The effect of timbre
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify how timbre in used to create an atmosphere and choose appropriate timbres to create scary music.
Key learning points
- Timbre can be used to help create atmosphere in music.
- Strings are effective as they have quite an intense sound.
- Tuned percussion (bell-like sounds) can also be effective in making music sound creepy.
- We can use different articulations, including staccato and legato for different effects.
- We can use sequence to develop and extend our musical ideas.
Keywords
Timbre - the sound or tone quality of an instrument
Staccato - when the notes are played in a detached way
Legato - when the movement between each note is smooth
Sequence - a short melodic idea that is repeated in steps either rising or falling
Common misconception
Certain timbres can only be used for certain effects.
Some timbres are particularly well suited to certain moods or effects but this doesn't mean that other timbres can't be used for different effects. It can also depend on the other musical features used.
Teacher tip
Although the effect of chromatic movement works by using a mix of the black and white notes on the keyboard, chromatic movement is about the semitone intervals in this instance. You may wish to explain this in more detail to pupils where relevant.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument or other suitable instrument/DAW that can be used as a composition tool.
Licence
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