Composing idiomatically
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify how a composer has used idiomatic features in their composition, and can use some of these in my own.
Key learning points
- Composing idiomatically means using the typical features of that style.
- Every style has different idiomatic features that help to give it a unique sound.
- It is particularly important to use idiomatic melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation and structure.
- The jazz quintet featured many idiomatic features, which made it a very effective example of the style.
Keywords
Idiomatic - using features that are typical of the musical style
Swing - where notes are played unevenly; in jazz this usually refers to swing quavers
Chromatic - using notes from outside of the key
Head - a recurring chorus that starts and finishes a jazz piece; performers improvise over the chord sequence from the head in between repetitions
Common misconception
A composition should use every possible idiomatic feature from the style.
It is normal not to use every single idiomatic feature. Most compositions use a range of idiomatic features with different elements, to help them fit the style effectively. Choose a range of idiomatic features that work well in your composition.
Teacher tip
This composition also serves as a useful starting point for exploring: jazz accompaniments; jazz melody; ABA structure; improvised solos; jazz harmony; using a groove; drum kit notation; writing for small ensemble; harmonising a melody; using syncopation.
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - jazz quintet (score) 264.4 KB (PDF)
Composition exemplar - jazz quintet (audio) 5.04 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes a chromatic passage?
Q2.What is the name for the music that supports the main melody?
Q3.When music is made up on the spot, it is .
Q4.What does virtuosic music involve?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Composing idiomatically, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Composing idiomatically, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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