Using melodic and other devices
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how an electronic composition uses melodic and other devices, and can incorporate some of these into my own composition.
Key learning points
- Composer use different melodic, harmonic and rhythmic devices for specific musical effects.
- Common melodic devices include using sequences, countermelodies and motifs.
- Pedals (a repeated bass note) and inverted pedals (a repeated non-bass note) are effective harmonic devices.
- To develop rhythmic features, we can use devices such as diminution, augmentation, syncopation and polyrhythms.
Keywords
Countermelody - a second melody that plays at the same time as the main melody
Diminution - where the notes in a melody or rhythm are all shortened by the same proportion (e.g. in half)
Sequence - where a melodic idea is repeated, getting higher or lower in pitch each time
Pedal - where the bass note stays the same while the chords change above
Inverted pedal - where a note in a non-bass part stays the same while the chords change around or below it
Common misconception
An inverted pedal must be the highest note that is playing.
An inverted pedal can be any non-bass note that stays constant while the chords change. This does not have to be the highest part, it can be a middle-pitched part instead.
Teacher tip
This composition is also a useful starting point for exploring: using electronic instruments; using verse-chorus form; creating a musical climax; non-standard percussion parts; doubling and harmonising melodies; writing instrumental melodies; developing texture.
File needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - electronic composition (audio) 7.15 MB (MP3)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When rhythms emphasise (accent) notes in between the main beats, we call this
Q2.When multiple rhythms are played at the same time, this is called
Q3.Which of the following is the best example of a motif?
Q4.A melody that uses notes from C to G has a range of ...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Using melodic and other devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Using melodic and other devices, 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 Composition exemplars: advanced techniques unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.