Download Use with WJEC Performing Arts GCSE Unit 1 and Unit 3 Task 1

For use with WJEC
Performing Arts GCSE
Unit 1 and Unit 3 Task 1
Music Technology
Creativity in composing
Task 1
Instruments and voices
Research into the capabilities of different instruments /
voices through personal research on the internet.
Make a table with the instruments’ names and pitch ranges
and any technical issues you may need to remember.
Make a list of the benefits of using certain instruments and
make notes on relevant technical requirements for writing
for specific instruments.
Task 2 - Combination
Listen to pieces of music using different combinations of
instruments and voices.
Discuss what effect different instruments / voices have on
specific compositions.
Consider how one piece would sound different by changing
one instrument.
Using MIDI files, import a piece into a sequencer and
change the sounds to see the overall effect.
Task 3 – Keys and scales
Before you start composing, experiment with different
keys and scales.
Research into the following keys and scales and listen to
examples:
Major Key
Minor Key
Modal Key
Whole Tone Scale
Chromatic Scale
Pentatonic Scale
Task 4 – A good melody
Compose a series of short melodies :
Melody 1 – only include step movements.
Melody 2 – only include leap movements.
Melody 3 – a combination of step and leap.
Melody 4 – all step and one leap.
Melody 5 – all leap and one step.
Evaluate the positive and negative features of each melody.
Task 5 - Chords
Compose a series of chord sequences:
1. Compose 4 bars using chord I, IV and V in their root position.
2. Compose 4 bars using chord I, IV and V in any position.
3. Compose 4 bars using chord I, IV, V, ii and vi in any position.
Evaluate the positive and negative features of each chord
sequence and how you would improve each one.
Task 6 –Developing a melody
Compose a four-bar melody using only crotchet beats.
Rewrite the melody using a variety of different rhythms.
Repeat this exercise three times so that you have developed
four different melodies from one initial idea.
Which melody is the best / worst in your opinion? Explain
your answers.
Task 7 - Structure
Listen to a variety of songs / instrumental pieces and jot
down the overall structure of the piece.
Compare similarities and differences between songs and
instrumental pieces.
Decide on a structure and compose your own piece
following this structure.