the shape of a melody and how it rises and falls

the distance in pitch between two notes (e.g. a fifth or an octave)

when the notes in a chord are repositioned so the root note is no longer the lowest note of the chord

Initial melody 

British English CC

Improved melody

Melody with harmony

Melody with improved harmony

Making ideas more 'musical'

Music

Advanced stylistic techniques

Musical coherence

Refining ideas and adding expression

Score and annotation considerations

This unit follows on directly from the first unit on composing to a brief

This unit develops compositions in response to a brief. Pupils improve musical ideas, create coherence, explore advanced techniques, and refine their work. They produce a complete piece with clear structure and effective annotation.

Composing to a brief: extending ideas

When the notes in a chord are repositioned so the root note is no longer the lowest note of the chord, this is called an {{}}.

using only semibreves with no rhythmic variation

removing all leaps and using only stepwise motion

adding rhythmic interest through varied note lengths and patterns

A student wants to make their melodic idea more memorable. Which would be most effective?

add more instruments to balance out the leaps

use smoother, stepwise motion to create a calmer melodic shape

increase the tempo to make the leaps feel more natural

remove the melody entirely and focus on the accompaniment

A student is writing a relaxing piece but their melody uses large, jagged leaps throughout. What would be a more appropriate choice?

because the examiner will always choose the genre for you

because all genres use the same musical devices

so the piece feels stylistically appropriate and meets its purpose

Why is it important that musical ideas suit the chosen brief and genre?

a full piece of music with a beginning, middle and end

a short musical idea that can be developed

True or false? An interval in music is the distance in pitch between two notes.

the shape of the melody as it moves up and down

Which of the following best describes the contour of a melody?

Making ideas more 'musical'

Lesson outcome