Creating Simple Arrangements

Arranging “Taking an existing piece of music and changing it in some way for a performance.” Composing “Writing a new piece of music from scratch” When you arrange a piece of music you try to adapt / change it to suit a different scenario. You can do this by changing different things: –Instruments / Ensemble –Rhythms / Style / Groove –Tempo –Texture –Tonality etc… What is Arranging…?

Listen to this MIDI file and watch the music below.this MIDI file This is the original tune played on it’s own. How I Wonder…

Now listen to the following simple arrangement of this tune.simple arrangement Notice the two distinct styles used and that the 12 bar tune is heard 3 times. EACH 12 BARS IS DIFFERENT Twinkle, Twinkle…

Start with a simple tune and find out what chords to use with each bar: Click here to see a ‘leadsheet’ of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.here Now watch and listen to this arrangement of the tune in Sibelius.this arrangement Pay particular attention to how the tune has been changed and adapted so as not to become repetitive. How Do I Start… (1)

Always start by entering the melody in the style you want it to begin with. Now add the chords to suit the style. (DON’T JUST ENTER SEMIBREVES) –You could use broken chords –You could put the chords into a suitable rhythm. Next add a bass line – this should be based around the bottom note of the chord (the root note) Finally, add a counter-melody – a new tune to go with the main melody. Once you have the first playing of the tune, start again but change the order of things. –A new instrument playing the tune –Change the key –Change the tempo / rhythms used –Maybe change the dynamics… VARY YOUR ARRANGEMENT BY CHANGING THE USE OF MUSICAL ELEMENTS – THEY ARE THE FOUNDATION OF ALL MUSIC. How Do I Start… (2)

Look at the Folk Tune Book for ideas – pick one of the Folk Tunes and create a simple arrangement based on the melody and chords given.Folk Tune Book Your arrangement should… –Use the melody 3 times  about 36 bars long –Include at between 5 & 7 instruments One must be a melody line One must play some chords One must play a bass line One must be a percussion line Don’t forget to vary the melody and style of the piece each time you repeat it. If you don’t the arrangement will start to sound very repetitive. Folk Tune Task

Look at the Folk Tune Book for ideasFolk Tune Book Use all the ideas discussed today and look at the Sibelius Arrangements Handout Sibelius Arrangements If you are unsure of your notes and what rests to use etc… Have a look at the Arranging GuideArranging Guide If you decide to include drums, have a look at the Drum Notation handout for ideas of how to write some basic rhythms and where different drums are written. Drum Notation Arrangement Task Help