An easy 12-bar blues using only the notes E and D. Ask students to invent an
alternative last line of lyrics (it must rhyme with blues/news) for further repeti-
tions, eg He sank six canoes or He’s been on a cruise etc.

Notes used: D, E

Key: concert G minor

Learning points: new note D, semibreve, reinforces dynamics f, p

C and G are played in the same piece here, and reinforced as ‘high’ and ‘low’ notes.

The piece gives plenty of repetition of both notes.

Notes used: C, G

Key: concert Bb major

Learning points: reinforces crotchet/minim/minim rest

• Fast rock version
• Slow jazz version

A simple starter: students play repeated crotchets on C, with two-bar rests between each phrase.

Two different accompaniment versions are provided for the
same students’ part: fast rock and slow jazz. There are several advantages to this: you can ask students to repeat the piece without their becoming bored or feeling they are just doing it again, while you can check that everyone’s fingering/embouchure/posture is correct. It also introduces students to the idea of listening to the accompaniment while they are playing.
Ask them which version they prefer, and why (there are no correct answers!).

Notes used: C

Key: Fast rock version – concert Bb major, Slow jazz version – concert Eb major

Learning points: stave, treble clef, time signature 4/4, note E, crotchet/crotchet rest, whole bar rest, double bar, tempo/style indication

This duet introduces the note F. Dynamics are echoed from part to part. Part 2 is
easier than Part 1: it uses only notes C and F. The pause at the end lasts for seven
beats.

Notes used: Part 1 – C, F, G;
Part 2 – C, F

Key: concert Eb

Learning points: new note F, dotted minim, pause, reading from two staves