Composing at GCSE Music

Hi guys, Just a reminder that your composition is due on Monday 16th October 2017.  Here are some top tips for writing a piece on Garageband.

1. Start with a chord sequence.  C G Am F is a good one to try, but experiment with the chords in my previous post to see which one you like. 

2. Play these chords into Garageband and loop about 4-6 times.

3. Play them back to yourself and try humming or playing a tune over it that fits.

4. HINT: The tune should have a lot of the same notes as the notes in your chord that is playing at that time. e.g. If the chord is CEG, then the melody should have C E and G in it.

5. Try adding a baseline.  This should be the bottom note of your chord so, if your chord is CEG, your baseline note should be C. 

6. Develop your baseline note by playing it in with an interesting rhythm.

7. Add a beat. NOTE: you are NOT allowed any sample beats, make your own!!

Good luck.  Also, for ideas on good beats check out the youtube video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zkU_lOSgPI

GCSE Music listening playlists on YouTube

This is an image of the textbook that you need to get. 

Edexcel GCSE Music (9-1) Set Works:  These pieces will all be in your written exam in year 11.  You will study their origin, social context as well as detailed features of the music itself.  Make sure you listen to these tracks AT LEAST once EVERY WEEK so that you know them like the back of your hand by year 11.

Edexcel GCSE Music (9-1) Suggested wider listening: These pieces will enrich your listening and study of the set works.

GCSE Music at Harris Invictus Academy

My dearies,
Welcome to what will be an amazing two years filled with hard work and dedication.  I hope you all behaved very well for the other teacher.  I have had a lovely time growing a tiny human.

Yes I know, she's very cute.

Until Christmas I will see you only sporadically, but keep an eye on this blog and do all the work I set and you will be just fine!

Half-term 1: Chords and Composition

This half-term you will get to know your instrument and write a song for it.  We will also tackle formal music theory as you will need to read and write music to pass your GCSE!  Here are some ideas to help you with your composition this term.


Composition task: Compose a piece of music that is suited for the instrument you intend to perform your solo recital on.  It must include:
- An Appropriate chord sequence of at least 4 chords.
- A melody that fits correctly over these chords.
- An appropriate structure (e.g. intro-verse-chorus)
It can include:
- Appropriate lyrics.
- These lyrics recorded in on your Mac over the chord sequence.

Youtube tutorials on this blog will help refresh your memory on how to create your Garageband files.

Deadline: 9th October 2017.  Your composition will be marked by me during this session with appropriate feedback and improvement points that you will need to complete by the 17th of October.

Let's start with chords.