Experimenting with texture
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a short composition that experiments with texture.
Key learning points
- Texture is an important element to consider when composing. Melody and accompaniment is the most common musical texture.
- Composers also use homophonic, polyphonic and monophonic textures.
- In a melody and accompaniment texture the lead line or melody should be clear.
- Less important musical lines can contrast by using less interesting rhythms and melodic shapes.
Keywords
Monophonic - A monophonic texture is where there is only one layer of sound.
Melody and accompaniment - A texture that features a clear melody and separate accompaniment is called melody and accompaniment.
Polyphonic - A polyphonic texture is where there are two or more equally important but independent melodies.
Common misconception
A piece of music has a fixed texture all the way through
Although we can describe some pieces of music as particular textures overall there are often sections within pieces where the texture changes.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to listen to how the different musical ideas compliment each other rather than choose a specific overall texture as an approach. Highlight that there are no right or wrong textures, although a generally successful approach is to ensure that there is clear lead line to focus on.
Equipment
A keyboard (or other suitable instrument) or DAW/notation software
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word describes the describe the distance between two notes. e.g. C to G?
Q2.Which note value lasts for half a beat?
Q3.A rhythm is one that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats.
Q4.Adding chords to a melody is called .
Q5.What would be created in your music if you used melody notes outside of the chord that sounded clashing?
Q6.How do we describe an interval of 8 notes?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do we define texture?
Q2.Which of these is a musical texture where there is only one line of music?
Q3.Which of these is a musical texture where there are two equally important but independent melodic parts?
Q4.which of these is a musical texture where a clear melody is accompanied by one or more other layers of music (sometimes moving at the same time)?
Q5.Which of these techniques would create a successful accompaniment?
Q6.Which of these words apply to melody?
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Experimenting with texture, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Experimenting with texture, 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 Free composition: Creative starting points unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.