Playing to an instrument’s strengths
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify key considerations when composing for different instruments, and can exploit the strengths of different instruments in my own composition.
Key learning points
- Considering the strengths and weaknesses of instruments is important when composing.
- Making sure that the range suits each instrument and choosing suitable registers is crucial.
- We should also consider creating opportunities for woodwind and brass players to take breaths.
- Other considerations include the kind of intervals, dynamics and articulation that best suit the instrument.
- Considering using techniques or timbres that are unique to the instrument can help to play to its strengths as well.
Keywords
Range - the span of pitches that a particular instrument can play, from its lowest to its highest possible note
Register - a particular section of an instrument's range (for example, a specific octave)
Disjunct - where notes move by intervals of a third or larger, moving by leap
Common misconception
Every instrument has a defined range.
Some instruments (e.g. piano) have a defined range, but not all. Woodwind and brass instruments, for example, have a typical 'normal' range, but advanced players can often play very high notes beyond the top of that range.
Teacher tip
This composition is also a useful starting point for exploring: writing a piano accompaniment; writing for brass; using a drone; arpeggios; dynamics and articulation; rhythmic motifs; using the sustain pedal; diatonic harmony; melodic writing
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - solo trumpet and piano (score) 91.04 KB (PDF)
Composition exemplar - solo trumpet and piano (audio) 2.96 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes a melodic shape that moves mainly by small steps?
Q2.Match each instrument to its family.
Q3.What instruction is given to a violinist to pluck the string?
Q4.Which of these instruments is loudest when played a full force?
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Playing to an instrument’s strengths, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Playing to an instrument’s strengths, 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.