in music they learned previously, such as rhythm and melody, and how these elements are represented in tonic solfa notation.

Core Skills:

• Critical thinking and analysis
• Listening and auditory discrimination
• Pattern recognition

Reference Books:

• “Introduction to Music Theory” by John M. Thompson
• “Music for Junior Secondary Schools” by Ugo C. Akpuda

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Tonic solfa notation charts
• Keyboard or any melodic instrument

Content:

1. Tonic Solfa Notation:
   • Tonic solfa is a system of notation that uses syllables (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti) to represent the seven pitches of the scale.
   • It is used in teaching sight-singing and in vocal music.
2. Accidentals in Solfa Notation:
   • Accidentals are symbols that alter the pitch of a note. In solfa, they can be represented by raising (sharp) or lowering (flat) a note.
   • A sharp (#) raises a note by a semitone, while a flat (b) lowers it by a semitone.
   • Naturals are used to cancel out a previous accidental and return the note to its original pitch.
3. Modulation with Accidentals:
   • Modulation involves changing from one key to another within a piece of music.
   • Accidentals play a crucial role in modulation, allowing for smooth transitions between keys.

Examples:

• Do -> Di (sharp do) or Ra (flat re)
• Sol -> Si (sharp sol) or Fa (flat fa)

Presentation:

• Step 1: Revising Previous Topic
  • Briefly review the elements of design in music, emphasizing the role of melody and rhythm in creating musical structure.
• Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
  • Introduce tonic solfa notation, explaining its importance in music and how it is used in singing and playing instruments.
• Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute
  • Ask students to sing a simple melody using the tonic solfa and then introduce accidentals, showing how they affect the melody.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Demonstrate how to read and sing a simple melody using tonic solfa notation.
2. Explain the concept of accidentals and their symbols in music.
3. Guide students through examples of modulation using accidentals.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Practice singing a melody using tonic solfa notation.
2. Identify accidentals in a given musical piece.
3. Participate in a group activity where they apply modulation using accidentals.

Assessment:

1. Define tonic solfa notation.
2. What are accidentals, and how do they function in music?
3. Explain how modulation is achieved using accidentals.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What does tonic solfa notation represent?
2. Describe the effect of a sharp on a note.
3. How does a flat affect a note in solfa notation?
4. What is the purpose of a natural symbol in music?
5. Explain how modulation can change the key of a song.
6. Identify the accidental in the solfa notation: mi -> me.
7. Give an example of a melody that uses a sharp note.
8. What is the importance of accidentals in music?
9. How do accidentals help in modulation?
10. Sing a simple melody that includes both sharp and flat notes.

Conclusion:
Conclude the lesson by summarizing the key points discussed, emphasizing the role of tonic solfa notation and accidentals in music. Assign a short exercise where students write and sing a melody using tonic solfa with accidentals.