Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Music
Curriculum Theme: Harmony and Chords
Previous Lesson: Notation and Transcription: Meaning and Music Writing.
Topic: Triads and Secondary Triads.
Subject Matter: Meaning of triads (three-note chords built on 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of a scale), secondary triads (triads built on other scale degrees besides the primary ones), building secondary triads on notes of C major scale (stacking thirds on given notes)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define a triad.
Explain how triads are formed.
Identify secondary triads and differentiate them from primary triads.
Describe the process of building secondary triads on notes of a major scale.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of triads in creating musical harmony.
Develop an interest in exploring different types of chords in music.

Psychomotor Domain:

Build secondary triads on specified scale degrees of the C major scale.
Identify the notes that form various secondary triads.

Participate actively in class discussions on musical harmony.
Collaborate with peers in identifying and building triads.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
New Oxford Secondary Music for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Keyboard or piano
Staff board
Manuscript paper
C major scale chart

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how musical chords are formed and function beyond the most basic ones. It provides a foundation for analyzing and creating more complex harmonies in music.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of major scales, intervals, and basic music notation.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Triads and Secondary Triads

Meaning of Triads

A triad is a chord of three notes built on a particular root note by stacking two superimposed thirds. These three notes are called the root, the third, and the fifth of the chord.

For example, a C major triad consists of the notes C (root), E (major third above C), and G (perfect fifth above C).

Primary Triads

Primary triads are the triads built on the 1st (tonic), 4th (subdominant), and 5th (dominant) degrees of a scale. These are the most stable and fundamental chords in a key.

In C Major, the primary triads are:
I (C Major): C-E-G
IV (F Major): F-A-C
V (G Major): G-B-D

Secondary Triads

Secondary triads are the triads built on the other degrees of the scale, specifically the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees. These triads add color and variety to musical harmony and are often used to create tension or movement.

In a major scale, the secondary triads are typically:

ii (minor) – built on the supertonic
iii (minor) – built on the mediant
vi (minor) – built on the submediant
vii° (diminished) – built on the leading tone

Building Secondary Triads in C Major

To build a secondary triad, stack a third and a fifth above the chosen scale degree.

On the 2nd degree (D – Supertonic):
- Root: D
- Third: F
- Fifth: A
- Result: D-F-A (D minor triad)
On the 3rd degree (E – Mediant):
- Root: E
- Third: G
- Fifth: B
- Result: E-G-B (E minor triad)
On the 6th degree (A – Submediant):
- Root: A
- Third: C
- Fifth: E
- Result: A-C-E (A minor triad)
On the 7th degree (B – Leading Tone):
- Root: B
- Third: D
- Fifth: F
- Result: B-D-F (B diminished triad)

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 asks them to recall what they know about scales and intervals. The teacher then introduces the topic of triads as the building blocks of harmony.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and share their knowledge of scales and intervals. They listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and reminded of prior knowledge relevant to the lesson.

Step 2: Explanation of Triads

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a triad is, demonstrating its formation on the keyboard and staff board using the C major triad as an example (C-E-G). The teacher clarifies the terms root, third, and fifth.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the demonstration, and take notes. They ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and basic formation of triads.

Step 3: Introduction to Secondary Triads

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines secondary triads and explains how they differ from primary triads (I, IV, V). The teacher highlights that secondary triads are built on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees of the scale.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note the definition and characteristics of secondary triads, contrasting them with primary triads.
Learning Point: Pupils differentiate between primary and secondary triads and identify their respective scale degrees.

Step 4: Demonstrating Building Secondary Triads

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to build each secondary triad in the key of C major (D minor, E minor, A minor, B diminished) on the staff board and keyboard, clearly stating the notes for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the teacher’s demonstration, identifying the notes for each secondary triad. They may attempt to play or write them on manuscript paper.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the practical steps for constructing secondary triads in C major.

Step 5: Guided Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Support
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides exercises for pupils to build secondary triads on other notes within the C major scale on their manuscript papers or on a small staff. The teacher moves around to offer assistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to build secondary triads independently or in small groups. They seek clarification from the teacher when needed.
Learning Point: Pupils apply their knowledge to build secondary triads and reinforce their understanding.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is a triad?
Name the three notes that make up a triad.
Distinguish between primary and secondary triads.
List the notes of the secondary triad built on the 2nd degree of the C major scale.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definition and importance of secondary triads in music. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to practice building secondary triads in other major keys.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Triad – A three-note chord.
Secondary Triad – A triad built on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, or 7th degree of a scale.
Primary Triad – A triad built on the 1st, 4th, or 5th degree of a scale.
Root – The fundamental note of a chord.
Third – The interval of a third above the root.
Fifth – The interval of a fifth above the root.
C Major Scale – The major scale starting on C.
Harmony – The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions.
Chord – A group of notes sounded together.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, the teacher can challenge them to identify the qualities (major, minor, diminished) of the secondary triads. For those who need more support, the teacher can provide pre-drawn staff lines or flashcards with scale degrees to help them build the triads.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure the keyboard or piano is accessible and in tune for clear demonstrations. Encourage pupils to sing the scale degrees as they build the triads to enhance aural understanding. Provide ample opportunity for hands-on practice, both individually and in small groups.