Study Guides

Unit Summary

Pupils analyse exemplar compositions to explore advanced compositional techniques including rhythm, texture, timbre and interaction between parts. They develop understanding of how composers create interest, contrast and clarity within ensemble writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify different ways to use timbre, articulation and dynamics to add variety and interest to your composition.

Key Notes

• Composers often use timbre, articulation and dynamics precisely to create interesting musical effects.
• The way this is done varies between styles, but there are some common strategies to consider.
• These include creating contrast between, or within sections, and exploiting the timbres of instruments and registers.
• You can consider using different types of articulation (e.g. accents, tenuto) and sudden (subito) dynamic changes.
• Sometimes it is effective to use contrasting dynamics or articulation between different parts playing at the same time.

Vocabulary To Learn

• register: a particular section of an instrument's range (for example, a specific octave)
• accent: a symbol (>) indicating that a note should be emphasised
• tenuto: a type of accent in which a note is given more 'weight' and its full duration
• subito: an Italian term meaning 'suddenly', usually used to indicate sudden dynamic changes
• flutter tonguing: a brass and woodwind technique that creates a fluttery 'rrr' effect during a note; it is indicated in a score by the tremolo symbol and 'fl.'

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• When composing for multiple parts, they should use the same or similar articulation.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Creating space for a melody Study Guide
• Interaction between parts Study Guide
• Using melodic and other devices Study Guide
• Using rhythmic devices Study Guide