Advanced stylistic techniques
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use advanced musical techniques to enhance my composition in a way that suits the style.
Key learning points
- Advanced compositional techniques can add depth, variety and interest to your composition.
- Harmony can be developed beyond basic triads through the use of extended chords, inversions, pedal notes and modulation.
- Rhythmic features such as syncopation can add momentum, energy and variety to a composition.
- These techniques should be used purposefully to enhance the style of the music, rather than being added randomly.
Keywords
Extended chord - chords with added notes beyond basic triads
Pedal note - a sustained or repeated note
Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the offbeat
Modulation - changing the key of the music
Common misconception
Sometimes pupils may want to try and use a large number of advanced techniques to demonstrate their skills, regardless of how suitable they are for their composition.
Compositional techniqes should only be used when stylistically appropriate to enhance a composition.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to listen critically to the effect of each technique, asking themselves whether it genuinely suits their composition before keeping it in.
Equipment
Pupils may be working on their composition using notation software or a DAW. They may need access to a piano or their instrument.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a triad?
Q2.Which of the following best describes syncopation?
Q3.What does modulation mean in music?
Q4.What is a pedal note?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.A student adds a 7th to a basic triad. What is this an example of?
Q2.A pupil wants to add tension and stability to their piece at the same time. Which technique would be most appropriate?
Q3.Which of the following is the most important consideration when adding an advanced technique to a composition?
Q4.True or false? In a classical style, it would be appropriate to modulate to a related key via a shared chord and a perfect cadence.
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Advanced stylistic techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Advanced stylistic techniques, 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 4 music lessons from the Composing to a brief: extending ideas unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.