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Year 10 - Music

Composing a chord sequence

Fundamentals of composition

Unit Summary

This unit explores fundamental components of composition. It embeds and develops pupils' understanding of writing melodies, including idiomatic features and making a melody sound 'melodic'. It also explores effective writing of chord sequences, and how these intertwine with melodic writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to compose an effective 8-bar chord sequence using the typical conventions of Western classical music.

Key Notes

  • Chord sequences are patterns of chords that form the harmony in a composition.
  • Starting on chord I (tonic) and using mostly primary chords (chords I, IV and V) helps to anchor the music in a key.
  • Using some secondary chords (ii, iii and vi) adds further interest, but these should be used sparingly.
  • Ending with a perfect cadence (chord V to I) helps the music feel finished.
  • Using an imperfect cadence (any chord to V) in the middle of the sequence (bar 4) helps the music sound unfinished.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Primary chord: the most useful chords in a key - chord I (1), IV (4) and V (5)
  • Secondary chord: chords ii (2), iii (3) and vi (6) in a key
  • Tonic: chord I (1). In C major, the tonic chord is a C major chord
  • Perfect cadence: where a chord sequence ends with chord V then I, creating a finished feeling
  • Imperfect cadence: where a chord sequence or section of one ends on chord V, creating an unfinished feeling

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Secondary chords shouldn't be used.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Chord sequences are patterns of chords that form the harmony in a composition. Starting on chord I (tonic) and using mostly primary chords (chords I, IV and V) helps to anchor the music in a key.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Primary chord'

the most useful chords in a key - chord I (1), IV (4) and V (5).

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Secondary chords shouldn't be used. Correction: Secondary chords are important for interesting harmony and using them is a good idea. As you become a more experienced composer, you'll learn how to effectively use them. For now, a good rule of thumb is to use them sparingly.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Music guide library.