Completing a composition
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify a range of aspects that should be considered when completing a composition and I can apply these to my own composition.
Key learning points
- When completing a composition, it is important to check the notation for a range of different potential errors.
- These include checking for inconsistencies or errors in dynamics, accidentals, articulation and note groupings.
- It is important to check that the layout and formatting of the score and individual parts is clear and easy to read.
- Checking for any unintentional ‘wrong’ notes is important.
Keywords
Accidental - a symbol (sharp, flat or natural) that alters the pitch of a note
Articulation - the way that a note is played (e.g. staccato, accented, legato)
Grouping - the way that notes are grouped together in notation; there are strict conventions for how this is typically done
Common misconception
There is no such thing as a 'wrong' note.
Technically this is true, but it is important to make sure that the notes you have chosen are chosen deliberately, not by mistake. For example, you might choose to create a clash between notes, but this should be deliberate, not an accidental error.
Teacher tip
This composition is a useful starting point for exploring: writing for brass quintet; idiomatic writing for brass instruments; using different clefs; simple diatonic harmony; homophonic textures; 'Baroque'-style melodic writing; ternary form.
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - brass quintet (score) 104.48 KB (PDF)
Composition exemplar - brass quintet (audio) 2.89 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do articulation markings on a score tell the performer?
Q2.Put these dynamic markings in order from quietest to loudest.
Q3.Which of these notes would be a chromatic note in the key of F major and need an accidental?
Q4.What word is used when notes played together 'clash' with each other?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Completing a composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Completing a composition, 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: completing a composition unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.