Considering timbre, articulation and dynamics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify different ways to use timbre, articulation and dynamics to add variety and interest to my composition.
Key learning points
- Composers often use timbre, articulation and dynamics precisely to create interesting musical effects.
- The way this is done varies between styles, but there are some common strategies to consider.
- These include creating contrast between, or within sections, and exploiting the timbres of instruments and registers.
- You can consider using different types of articulation (e.g. accents, tenuto) and sudden (subito) dynamic changes.
- Sometimes it is effective to use contrasting dynamics or articulation between different parts playing at the same time.
Keywords
Register - a particular section of an instrument's range (for example, a specific octave)
Accent - a symbol (>) indicating that a note should be emphasised
Tenuto - a type of accent in which a note is given more 'weight' and its full duration
Subito - an Italian term meaning 'suddenly', usually used to indicate sudden dynamic changes
Flutter tonguing - a brass and woodwind technique that creates a fluttery 'rrr' effect during a note; it is indicated in a score by the tremolo symbol and 'fl.'
Common misconception
When composing for multiple parts, they should use the same or similar articulation.
In certain styles it can be very effective to use contrasting articulation in different parts. This might mean having a legato melody in one part and an accented staccato accompaniment, or any other combination.
Teacher tip
This composition is a useful starting point for exploring: atonal composition; extended techniques; sonata rondo form; using a motif / tone row; composing for flute; creating contrast; writing a piano accompaniment; using dissonance.
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - atonal composition for flute and piano (score) 166.25 KB (PDF)
Composition exemplar - atonal composition for flute and piano (audio) 3.74 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match these instrument-specific techniques to their definition.
plucked
use the sustain pedal
with the mute
flutter tongue
Q2.A particular section of an instrument's range is called a .
Q3.Which of these terms means to play smoothly?
Q4.Which of these indicates a changing dynamic?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Considering timbre, articulation and dynamics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Considering timbre, articulation and dynamics, 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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Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Composition exemplars: advanced techniques unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.