Developing a sample-based composition
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can combine pitched and unpitched samples in a composition.
Key learning points
- Pitched sounds, such as musical notes, vocals or buzzing machines can be sampled.
- These can create unique timbres and textures, particularly when they are altered and recombined.
- We can alter them in many ways, including changing the pitch and adding effects.
- By experimenting with different patterns of pitched samples, we can create unique hooks and riffs.
Keywords
Sample - a clip of pre-existing music or sound
Pitched sound - sound that has a clear pitch (e.g. a note)
Hook - a memorable, repeated musical idea
Common misconception
Only musical instruments (and voices) produce pitched sound.
Pitched sounds are everywhere. In fact, most sounds have a pitch, it is often just hard to hear it. You can probably hear a pitched sound now if you listen closely - electrical buzzing, distant speech, weather or animals all produce subtle pitches.
Teacher tip
To extend learning, consider exploring ways of changing and adapting the samples with effects. Most DAWs have a range of plugins (e.g. distortion, chorus, EQ, compression, filters) that will make the pitched sounds even more unique. Encourage pupils to explore these with their sampled sounds.
Equipment
DAW
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is a short clip of pre-existing sound used to create something new.
Q2.What is sampling?
Q3.Which of these sounds does not have a clear pitch?
Q4.A sound with clear pitch is called a sound
Q5.What is musique concrète?
Q6.In which century did sampling become possible?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which two are features of a hook?
Q2.To create a sample, which two steps should be taken?
Q3.How does a pitched sample differ from an unpitched one?
Q4.Why is it beneficial to repeat rhythms or patterns when creating music from samples?
Q5.If a sound is altered after being sampled, this still counts as sampling. Why?
Q6.Which two are examples of pitched sounds?
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Developing a sample-based composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Developing a sample-based composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Approaches to contemporary composition unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.