We’re delighted to announce a new course on the site – Ready to Compose. This technical course takes secondary level students through various aspects of rhythm, harmony and melody, and explores development techniques that they can use in their composing activities.
The final section contains three mini composition projects which can be used as a solid starting point for a longer composition.
What does the course include?
Ready to Compose is aimed at 14-16 year olds and is ideal for the start of a GCSE / iGCSE Music course. There are 5 main sections: Rhythm, Harmony, Melody, Developing Ideas and Mini Composition Projects.
Each lesson contains:
- Practical tasks (with downloadable worksheets)
- Clear examples with audio
- Video content
- Interactive quizzes
- Downloadable course glossary
Mini Composition Projects
The final section outlines 3 mini composition projects for students to build on what they have learned throughout the course.
1. Write a character theme
In this project students follow simple steps to create an effective character theme.
Through writing a rhythm, chord sequence and melody, they can craft a theme to use in a film score / video game track / descriptive piece.
2. Compose a percussion piece
Using what we learn in the rhythm section of the course, students create and combine ostinato patterns for a percussion composition.
We look at building a clear structure and developing contrast through texture and timbre.
3. Create an atmospheric composition
This project is based around a chord sequence which is created through changing one note at a time.
As well as changing harmonies, we explore metre and texture.
Course Glossary
Throughout the course there are key words highlighted in bold text. Students can download the course glossary at the start of the course and look up the definitions of the words as they work through the course content.
How to use this ‘Ready to Compose’ course
Every classroom is different and teachers use our courses in various ways to suit their set-up and students:
- Display at the front and work through together with the class
- Use the content to inform personal lesson planning.
- Use as part of the Classroom Access Plan where students can work through the content at their own pace.
Celebrating success
With all our courses students receive a certificate upon completion and an award badge on their personal dashboard.
Let’s get started…
If you want to find out more head to our courses page. For best value our Individual or Teacher Access Plans provide 12 months’ access to all the courses. And if you’re looking for access for a whole class so that you’re students can work through the courses at their own pace, have a look at our Classroom Access Plan.
