This resource is a complete KS3 Keyboard Skills Scheme of Work, designed to develop students’ keyboard technique, notation reading, performance skills and musical confidence through a series of practical, progressive lessons.

The resource includes:

• 6 fully resourced lessons with editable PowerPoints, worksheets and keyboard activities, plus an additional Christmas lesson.

• A detailed unit plan with learning objectives and lesson guidance.

• A practical keyboard performance assessment with KS3 appropriate success criteria.

  Students begin by developing their keyboard technique through simple exercises and familiar melodies using letter names before progressing to reading treble clef notation. Throughout the unit, lessons build confidence & develop skills in note reading, hand coordination and keyboard performance while learning a range of engaging pieces that gradually increase in difficulty.

The unit concludes with a differentiated treble clef piano duet assessment, allowing students to demonstrate their keyboard, notation reading and ensemble performance skills. The assessment can be adapted to support a wide range of abilities, making it suitable for mixed-ability KS3 classes.

The lessons follow a clear, easy-to-teach structure, accessible even for teachers with less musical experience, and can be adapted to suit different KS3 curriculum models.

Please note: Students should already have a basic understanding of rhythmic notation before beginning this unit.

You’ll need:

• A projector and speakers.

• Keyboards/Pianos.

• Student worksheets (included).

• Headphones for keyboards, if needed.

  The scheme includes everything needed to teach the unit from start to finish, including editable lesson presentations, printable worksheets, practical keyboard activities, differentiated tasks and assessment materials. Designed to minimise preparation time, the lessons are engaging, accessible and suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Listening examples are referenced throughout the unit. Audio files are not included due to copyright restrictions, but suitable recordings are readily available on YouTube and Spotify.

Perfect for KS3 Music, this unit develops keyboard skills, piano skills, treble clef notation reading, keyboard performance, ensemble playing and practical musicianship, providing an excellent foundation for further study and performance.

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