STANDARD GRADE MUSIC Composition

What do I have to write? An introduction Section A Develop section A A modulation which has a sequence (section B) Return to section A A coda You will then add passing notes to most bars. You will then add in the harmony parts to 16 bars (not intro or coda)

What key to use? You can choose from C F or G Once you have decided which key to use, you will need to ensure you know what notes are in chords I II IV V and VI

Notes of Each Chord Key of CKey of FKey of G IC E GF A CG B D IID F AG Bb DA C E IVF A CBb D FC E G VG B DC E GD F# A VIA C ED F AE G B

Progress Please keep referring back to the table to ensure you are using the correct notes for each chord. You should complete at least 1 stage every period. Let the teacher see every 4 bars you complete.

Adding Chords to the Introduction In bar 1 enter chord I. In bar 4 enter either chord V or I. Choose either chord IV or VI in bars 2 and 3.

Adding Notes to the Introduction Choose combinations of rhythms which make 4 beats in a bar then write them down. Add notes to the rhythm making sure you are referring to the chord grid. End on one 4 beat note or two 2 beat notes. This should give you 4 bars of melody as an introduction.

Choosing chords (bars 5-8) Add chord I to bar 5. Add chord I or V to bar 8. If you have chosen chord V, put chord II in bar 7. If you have chosen chord I, put either IV or V in bar 7. Now complete bar 6 by adding IV, V or VI as long as it is different to bars 5 and 7.

Adding Melody (bars 5-8) Choose a rhythm for each bar ensuring it makes 4 beats. Insert notes to the rhythm. Make sure you are referring to the chord grid at all times. Mainly use notes of the chord but you can occasionally use passing notes.

Bars 9-12 Developed Melody Copy bars 5 & 6 into bars 9 & 10. You are now going to modulate. Bars 11 & 12 will use chords II then V in the new key. SEE ME FOR HELP WITH THIS AS EVERYONE WILL BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT!

Bars 13 – 16 Section B You are going to write a two or three bar sequence. Write chord I in bar 13 and either chord IV V or VI in bar 14 (new key). Write chord II of your original key into bar 15 and V into bar 16. End on one 4 beat note or two 2 beat notes.

Adding the Sequence Decide if you want a two bar or three bar sequence. If it is a 3 bar sequence – the rhythm you choose in bar 13 will be repeated in bars 14 and 15. If it is a 2 bar sequence – write a rhythmic pattern in bars 13 & 14 and copy it into bars 15 & 16.

Bars 17 – 20 Section A Returned Copy bars 5 & 6 into bars 17 & 18. Add some passing notes. (Notes which go between notes of the chord). Write either chord I or VI in bar 20. If you have chosen chord I, write IV or V in bar 19. If you have chosen chord VI, write V in bar 20. Add in notes for these chords.

Bars 21 – 24 Coda Put chord I into bars 21 & 24. Choose either chord V or VI for bar 23. Bar 22 – if you have chosen chord V in bar 23, use chord IV. If you have chosen chord IV in bar 23, use chord VI. Add rhythm and notes.

Improving Your Melody Look at what you have written and see if there is anywhere else you could add some passing notes.

Adding a Bass Part Each bar is going to have a 4 beat note written at the start of each bar using the first note of each chord e.g. if the chord is C and uses the notes C E G you would write a C. To make the bass line more interesting, use other notes of the chord. (Mainly use the 1 st and last notes of the chord).

Adding Harmony This will involve writing another part which uses different notes of the chord. See me for help with this.