Arranging for an ensemble
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can arrange a melody, bass line and harmony effectively for a string quartet.
Key learning points
- When arranging a composition for an ensemble we must consider the strengths of the instruments in the ensemble.
- This includes instrument ranges and possible techniques (such as pizzicato).
- In a string quartet, the first violin normally plays the melody and the cello plays the bass part.
- The second violin and viola play harmony, splitting the remaining chord tones between them.
- To arrange chords, consider voicing, move by small intervals, and make sure all chord tones are played in each chord.
Keywords
String quartet - a common western classical ensemble consisting of two violins, a viola and a cello
Harmony - how different notes and chords work together
Range - the range of pitches that an instrument is capable of playing
Voicing - how the notes in a chord are spread out on an instrument or between instruments
Pizzicato - a string technique in which the performer plucks the string with a finger
Common misconception
As long as the chord tones in the chord are played, it doesn't matter how these notes are split between the 2nd violin and viola.
This does matter. The voicing of the chord makes a big difference to how it sounds. Avoiding large intervals between those instruments, and making sure that the chords aren't very low or high pitched makes them sound effective.
Teacher tip
Arranging chords for multiple instruments can seem challenging to pupils. Take a systematic approach - work out the chord tones of each chord, work out which note is already being played by the cello, then use the missing chord tones close together in the two parts.
Equipment
DAW or notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool.
File needed for this lesson
String quartet composition template blank 2.71 KB (MXL)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which four bar section in a 16-bar melody is typically the most contrasting?
Q2.A __________ cadence finishes on chord V.
Q3.What effect does an imperfect cadence have?
Q4.An __________ is when a melody starts before beat one.
Q5.Chords I, IV and V are called the __________ chords.
Q6.Which chord is best avoided in chord sequences in a major key?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.If a note is too low for an instrument to physically produce, we would say that the note is outside of that instrument’s __________.
Q2.Which of these is the correct instrumentation of a string quartet?
Q3.The technique where string players pluck the strings is called __________.
Q4.When arranging harmony for separate instruments, you must make sure that all three __________ are played from each chord.
Q5.When moving between harmony notes, try to move by __________ intervals.
Q6.Which two statements are true when voicing chords?
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Arranging for an ensemble, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Arranging for an ensemble, 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 Fundamentals of composition: extended unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.