Study Guides

Unit Summary

This unit introduces pupils to the DAW as a composition tool and the fundamental features of a simple rock beat. They learn about the importance of a balance of repetition and contrast in music and how they might create this. They are introduced to the basic functions of DAW recording.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to identify the sound of a kick, snare and hi-hat when synthesized and can create an electronic drum groove.

Key Notes

• The tempo and timbre that a songwriter chooses play an important role in the overall effect of a piece of music.
• Timbre is a broad term which describes the sound quality of an instrument.
• There is a difference between acoustic and synthesized sound.
• The groove used in this lesson has similarities with the simpler rock groove, but the overall effect contrasts.
• Learning to recreate a slightly more complex drum groove which is based on the features of a typical drum groove.

Vocabulary To Learn

• synthesizer: an instrument that produces sound electronically
• timbre: the timbre of an instrument is its sound quality - for example, metallic
• acoustic: an acoustic instrument produces sound naturally without any electronic input

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Misunderstanding the meaning of acoustic because the lesson examples are played on an iPad/computer.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Creating variation to a fundamental drum groove Study Guide
• The role of the hi-hat in a drum groove Study Guide
• The role of the kick and snare in drum grooves Study Guide