Using samples
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a composition based on samples.
Key learning points
- Composers have used recordings of sound in their music since recording technology was created.
- This ranges from abstract-sounding musique concrète, to using samples of sound and music in popular music styles.
- Sampling is the process of creating samples - clips of pre-existing sound or music that are used in a new way.
- To create samples, we isolate individual sounds.
- We can then combine them in a new way to create a musical pattern.
Keywords
Sample - a clip of pre-existing music or sound
Sampling - the process of creating and using a sample
Unpitched sound - sound that lacks a clear pitch (e.g. a clap)
Musique concrète - a style of music that is based on recorded sounds (e.g. cars, doors)
Common misconception
Samples are always non-musical sounds.
This is not true - a sample is any pre-existing sound that is used in a new way. This could be traditionally non-musical sounds like machinery or speech, or it could be clips of pieces of music or individual notes.
Teacher tip
To extend the task, challenge pupils to record and incorporate some of their own unpitched sounds into their pattern. This could be any sounds that aren't traditionally classed as musical - classroom sounds, outdoor sounds, footsteps etc. Encourage them to seek out and record novel timbres to use.
Equipment
DAW (and optionally additional recording devices if available).
Files needed for this lesson
Unpitched sounds 3.64 MB (MP3)
Pitched sounds 1.16 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an extended vocal technique?
Q2.Which of these is an extended vocal technique?
Q3.What is a high-pitched female voice called?
Q4.When a singer produces more than one note at the same time, this is called
Q5.What is vocalise?
Q6.Which music technology effects make the voice sound like they were in a large space?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name of the early 20th-century style based on recorded sounds?
Q2.In which century did recording technology become widely available?
Q3.What is a sample?
Q4.The process of creating samples is called
Q5.A sound without clear pitch is called what?
Q6.Which of these is an unpitched sound?
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Using samples, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Using samples, 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.