Arranging and analysing video game music
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can arrange a video game composition and analyse unfamiliar video game music.
Key learning points
- Video game composers must check that transitions between sections work musically, in all possible sequences.
- Dovetailing of melodies is an effective way of linking sections.
- Key changes, in particular, can sound unnatural and jarring.
- When analysing unfamiliar music, we can analyse the use of vertical layering and horizontal resequencing.
- Identifying the type of loops used and the mood created can suggest what type and era of video game it is.
Keywords
Horizontal resequencing - where a new section of music begins in response to a player's action
Vertical layering - where layers of music are 'stacked' on top of each other and change in response to the player’s actions
Linear loop - a repeating musical idea in a video game that can be looped indefinitely
Common misconception
Sudden tempo changes do not work in horizontal resequencing.
Sometimes tempo changes can sound jarring and unnatural, but sometimes video game composers want to create a sudden change of pace. If done carefully, tempo changes can work effectively.
Teacher tip
The first task is an opportunity for pupils to tweak their compositions. Often juxtaposing different sections highlights features that don't work musically. If necessary, guide them as to what sounds 'unnatural' - often it will be using chords from a different key, or timbres that contrast too much.
Equipment
DAW, notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Horizontal __________ is an important feature of video game music.
Q2.Vertical __________ is an important feature of video game music.
Q3.Which of these are true about vertical layering?
Q4.What is horizontal resequencing?
Q5.Which term describes the way that video game music must change in response to a player’s actions?
Q6.Which of these would not be a suitable feature in a fast-paced racing game?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these changes is most likely to make a transition between sections feel unnatural and jarring?
Q2. is where the end of a melody naturally flows into the start of the next melody.
Q3.To dovetail melodies, the last note of the first melody must reach the first note of the second melody by .
Q4.Which of these would suggest that a video game music clip is from an early video game?
Q5.Which of these are ways that video game music has developed over the last 50 years?
Q6.Which of these is not a similarity between modern video game and film music?
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Arranging and analysing video game music, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Arranging and analysing video game music, 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 Extending understanding in film music: video game music unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.