Structure and bigger picture ideas
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply structure to a composition showing clear sections and using effective transitions between ideas.
Key learning points
- Structure operates at different levels: within melodies (phrases) and across the whole piece (sections).
- Different genres use typical structures that help define their style.
- Repetition creates unity, while contrast between sections creates interest.
- Sections can be labelled (e.g. A, B) to show similarities and differences.
Keywords
Structure - the way the music is organised
Phrase - a musical thought, like a sentence in a story
Section - a larger part of a piece (e.g. verse, chorus, A, B)
Contrast - differences between sections to create variety and interest
Common misconception
Some pupils may find it hard mapping out a full structure to a piece early on in the process of composing, preferring instead to fully develop one section before moving on.
Although there is no one correct way to compose, it can be useful to map out the structure of a composition early on as it helps to give direction to the composing process and to highlight opportinuties for repetition and contrast.
Teacher tip
Lots of features of structure are genre specific, so encourage pupils to listen to other pieces of music from their chosen genre and map out the structure. This will help them spot patterns and structural ideas to use in their own work.
Equipment
Pupils may need access to notation software or a DAW. They may need access to their instruments to develop ideas.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does “structure” mean in music?
Q2.What is a phrase in music?
Q3.Which of the following is a common structure in pop music?
Q4.Why do composers repeat sections?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is meant by large-scale structure?
Q2.What is meant by small-scale structure?
Q3.Why is it important to plan structure when composing?
Q4.What should a composer consider when creating a new section?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Structure and bigger picture ideas, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Structure and bigger picture ideas, 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: creative starting points unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.