Matching music to action – using a storyboard
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how film composers work and can create different versions of a melody to suit contrasting moods.
Key learning points
- Writing film music requires composers to precisely match their music to the timings of action.
- They use storyboards to represent the action of a scene and cues to help fit their music to exact moments in a scene.
- They create the music to match each mood, by developing musical ideas in different ways.
- Developing an ostinato to create different moods.
Keywords
Ostinato - a repeating pattern that forms the basis of a piece of music
Development - the process of adapting an existing motif or musical idea, helping to create a balance of unity and variety in a composition
Common misconception
All film music has to be precise to the second to fit the action perfectly.
Some film scenes do have to be exact where the music mirrors precisely what is happening on screen, but much film music is about creating the correct atmosphere and feel and this can be just as important when composing programmatic music.
Teacher tip
Pupils might only have time to create one contrasting mood. In this case, direct them to focus on the calm, peaceful mood. As an extension task, pupils could add another column to the story timeline, inventing a plot twist at the end. They could then develop their idea to suit this new mood.
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.What is a driving rhythm?
Q2.What sort of mood can driving rhythms effectively create?
Q3.What are accented notes?
Q4.Place these steps in order for creating a repeated ostinato to build excitement.
Q5.__________ a melody is when a second instrument joins in with the same tune.
Q6.Match the texture type to its description.
few instruments or parts playing at once
many instruments or parts playing together
two instruments play the same melody
adding more parts or instruments gradually
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A __________ is a representation of a film scene using a comic strip-like series of images to represent key moments.
Q2.Match each term to its meaning.
a section of film that needs music to match the action
the exact time in the film where something happens
a set of images showing the key actions in order
a sequence of events in a film or show
Q3.A precise moment in a film score, such as 2:45, is called a .
Q4.Why do film composers need timestamps?
Q5.Which of these is an example of a timestamp?
Q6.Put these steps in order for a composer to match music to a film scene.
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Matching music to action – using a storyboard, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 music lesson on: Matching music to action – using a storyboard, 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 Film music: developing ideas and understanding unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.