Music JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 6

Subject: Music

Class: JSS 1

Term: Second Term

Week: 6

Age: 10–12 years

Topic: Accidental Signs

Sub-topic: Types and Uses of Accidental Signs

Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define accidental signs in music notation.
2. Identify and describe the different types of accidental signs.
3. Explain the effects of accidental signs on musical notes.
4. Demonstrate how to use accidentals in a musical staff.
5. Differentiate between sharp, flat, and natural signs.

Keywords

• Accidental Signs
• Sharp (♯)
• Flat (♭)
• Natural (♮)
• Music Notation

Set Induction

The teacher will play two versions of the same melody—one with accidentals and one without. Students will be asked to listen and describe the difference in sound.

Entry Behavior

Students have learned about musical notes, bar lines, and ledger lines. This lesson introduces accidental signs, which modify musical notes.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Staff notation chart
• Flashcards with sharp, flat, and natural signs
• Keyboard or musical instrument to demonstrate accidentals
• Manuscript paper for practical exercises

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have been introduced to musical notes and notation. Understanding accidental signs will help them read and interpret musical scores accurately.

Embedded Core Skills

• Observation Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Creativity

Lesson Content

1. Definition of Accidental Signs

• Accidental signs are symbols placed before a note to alter its pitch.
• They raise or lower the note by a semitone (half-step).

2. Types of Accidental Signs

a) Sharp (♯) Sign

• The sharp sign (♯) raises the pitch of a note by one semitone (half step).
• Example: C → C♯ (C-sharp), F → F♯ (F-sharp).

b) Flat (♭) Sign

• The flat sign (♭) lowers the pitch of a note by one semitone (half step).
• Example: B → B♭ (B-flat), E → E♭ (E-flat).

c) Natural (♮) Sign

• The natural sign (♮) cancels a previous sharp or flat, returning the note to its original pitch.
• Example: If a note was F♯, adding a natural sign (F♮) will return it to F.

3. Effects of Accidental Signs

• Accidentals change the pitch of a note within a measure.
• Once applied, the accidental remains in effect for the entire bar (measure) but does not carry over to the next measure.

4. Examples of Accidentals on the Staff

5. Rules for Using Accidental Signs

1. Accidental signs apply only to the note within the same measure.
2. If the same note appears again in the measure, it remains altered.
3. Accidentals are canceled by a bar line unless repeated.
4. A natural sign (♮) cancels a previous accidental.

Evaluation

Answer the following questions:

1. What is an accidental sign in music?
   a) A time signature
   b) A symbol that alters the pitch of a note
   c) A bar line
   d) A note duration

2. The sharp sign (♯) does what to a note?
   a) Lowers it by one semitone
   b) Raises it by one semitone
   c) Removes a note
   d) Doubles the note

3. The flat sign (♭) does what to a note?
   a) Raises it by one semitone
   b) Lowers it by one semitone
   c) Cancels the note
   d) Makes the note silent

4. What does the natural sign (♮) do?
   a) Lowers a note
   b) Raises a note
   c) Returns the note to its original pitch
   d) Extends the note duration

5. If a note is written as F♯, what happens when a natural sign (♮) is placed before it?
   a) It becomes F♯♯
   b) It becomes F♮
   c) It remains F♯
   d) It moves to G♯

6. How long does an accidental affect a note?
   a) Until the end of the piece
   b) Until the note is played again
   c) Until the end of the measure
   d) Only for one beat

7. What is another name for a half-step in music?
   a) Whole note
   b) Semitone
   c) Clef
   d) Bar line

8. If a note was D♭, what would it be if a natural sign (♮) is added?
   a) D♯
   b) D♭♭
   c) D
   d) C

9. What does a double sharp (×) do?
   a) Raises a note by a whole step
   b) Lowers a note by a whole step
   c) Cancels a sharp
   d) Doubles the note duration

10. If a musician plays B♭, what is the natural version of the note?
    a) C
    b) B♮
    c) A♯
    d) G

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. What are accidentals in music?

   • Accidentals are symbols that modify the pitch of a note.

2. What is the difference between sharp (♯) and flat (♭)?

   • Sharp raises a note, while Flat lowers a note.

3. What does a natural sign (♮) do?

   • It cancels a sharp or flat, returning the note to its original pitch.

4. Where do accidentals appear in sheet music?

   • Before the note they modify.

5. Do accidentals last throughout the whole song?

   • No, they last only within the measure.

6. Can accidentals change the sound of a melody?

   • Yes, they alter pitch and create musical variations.

7. Is E♯ the same as F?

   • Yes, because E♯ is one semitone higher than E.

8. How many types of accidentals exist?

   • Three main types: Sharp (♯), Flat (♭), and Natural (♮).

9. What is the purpose of accidentals in music?

   • To create variations and changes in pitch.

10. Can accidentals be written in key signatures?

    • Yes, they can be part of a key signature.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

1. Define accidental signs.
2. List the three main types of accidentals.
3. Explain how a sharp sign affects a note.
4. Draw a flat sign on a staff.
5. Differentiate between a sharp and a flat.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we learned about accidental signs in music and how they modify the pitch of notes. The sharp (♯) raises a note by one semitone, the flat (♭) lowers it by one semitone, and the natural (♮) cancels previous accidentals. Understanding these symbols is essential for reading and performing music correctly. The teacher will review students’ responses to evaluation questions, provide feedback, and encourage them to practice recognizing accidentals in musical pieces.