This complete lesson activity requires students to make changes to a pre-existing midi file to discover how time signature, instrumentation and notation affect the character of a piece of music. Additional resources required: Internet access for the downloading of a midi file and the free Anvil Studio notation software. This can be used as a standalone lesson or as a companion lesson to 'Music Composition Using Anvil Studio' by the same author.

Anvil Studio is free, feature packed and easy to use Midi notation software. This lesson is designed for teachers of mandatory music to help them engage students in composition using ICT. Previous lessons in the basics of musical notation and composition are assumed. The resource can be used as handout for self paced learning or as part of a guided learning stratagem.

This worksheet engages students in researching musical terms, the history of the electric guitar, a band of the 60's or 70's, and a band of their own era. The completed research is to be compiled in a Powerpoint presentation. There is also a design task which involves creating a CD cover for a band (real or imagined). Suitable for stage 4 music students - NSW Curriculum - Australia.