Composing for a purpose
Music written for a film chase scene needs very different choices from a lullaby. Purpose should drive every musical decision.
Part of your national curriculum
- Composing: Compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music
Key learning points
- • The inter-related dimensions of music
- • Matching music to purpose
- • Planning before composing
This lesson at a glance
- 25 minutes
- 17 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 17
Visual introductionPicture this
Composing for a purpose
Music written for a film chase scene needs very different choices from a lullaby. Purpose should drive every musical decision.
In a nutshell
Compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music
Learning cycle
Part 2 of 17
Learning cycle 1 of 2
Part 1 · The inter-related dimensions of music
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 17
Learn
The inter-related dimensions of music
Pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture and structure are the 'building blocks' composers combine. Changing just one — say, swapping a slow tempo for a fast one — can transform the entire mood of a piece.
Reset break
Part 4 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Explore the idea
Part 5 of 17
Learn
Matching music to purpose
A film composer choosing music for tension might use a slow tempo, low pitch, sparse texture and dissonant harmony. The same dimensions used differently — fast tempo, high pitch, thick texture — could instead suggest excitement or celebration.
Quick check
Part 6 of 17
Quick check
Part 7 of 17
Reset break
Part 8 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Learning cycle
Part 9 of 17
Learning cycle 2 of 2
Part 2 · Planning before composing
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 10 of 17
Learn
Planning before composing
Start by identifying the purpose (a advert jingle, a game level, a ceremony) and its audience. Then deliberately choose dimensions of music that support that purpose, rather than composing randomly and hoping it fits.
Quick check
Part 11 of 17
Reset break
Part 12 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 3 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 13 of 17
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 14 of 17
Game · Fill the gaps
Finish the sentences
Choose the word that belongs in each gap.
The same ____ used differently — fast tempo, high pitch, thick texture — could instead suggest excitement or celebration.
Challenge round
Part 15 of 17
Game · Recall cards
Which of these is one of the inter-related dimensions of music?
Card 1 of 3
Mastery quiz
Part 16 of 17
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Composing for a purpose
3 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Which of these is one of the inter-related dimensions of music?
2. What effect might a slow tempo, low pitch and sparse texture create?
3. What should a composer identify before starting to compose for a purpose?
Lesson round-up
Part 17 of 17
Lesson round-up
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Compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music