Using harmonic devices in film music
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop a film theme using pedals and dissonance.
Key learning points
- Harmonic devices, such as pedals and dissonance are very useful tools for film composers.
- Pedals (usually on the tonic note) create tension by creating clashes between the bass notes and chords.
- Dissonant chords, which often feature adjacent notes or chromatic notes, also create tension and excitement.
- We can reharmonise a consonant melody with dissonant harmony to develop it and add tension.
Keywords
Pedal - a bass note that stays the same while the chords change above it
Tonic - the ‘home’ note of a key, which a key is named after (e.g. the note C in C major)
Dissonance - when notes clash with each other
Consonance - when notes create pleasant harmony with each other
Common misconception
Black notes are the same thing as chromatic notes.
This is not always true. Chromatic notes are any notes that are from outside of the key. If you are in C major, which only uses white notes, the black notes will be chromatic. However, in other keys the black notes might not be chromatic.
Teacher tip
When forming chords encourage pupils to focus on the feeling of each chord, trying to create as much tension as possible through clashes. Learning can be extended by encouraging pupils to explore how moving the leitmotif and chords into different ranges can add to or reduce tension.
Equipment
DAW, notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool
Licence
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