This suitable for all years above year 8 and firmly bases the style in its historical context, leading students to compare classical composers with contemporary ones using Ground Bass in similar and different ways. Designed so that students can input four simple tracks into any music composition software reproducing the Pachelbel Canon harmonic structure. Students are led to enter the notes again in a second section with suggested differences and are encouraged to progress to as many different versions they can produce. A brief appraisal and ‘pupil voice’ is included at the end to enable you to see how students dealt with the task.

A PDF format worksheet illustrating the origin and background to Rap music. A template us provided to create lyrics with or without a background beat in the classroom. This can be accompanied with a simple, but limited, patois dictionary (also available on my resource site) to support students. Brief level descriptors are provided to enable students to understand where they are in their learning and what they can do to improve. A simple feedback session provides information by students as to the difficulties they faced. The second page provides key words for the techniques used in DJ performance. This lesson can either start with a DJ illustration with the lyrics constructed afterwards or the lyrics tested out in partners or groups followed by a DJ beat with progressive additions to improve the piece.

A PDF format of composing medieval music with Garageband. A step-by-step guide to creating a simple medieval piece using Garageband (but can e simply adapted to include other common music software) producing different levels of complexity according to ability. Model the task on a Smartboard, if you have one, or illustrate on a practical basis. Using sheets like this limit the constant demands of help from students.

A worksheet in PDF format that enables students to perform Leitmotifs used in films. It provides two choices in performing a short Leitmotif from well-known films: Jaws or Star Wars. The most able are provided with a guide to create their own Leitmotif.

Fed up of trying to spread yourself around your GCSE music composition class giving individual advice and trying to get around everyone?! If you have set your class a song composition, then this self-help guide will help your students and enable you to be more efficient with your time - and less exhausted! Suitable for GCSE composition and able year 9 students to help guide them through the possible choices available to them whilst composing, suggesting ideas but using the standard format of a pop song.

A worksheet (in publisher format) that enables students to perform Leitmotifs used in films. It provides two choices in performing a short Leitmotif from well-known films: Jaws or Star Wars. The most able are provided with a guide to create their own Leitmotif.

In Publisher Format to kick start a composition lesson to develop Reggae pieces using simple rhythms and pitch patterns

A worksheet suitable for a non-specialist (cover work) or as a preparatory lesson to a practical series of lessons performing reggae music. Short paragraphs with following questions as well as the opportunity for students to draw as well as express their own views/opinions about Rastafarian belief.

Suitable for a non-specialist as well as for a preparatory lesson on practical African drumming. A simple reading and comprehension exercise which informs students on the nature of drumming in African tribal societies as well a the type of drums used as well as in what context.

Designed for key stage three for classes dealing with chords for the first time. Linked to Garageband, but can be used with any other software. Students learn the C major triad in two different areas of the keyboard. A rhythm chant is also used with words alongside a marching background rhythm, which enable students to play in the rhythm using the triad. Multi-tracking enables students to produce multi-layered fanfares.

In PDF format to kick start a composition lesson to develop Reggae pieces using simple rhythms and pitch patterns. Highlights the essential elements to complete a simple skank, fill and bass riff. An assessment sheet is included to enable students to assess themselves as well as provide feedback from their learning experience.

A step-by-step guide to creating a simple medieval piece using Garageband (but can be simply adapted to include other common music software), as well as an Assessment sheet for students to self assess and provide feedback to you on their learning experience. The worksheet helps to produce compositions of different levels of complexity according to ability. Model the task on a Smartboard, if you have one, or illustrate on a practical basis by using simple Orff tuned percussion for a drone, a tin whistle or recorded for a melody using the Dorian mode. This worksheet limits the constant demands of help from students and supports you in managing your time between all members of the class

A written worksheet that would be suitable for a non-specialist allowing students to access the internet later in the lesson to complete some research on the sounds of the instruments. The concept of Drone and Mode needs to be known.

PDF Ground Bass Performance / Composition worksheet and self assessment sheet for students with a section for providing feedback on their learning. It is suitable for any years above year 8 and firmly bases the style in its historical context, leadings students to compare classical composers with contemporary ones using Ground Bass in similar and different ways. Designed so that students can input four simple tracks into any music composition software reproducing the Pachelbel Canon harmonic structure. Students are led to enter the notes again in a second section with suggested differences and are encouraged to progress to as many different versions they can produce. A brief appraisal and ‘pupil voice’ is included at the end to enable you to see how students dealt with the task.

A step-by-step guide enabling students to create a simple three part waltz adding a bass, fill and melody using Garageband or other similar software package. This would suit a class who have already covered the basic three triads.

A powerpoint to guide performers who are paired to perform a simple Ragtime piano piece. The guide provides a simple background to how the style originated and evolved leading to some animation of the different parts. This would suit a class who would ideally learn each part in their pairs. The more difficult part is the bass, with the easier part in the treble. The is room for all students learning both parts and then to allocate to themselves, which part would be most suitable for them. In any case, students either perform live or record onto music software to play back to the class or the teacher for appraisal.

A worksheet illustrating the origin and background to Rap music. A template is provided to create lyrics with or without a background beat in the classroom. This can be accompanied with a simple, but limited, patois dictionary (also available on my resource site) to support students. Brief level descriptors are provided to enable students to understand where they are in their learning and what they can do to improve. A simple feedback section provides information by students as to the difficulties they faced. The second page provides key words for the techniques used in DJ performance. This lesson can either start with a DJ illustration with the lyrics constructed afterwards or the lyrics tested out in partners or groups followed by a DJ beat with progressive additions to improve the piece.

Suitable for most year 7 and 8 classes and uses three speech patterns to establish Calypso rhythms in the musical memories of students. The speech patterns can be performed as such as a string of rhythms, in canon (up to three parts) and can then be transferred to using pitch from set chords notes. This can be practiced before recording onto any musical recording software producing a phrases of Calypso melodies. This can act as part of a series of lessons going onto adding the bass for each chord used and fill parts.

A publisher format worksheet designed for use with any music software or integrated live performers and backing tracks. Suitable for year 8 and above. Students learn to perform a simple nursery, which is scalic and in simple ternary form. This enables students to perform the music quickly. This would suit the next stage of variations composition. Different combinations are suggested to provide a coherent and flowing set of variations, which can be re-ordered according to the student’s wish. Simple to more complex changes to the original are suggested, which lead to students creating their own changes. An appendix is provided to enable students to use the three main chords of I, IV and V for a ‘fill’ and bass part.

A worksheet to compose simple Canons. This includes an assessment sheet for students to self-assess and provide feedback from their learning. The worksheet would benefit from a simple preparatory activity using echo-clapping or echo singing to reiterate the principle of Canon. This can be achieved ‘en class’ by dividing the class into two or three sections, which then copy the given rhythm / pattern from the previous section of the class. You can extend this to three bars to create a three-part Canon. The worksheet enables students to create one of three differentiated Canons depending on their ability. The worksheet can act as a preparatory sheet before they use any notation or multi-channel software.