Resources:
Learning by Ear

This Learning By Ear module resource (PowerPoint presentation, PDF, films and website content) can be used and shared free of charge for non-commercial educational use only. Permission must be sought from Orchestras for All and EFDSS for any other use of this material. 

Introducing a drone

A drone note will immediately turn a tune into an arrangement, and is easy to do! It involves even the most early stage player in a performance.

Here's Emily introducing a drone to LYFE's tune (video 20):

• What are the most important things to remember when introducing a drone?
• What would you do next to develop the drone?
• How would you involve Zac and Seb from Sharp Academy in this activity?

Developing a drone

Watch LYFE discuss how they will develop their drone. Pay careful attention to how Emily facilitates and supports this discussion (video 21):

• Write down three ways that LYFE discuss developing their drone accompaniment
• How does Emily help to signpost and structure LYFE's ideas?
• How might you scaffold this discussion for Sharp Academy, considering players less confident in articulating or sharing their musical ideas?

Now watch LYFE put these ideas together (video 22):

• What feedback would you give to the ensemble at the end of this performance to help them develop their accompaniment?
• How does Emily support the ensemble during the play-through of the accompaniment?

Trying a different idea

When teaching an aurally learnt accompaniment, it's a good idea to come armed with a few different ideas that will suit different skill levels.

Here, Emily tries out a different drone accompaniment with LYFE (video 23):

• How has Emily changed the accompaniment this time?

Watch LYFE develop the accompaniment further. Notice how, as well as developing the music harmonically, they develop the structure (video 24):

• How do LYFE develop the accompaniment?
• How do LYFE develop the structure, and how does Emily support this?
• How would you support Sharp Academy Orchestra, who may be less confident sharing their ideas, to develop the structure of the performance?

You can refresh your memory of Sharp Academy Orchestra and strategies for activity adaption here.