Building a minimalist piece
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build a minimalist composition creating cells that compliment and connect well to each other.
Key learning points
- We can create melodic cells that compliment each other with a similar melodic shape but different rhythms.
- Using notes of a longer duration creates a slower feeling rhythm.
- Using notes of a shorter duration creates a faster feeling rhythm.
- As composers, we can select instruments for their timbre when deciding the instrumentation for a new piece of music.
Keywords
Cell - simple musical patterns that can be rhythmic or melodic (an ostinato in minimalism)
Melodic shape - up and down movement of pitches in music
Duration - the length of a sound or silence
Instrumentation - the combination of musical instruments used in a piece of music
Common misconception
Cells in minimalist music are all new ideas and are not connected.
Even music that can feel 'random' is often born from a single idea. For an effective minimalist piece, use cells that relate in rhythm or melody.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to record their ideas today, not formally, but with some form of notation or recording, so that they can remember their piece for next time.
Equipment
A variety of pitched and unpitched percussion based on composition needs. Pitched percussion needs the notes C, D, E, F, G.
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
