Form and Structure – Songwriting 2
SECOND LEVEL ACTIVITY
Second
LEVEL
ACTIVITY
Learning intention
•
To compose a song which has lyrics and a melody.
Success criteria
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•
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I am able to keep the beat using percussion instruments.
I am able to experiment with different melodies.
I am able to record my final song and discuss it with others.
Resources
Online drum machine
http://www.virtualdrumming.com/drums/windows/virtual-drum-machine.html
Focus
Skills, knowledge and understanding
What learners are communicating: Learners
are developing an understanding of how to
compose a melody.
Musical building blocks: Learners are
develop an understanding of basic musical form
and structure and an awareness of building
blocks such as repetition and word rhythms.
Learners will be able to:
• articulate thoughts, feelings
and ideas
• work co-operatively
• develop listening skills
• analyse the rhythmic
properties of words
• relate rhyme and lyrics to
melody
• reflect during the learning
process.
.
Experiences and outcomes
Links to other areas of the curriculum
Expressive arts:
Health and Wellbeing; Literacy
How learners are communicating: Learners
are expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas
through songwriting.
•
•
I can use my voice, musical instruments
and music technology to experiment with
sounds, pitch, melody, rhythm, timbre and
dynamics. EXA 2-17a
Inspired by a range of stimuli, and
working on my own and/or with others, I
can express and communicate my ideas,
thoughts and feelings through musical
activities. EXA 2-18a
Useful links
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p
0285txn
Process/next steps
This activity follows on from ‘Form and Structure – Songwriting 1’.
1) Watch the song writing tips video and listen to verses from different songs. Discuss the following
questions:
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•
•
•
What do the pupils notice?
Do any melodic phrases repeat?
Are lyrics repeated?
Describe the shape of the melody.
2) Pupils should find ways to maintain a steady pulse by tapping their feet or using an instrument of
their choice.
3) Using the established pulse, pupils should speak their lyrics over the top of the beat to become
secure with the rhythm of the notes. Pupils can then experiment by singing different melodies
over the beat.
4) Teachers can help by asking the above questions to prompt children to improve their melodies.
5) When ready, pupils should record their melody for self-assessment.
6) Pupils should then have the opportunity to perform to their peers.