Composing for voices
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe some methods for composing for an SATB choir and have created a short contemporary choral composition.
Key learning points
- The SATB choir is a very common vocal ensemble, consisting of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices.
- Contemporary composers write both tonal and atonal music for choir.
- We can create tension and release by creating dissonant chords that resolve to consonant chords.
- When doing so, it is most effective to move by step.
- It is important to consider the range of each voice type.
Keywords
Dissonance - where notes in a chord clash, creating harmonic tension
Consonance - where notes in a chord sound pleasant together, without tension
SATB choir - a vocal ensemble consisting of four voice types - soprano, alto, tenor and bass
Tonal - music that has a tonic note (the opposite of atonal)
Common misconception
Different voice types cannot sing any of the same notes.
The ranges of voices overlap, so there are some notes that can be sung by different voice types. For example, many notes that a bass can sing are also possible for tenor voices to sing.
Teacher tip
Pupils who are used to using functional harmony (i.e. standard chord sequences) may find the approach in this lesson challenging. Pupils should focus on creating and resolving dissonance, rather than thinking about specific chords. This should encourage them to 'compose with their ears' more freely.
Equipment
Notation software or DAW
Files needed for this lesson
Composing for voices template 2 KB (MXL)
Composing for voices DAW template 136 KB (ZIP)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
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