Compose by developing musical ideas within simple given structures and applying instrumental skills
Show learners how to build on ideas from pieces and improvisations and develop individual or group compositions.
Whilst instrumental lessons are not a substitute for curriculum music, they do provide opportunities for learners to extend ideas that originate from classroom lessons. Instrumental teachers have particular expertise that helps learners to explore the technical and expressive potential of the instrument.
In whole-class lessons, put learners into groups and ask them to create a rhythmic pattern together. Explain that there will not be a group leader, but rather that they all need to work as a team.
Ask learners to explore musical ideas using their instruments, jotting down the main points.
Encourage learners to evaluate their work during their lessons. Give specific feedback about musical details and help them to overcome particular problems.
Help learners to refine and notate their pieces, possibly using technology if appropriate.
Notation programs and digital audio workstations are useful tools to support the recording and refining process.
What matters most is that musical creativity becomes a habit – and one that learners enjoy.
Promote opportunities for learners’ compositions to be performed alongside other pieces they are learning.
Set activities over a number of weeks. These can be undertaken as part of learners’ practice and reviewed in each lesson.
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