Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Music
Curriculum Theme: Music
Previous Lesson: Intervals: Meaning and Inversion Table.
Topic: Triads
Subject Matter: structures of inverted primary triads, structures of inverted secondary triads, root position of a triad, first inversion, second inversion, qualities of intervals in triad positions

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define a triad.
Identify the root position of a triad.
Identify the first inversion of a triad.
Identify the second inversion of a triad.
Name the qualities of intervals in different triad positions.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of understanding triad inversions in musical harmony.
Develop an interest in analyzing the structure of chords.

Psychomotor Domain:

Write triads in root position on a musical staff.
Write first inversions of triads on a musical staff.
Write second inversions of triads on a musical staff.
Demonstrate the ability to identify interval qualities within triads.

Collaborate with peers in identifying and writing triad inversions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Music SSS 1.
Effective Music for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Triad inversion charts.
Staff paper.
Keyboard diagram.
Chord worksheets.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding triads and their inversions helps pupils to comprehend how chords are built and how they function in music. This knowledge is important for both playing musical instruments and composing simple melodies and harmonies.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of basic intervals, how to read notes on the musical staff, and the concept of a major and minor scale.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Triads and Their Inversions

Definition of a Triad

A triad is a chord consisting of three notes, typically stacked in thirds. It is the most basic form of a chord.

Root Position of a Triad

A triad is in root position when the root of the chord is the lowest note. The other notes are the third and the fifth above the root.

The intervals from the root in root position are:

Root to 3rd (major or minor 3rd)
Root to 5th (perfect 5th)

First Inversion of a Triad

A triad is in its first inversion when the third of the chord is the lowest note. The root is then usually found above the third, and the fifth above the root.

The intervals from the lowest note (the 3rd) in first inversion are:

3rd to 5th (major or minor 3rd)
3rd to Root (minor or major 6th)

Second Inversion of a Triad

A triad is in its second inversion when the fifth of the chord is the lowest note. The root and the third are found above the fifth.

The intervals from the lowest note (the 5th) in second inversion are:

5th to Root (perfect 4th)
5th to 3rd (major or minor 6th)

Qualities of Intervals in Triad Positions

The qualities of intervals within a triad change depending on its inversion. For a C Major triad (C-E-G):

Root Position (C-E-G): C to E (Major 3rd), C to G (Perfect 5th).
First Inversion (E-G-C): E to G (Minor 3rd), E to C (Minor 6th).
Second Inversion (G-C-E): G to C (Perfect 4th), G to E (Major 6th).

For a C Minor triad (C-Eb-G):

Root Position (C-Eb-G): C to Eb (Minor 3rd), C to G (Perfect 5th).
First Inversion (Eb-G-C): Eb to G (Major 3rd), Eb to C (Major 6th).
Second Inversion (G-C-Eb): G to C (Perfect 4th), G to Eb (Minor 6th).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson on basic intervals. The teacher then asks pupils to recall what a chord is and introduces the concept of how chords can be rearranged.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and recall previous knowledge.

Step 2: Definition of a Triad

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a triad as a three-note chord built in thirds and writes it on the board. The teacher uses the keyboard diagram to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, write down the definition, and observe the keyboard diagram.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental definition of a triad.

Step 3: Root Position of a Triad

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the root position of a triad using a C major triad on the staff paper and keyboard diagram. The teacher highlights that the root is the lowest note.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and copy the example onto their staff paper.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and write a triad in root position.

Step 4: First Inversion of a Triad

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that in first inversion, the third of the triad is the lowest note. The teacher demonstrates this by moving the root of the C major triad up an octave, showing E-G-C on the staff and keyboard. The teacher also points out the intervals from the lowest note.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, ask questions, and write the first inversion example on their staff paper.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can write a triad in its first inversion.

Step 5: Second Inversion of a Triad

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that in second inversion, the fifth of the triad is the lowest note. The teacher demonstrates this by moving the third of the first inversion triad up an octave, showing G-C-E on the staff and keyboard. The teacher also points out the intervals from the lowest note.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, participate in discussion, and write the second inversion example.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can write a triad in its second inversion.

Step 6: Qualities of Intervals in Triad Positions

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify and name the qualities of intervals (e.g., major 3rd, perfect 5th, minor 6th) within the C major and C minor triads in all three positions, using the examples on the board and charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate by identifying and naming interval qualities as guided by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify interval qualities within inverted triads.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a triad.
Draw a C major triad in root position on a staff.
State the lowest note of a triad in its first inversion.
List two interval qualities found in a C minor triad in second inversion.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the structures of root position, first, and second inversions of triads. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to write different primary and secondary triads in all three inversions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are given further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Triad – A chord made up of three notes, usually stacked in thirds.
Root Position – A triad where the root note is the lowest note.
First Inversion – A triad where the third of the chord is the lowest note.
Second Inversion – A triad where the fifth of the chord is the lowest note.
Interval Quality – The specific characteristic of an interval (e.g., major, minor, perfect).
Primary Triad – Triads built on the I, IV, and V degrees of a scale.
Secondary Triad – Triads built on the II, III, and VI degrees of a scale.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified worksheets focusing only on major triads in root position and first inversion. For advanced learners, the teacher will challenge them to analyze and write inversions of diminished and augmented triads, and identify their interval qualities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that pupils have a solid grasp of identifying notes on the staff and basic interval recognition before starting this lesson. Use clear visual aids and allow ample time for practical drawing of triads on staff paper. Encourage pupils to use a keyboard to hear the sound of each inversion.