an effect that creates the impression of a sound being played in a more ‘echoey’ space

a DAW tool that allows you to gradually increase or decrease dynamics within a track

the relative volume of the different parts; creating effective balance is crucial when composing

an effect that makes it sound like more than one voice or instrument is playing the part at the same time

a process that adjusts the sound frequencies within a track (short for 'equalisation')

Listen through to the EDM track

British English CC

Listen to the vocals from the verse on their own

Now listen to the processed vocal tracks from the climax of the song

Original vocals (with echo)

Vocals with chorus and distortion

No volume automation

With volume automation

Without this dynamic change, the build-up would be much less effective

Before adjustment

After adjustment

Can you hear where the vocal phrase has been chopped up and repeated?

Task A audio

Using technology to refine a composition

Music

Playing to an instrument’s strengths

Composing idiomatically

Adding detail with performance directions

Completing a composition

Pupils analyse exemplar compositions to understand how composers complete and refine a finished piece. They explore idiomatic writing, performance directions, instrumental writing and use of technology to produce effective, polished compositions.

Composition exemplars: completing a composition

What word is used to refer to the unique sound of an instrument or voice?

a sound created form scratch using a synthesiser

a repeated midi pattern played by a virtual instrument

a short section of a piece that has been cut out and reused often by looping it

Starter Quiz

What word is used to refer to the unique sound of an instrument or voice?