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Lesson 2 of 5
- OCR
Lesson 2 of 5
New
New
- OCR
Developing a video game theme
I can develop a video game theme using pulse and rhythm.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- It is important that a video game theme song captures the atmosphere of the game.
- For a high-energy racing game, the theme song should create a feeling of excitement and energy.
- We can use fast, rhythmic percussion layers to add excitement.
- We can also create an energetic driving bass line to add to this energy, including using chord notes and passing notes.
Keywords
Theme song - a piece of music that introduces a film or game and captures its overall atmosphere
Chord tone - a note that is included in the chord
Passing note - a note that links two chord tones by step
Common misconception
Complex music sounds most exciting and energetic.
Not necessarily - sometimes the most energetic music is that which emphasises the pulse and uses driving rhythms. Sometimes if music is too complex, with many busy layers of sound, it can sound chaotic and messy rather than energetic.
This unit is a good opportunity to engage pupils who are keen gamers. Challenge pupils to analyse the theme songs of games they play and to link that analysis to the concepts explored so far. For pupils who aren't gamers, consider using the Halo theme as a good starting point.
Teacher tip
Equipment
DAW, notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Why was early video game music based on very short loops?
Why was early video game music based on very short loops?
To make games sound more complex.
Players preferred short music.
It was easier for composers to write.
Q2.Which of these is a similarity between film music and video game music?
Which of these is a similarity between film music and video game music?
Only film music uses repeating musical ideas.
Only video game music helps tell a story.
Film music responds to player actions.
Q3.One key difference between early and modern video game music is that modern music uses sounds.
One key difference between early and modern video game music is that modern music uses sounds.
Q4.What do we call repeating sections of music in video games?
What do we call repeating sections of music in video games?
themes
levels
stems
Q5.Video game music must be __________ because the timings are determined by player actions.
Video game music must be __________ because the timings are determined by player actions.
linear
fixed
static
Q6.Which word describes the way that video game music must change in response to a player’s actions?
Which word describes the way that video game music must change in response to a player’s actions?
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Which of these must a video game theme song do?
Which of these must a video game theme song do?
Be very complex and technical.
Use only acoustic instruments.
Change every time the player moves.
Q2.Which of these is most important for creating rhythmic drive?
Which of these is most important for creating rhythmic drive?
random notes
quiet dynamics
slow tempos
Q3.What is a driving rhythm?
What is a driving rhythm?
A rhythm that uses very slow notes.
A rhythm with no repeating pattern.
A rhythm that stops and starts randomly.
Q4.Which of these is an example of a driving rhythm?
Which of these is an example of a driving rhythm?
long, sustained notes
a random sequence of notes
silence between every beat
Q5.A chord note is part of the being played at that moment.
A chord note is part of the being played at that moment.
Q6.A note that links two chord notes by moving stepwise between them is called a note.
A note that links two chord notes by moving stepwise between them is called a note.