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Fundamentals of composition

Fundamentals of composition

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Why this why now

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Pupils know how to read the treble clef
  • Pupils know that music often has a melody and an accompaniment
  • Pupils have experience improvising new melodic ideas

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Why this why now

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Pupils know how to read the treble clef
  • Pupils know that music often has a melody and an accompaniment
  • Pupils have experience improvising new melodic ideas

Fundamentals of composition

This unit explores fundamental components of composition. It embeds and develops pupils' understanding of writing melodies, including idiomatic features and making a melody sound 'melodic'. It also explores effective writing of chord sequences, and how these intertwine with melodic writing.

5 lessons in unit

  1. 1

    Melodic fundamentals

    I can explain features of effective melodies and use these to compose a simple melody.
  2. 2

    Developing a melody

    I can use a motif to give coherence to a melody and can extend a melody using a sequence.
  3. 3

    Composing a chord sequence

    I can compose an effective 8-bar chord sequence using the typical conventions of Western classical music.
  4. 4

    Developing a chord sequence

    I can develop a chord sequence using broken chords and chord inversions.
  5. 5

    Combining melody and harmony

    I can compose a melody that fits with my chord sequence, including the use of passing notes.

Learn how you can make the best use of Oak resources

A step-by-step guide to getting started

Get more out of Oak