Exploring Percussion Sounds

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify and name percussion instruments.
• Understand how percussion instruments produce sound.
• Explore and create simple rhythms using percussion instruments.

Success Criteria

• I can name at least three percussion instruments.
• I can describe how a percussion instrument makes sound.
• I can play a simple rhythm on a percussion instrument.
• I can listen carefully and respond to percussion sounds.

NSW Curriculum Links

• Content Description:
  Respond to and explore sound sources and simple rhythm patterns using body percussion and classroom instruments.
  (Australian Curriculum: The Arts - Music, Year 1)
  (Paraphrased for NSW)
• Achievement Standard:
  By the end of Year 2, students demonstrate listening skills and use elements of music to improvise and/or compose music, including playing music in informal settings.

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Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

Class size: 27 students

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle. Show a collection of percussion instruments (e.g., tambourine, drum, maracas, claves).
• Ask: "Have you seen or heard these instruments before? What do you think makes the sound?"
• Briefly explain percussion instruments make sounds when you hit, shake, or scrape them.

2. WALT and Success Criteria Discussion (3 minutes)

• Introduce WALT and display success criteria on a large poster/board.
• Explain in simple terms what we will learn and how we will know when we’ve succeeded.

3. Listen & Categorise Activity (7 minutes)

• Play short sound clips or live demonstrations of each percussion instrument.
• Ask students to listen carefully and identify which instrument is playing.
• Invite students to sort instruments into groups based on how the sound is made (hitting, shaking, scraping).
• Use simple language, visuals, and real instruments for clarity.

4. Hands-On Exploration (15 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students each) around different percussion instruments.
• Each group explores how to play their instrument and experiments with making different sounds and rhythms.
• Teacher models simple rhythmic patterns to copy. Encourage students to create their own simple rhythms.
• Rotate instruments if time permits.

5. Group Performance & Listening Game (10 minutes)

• Each group chooses one rhythm to perform to the class.
• After each performance, the class listens and discusses what they heard — the rhythm, the instrument, and how it made the sound.
• Play a "Guess the Instrument" game with eyes closed to boost listening skills.

6. Reflection & Wrap Up (5 minutes)

• Circle time: Ask students to share their favourite percussion instrument and why.
• Recap the WALT and success criteria; congratulate students on meeting them.
• Introduce a challenge (extension) for the next music lesson.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support for diverse learners:

  • Use clear, simple language and visual symbols.
  • Provide one-on-one support during hands-on activities.
  • Use peer helpers to model instrument handling or rhythms.
  • Allow movement breaks between activities.

• Extension for advanced learners:

  • Encourage creating longer or more complex rhythm patterns.
  • Introduce the concept of tempo (fast/slow) and dynamics (loud/soft).
  • Invite students to compose a short piece using body percussion combined with instruments.

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Materials and Resources Needed

• Variety of percussion instruments: tambourines, drums, maracas, claves, triangle, woodblocks, shakers, etc.
• Audio clips or recordings of percussion instruments (optional).
• Visual aids showing percussion instrument families and sound production (pictures or posters).
• WALT and success criteria chart.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observe students’ participation and ability to name percussion instruments.
• Listen to students’ rhythm creation and performance for understanding of steady beat and sound production.
• Use informal questioning during activities to check comprehension (e.g., "How did you make that sound?").
• Record observations for individual and group progress towards music learning outcomes as defined in NSW Curriculum Years 1 and 2 Music Achievement Standard.

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This lesson plan offers a tactile, communicative, and creative approach to learning about percussion that aligns with the NSW Music Curriculum for Year 1. The inclusion of group work, listening activities, and performance opportunities engages young learners and supports varied learning needs while instilling early musical skills and enjoyment.