KS3: Composing a Pop Song

An Musical Futures-style informal learning topic aimed at Year 9 classes following on from a cover song performance topic. Suitable for Year 8 students in some settings.

This collaborative composition topic follows a three part process of compose-refine-perform to create a 2 section, 3 or 4 chord pop song using vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass guitars and drum kits. Worksheets for each instrument are included, plus a Keynote presentation (available as powerpoint and PDF files) to support learning.

Each worksheet is double-sided. The front page is the final lead sheet for the full composition, whilst the reverse contains differentiated options for chords etc. with the possibility of a mix and match approach for personalised learning. Tic-Tac-Toe activity refers to a free worksheet available from LittleKidsRock.org

Learning Objectives and topic structure:
1. Compose/Practice (lessons 1 & 4)
To know the definition of a chord sequence
To be able to create a chord sequence
To apply a chord sequence across a group of instruments
2. Refine/Rehearse (lessons 2 & 5)
To revise knowledge of chord sequences

To refine the composition process

To maintain own musical role in ensemble playing
3. Perform (lessons 3 & 6)
To demonstrate understanding of chord sequences
To demonstrate technical and creative control of musical elements
To demonstrate stylistic and structural coherence overall

Uses Dyslexie font to support learners with dyslexia.