

Exploring ways to develop musical ideas
Variations Scheme of Work and Lesson Pathways
Variations Knowledge Organiser
The Variations Lucky Dip Machine
Variations DOITNOW Presentation
Variations Plenary Review Activities
Variations - Variation Techniques Progressive Case Studies Resources
These themes can be worked through progressively over a number of lessons or ‘mixed and matched’ to provide variety when exploring different variation techniques.
Frere Jacques Theme
(single line melody - C Major)
Theme from "Faded" - Alan Walker
(2-part melody and accompaniment - E minor)
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Theme
(single line melody and chord I, IV and V markings - F Major)
Stage 1: Changing and Adding
Changing: pitch (octave, timbre and sonority, articulation, tempo, dynamics, rhythm.
Adding: pedal, drone, ostinato, rhythm, decoration (passing notes).
Stage 2: Augmentation, Diminution, Canon/Round and Counter Melody
Stage 3: Changes in Tonality
Major to minor, Scales, Semitones.
(There is no resource for this as the theme is in a minor key)
Stage 4: Advanced Variation Techniques
Retrograde, Inversion, Retrograde Inversion
Variations - Critical Engagement (Listening and Appraising) Resources
Variations - Media Theme and Variations Extended Project Resources
Variations - Ground Bass Variations Resources
Variations - Cover and Homework Activities
Variations - Forms Quizzes (available via the Shop & Add-On Extras page)
Variations (Exploring ways to develop musical ideas) unit is supported by TWO Forms Quizzes (in both MS-Forms and Google Forms formats) available as part of the Secondary/KS3 Year 8 Units Quiz Bundle from the Musical Contexts Shop & Add-On Extras page.
Each multiple choice quiz is self-marking and worth 25 points and cover Knowledge and Understanding (Part A) and have a Critical Engagement: Listening and Appraising section (Part B) with listening questions linked to YouTube videos.