Developing a video game theme
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop a video game theme using pulse and rhythm.
Key learning points
- It is important that a video game theme song captures the atmosphere of the game.
- For a high-energy racing game, the theme song should create a feeling of excitement and energy.
- We can use fast, rhythmic percussion layers to add excitement.
- We can also create an energetic driving bass line to add to this energy, including using chord notes and passing notes.
Keywords
Theme song - a piece of music that introduces a film or game and captures its overall atmosphere
Chord tone - a note that is included in the chord
Passing note - a note that links two chord tones by step
Common misconception
Complex music sounds most exciting and energetic.
Not necessarily - sometimes the most energetic music is that which emphasises the pulse and uses driving rhythms. Sometimes if music is too complex, with many busy layers of sound, it can sound chaotic and messy rather than energetic.
Teacher tip
This unit is a good opportunity to engage pupils who are keen gamers. Challenge pupils to analyse the theme songs of games they play and to link that analysis to the concepts explored so far. For pupils who aren't gamers, consider using the Halo theme as a good starting point.
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.Why was early video game music based on very short loops?
Q2.Which of these is a similarity between film music and video game music?
Q3.One key difference between early and modern video game music is that modern music uses sounds.
Q4.What do we call repeating sections of music in video games?
Q5.Video game music must be __________ because the timings are determined by player actions.
Q6.Which word describes the way that video game music must change in response to a player’s actions?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these must a video game theme song do?
Q2.Which of these is most important for creating rhythmic drive?
Q3.What is a driving rhythm?
Q4.Which of these is an example of a driving rhythm?
Q5.A chord note is part of the being played at that moment.
Q6.A note that links two chord notes by moving stepwise between them is called a note.
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Developing a video game theme, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Developing a video game theme, 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.