1. For use with WJEC Performing Arts GCSE Unit 1 and Unit 3 Task 1 Music Technology Creativity in composing

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.