This activity introduces pupils to the pentatonic major scale. It begins by examining three tunes from around the world and shows how each is composed of five notes. It then demonstrates how C major (diatonic) tuned percussion instruments may be modified to make experimenting with C major pentatonic scales easier.

Pupils are able to interact with the whiteboard to create their own pentatonic melodies and evaluate them. They are then asked to move to instruments to create (independently or in small groups) their own pentatonic tunes.

An extension is suggested in the form of arranging the tune with a drone or percussive/tuned ostinato accompaniment.

Interactive whiteboard activity part 1

Interactive whiteboard activity part 2

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