GCSE MUSIC
Composition Briefs
AREA OF STUDY 1
(Ground Bass, Variations and Structures)
Brief 1: Ground Bass
Compose a piece based on an 8 bar ground bass for an instrumental
quartet and percussion representing a procession getting closer,
passing by then moving into the distance.
OR
Experiment using ground bass in a contemporary idiom.
Brief 2: Variations
The theme of your school arts week is ‘All Change!’ This will feature
artwork, drama and writing about change and variation. Write a set of
variations based on a well known folk tune, hymn tune or pop tune to
be performed in a final event of the arts week. Make sure you choose a
tune with a lot of scope for manipulation.
Brief 3: Rondo Form
Compose a piece in rondo form for a combination of instruments (no
more than 5). Make sure the episodes (B,C,D) contrast with the
reoccurring refrain (A) section. Use different keys, scales, rhythms,
dynamics, etc to give each section a clear identity.
AREA OF STUDY 2
(Minimalism)
Choose a scene from a play, film or poem and create music to reflect it
using minimalist techniques. Be aware of the mood you are creating
and carefully structure your ideas.
Create some music for an arts festival based on ‘Change’. Your piece
should reflect the artwork which features images of gradually
transforming shapes and colours. Use minimalism techniques to
create a wash of sound. Make texture and timbre the focus of your
piece and possibly use an arch shaped structure to help extend your
ideas.
AREA OF STUDY 3
(Popular Song)
Compose a ballad for vocal accompanied by acoustic guitar or piano
for a performance at an ‘Unplugged’ concert. Influenced by slower,
more thoughtful Beatles, Smiths and Suede tracks. Include verse,
chorus, and instrumental section.
Compose a song influenced by Britpop music. Use typical Britpop song
structure and instrumentation.
Compose a song for a musical. Either a slow ballad with simple
accompaniment or a faster more lively song and dance number.
Compose a dance track using Cubase. Use limited chords and at least
2 riffs (ostinato patterns). Include at least one breakdown section.
AREA OF STUDY 4
(World Music)
Compose a piece for percussion based on African music. It should
include call and response and cross rhythms and use pitches taken
from the pentatonic scale.
Compose a piece of music for Western instruments for the title
sequence of a Bollywood film entitled ‘Sunrise Over India’. The piece
should be based on a suitable morning Raga and use a 16 beat
rhythmic cycle. It should begin with a slow section then progress to a
faster one.