Arranging for an ensemble
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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 3 KB (MXL)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
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