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Year 8 - Music

Developing texture and timbre in EDM

EDM remixing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about EDM (electronic dance music), the main features of the style and the impact these features have on creating excitement in the music and a danceable groove. They learn about arranging through creating a remix of a famous melody.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to create a chordal part and develop the texture and timbre in your EDM remix.

Key Notes

  • In EDM the texture can vary between thick and thin to create excitement and interest.
  • Texture in EDM is often described as thick or thin depending on the number of different layers in the music.
  • The main layers in EDM music are the melody, the chords, the bass line and the drum groove.
  • You can develop texture by adding, removing and changing instruments and tracks.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • chord sequence: A chord sequence is a pattern of chords that usually lasts for 4, 8 or 16 bars.
  • texture: The texture of a piece of music is how many layers of sound are heard at the same time and how they fit together.
  • thick texture: A piece of music has a thick texture if there are many different musical layers playing at the same time.
  • thin texture: A piece of music has a thin texture if there are very few musical layers playing at the same time.
  • synth pad: A synth pad is a synthesizer that creates a sustained sound suitable for thickening texture.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Having lots of layers of music playing simultaneously is effective use of texture.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

In EDM the texture can vary between thick and thin to create excitement and interest. Texture in EDM is often described as thick or thin depending on the number of different layers in the music.

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

A chord sequence is a pattern of chords that usually lasts for 4, 8 or 16 bars.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Having lots of layers of music playing simultaneously is effective use of texture. Correction: It is easy to create a texture that is too thick and too busy. Encourage students to experiment with both thin and thick textures and reiterate that adding too many layers simultaneously can make music sound ineffective.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Music guide library.