Name:________________________________________ Music Class:________________ Last terms level___________ Target:_____________

Composition- Level criteria.

Your song-writing task will allow you to achieve the levels in the chart below. Notice that the levels are awarded for
your MUSIC not your LYRICS, so you should not spend all of your time writing the words. The writing in italics
should help you to understand how these levels will connect with your task.
4C
4B

4A

5C

5B

5A

6C

Make up a basic musical idea come up with a simple tune, for example a short verse or chorus
Make up an appropriate musical idea based on a given outline come up with a tune which includes verses
and choruses as normally found in a song
Make up an appropriate musical idea based on a given outline. Demonstrate appropriate use of musical
elements come up with verses/chorus and think about the elements of music eg. tempo, dynamics etc.
Create ideas developing appropriate musical elements. as above, but using changes in the elements, eg.
different dynamics, changing the texture, slowing down at the end.
Create ideas developing appropriate musical elements. Demonstrate and develop an understanding of
suitable sounds that work well together - as above, but as well as a melody you choose chords from a
keyboard style which fit with it and sound right.
Create ideas developing appropriate musical elements. Demonstrate and develop an understanding of
suitable sounds that work well together. Justify musical choices as above, but be able to explain why you
made the choices you did.
Create an extended piece of music - as above, but create a whole song, with verses, chorus, introduction,
ending etc.

Year 8 Song writing

6B

Create an extended piece of music, which is musically satisfying - as above, but it is a really successful
song, with a touch of the X factor!

Here is a checklist of things you need to complete to write your song, along with some hints to help you. Tick off
the things you have done, and use the box at the bottom of this page to set yourself a target for next time at the
end of each lesson. Write the names of the people in your group here:
Choose a topic to write your song about. You must agree as a group. If you cannot think of another idea,
write a Christmas song.
Write your lyrics. Aim for 2 verses and a chorus (minimum.) You words dont have to rhyme, but they must
fit with a pulse.
Make up a melody (tune) for your words. This means the bit you will sing with your voices, not play on the
keyboard.
Make up a backing on the keyboard to fit with your vocal melody. You are allowed to use the styles, but not
(Think about what level you are currently working at, and what you need to do to reach the next level.)
a demo tune.
Practice
thatlesson:
you can perform your song confidently. Make sure everyone in your group is involved.
Targets
forso
next