Introduction
For the National 5 Music Assignment, you will need to create your own original music. This can be done in a variety of approaches, but you will undertake a range of short, creative activities and assignments that will cover the following methods:
- composing
- improvising
- arranging
The music that you create must:
- show a convincing and effective use of music concepts
- make sense musically and convey the style of the music chosen
- be well developed and structured
- show a clear understanding of the given stimulus/context for the composition
Your original music needs to show an understanding of the following:
- style
- harmony and melody
- rhythm and tempo
- texture, structure and form
- timbre and dynamics
You may work with others during the experimental stage, sharing and discussing ideas as you try things out. However, when you submit your coursework it must be your own individually created piece of music.
You must document your work and submit the following evidence:
- an audio recording
- a score or performance plan
- a composing review
In the initial composing stages, you may also wish to make an audio or video recording of your music so that, as your piece develops, you can listen to the recording and try out new, additional ideas.
Similarly, you might want to make a recording of your final version so that you can reflect on the decisions you made throughout the process. This will be beneficial when you review your work.
Approaches to help you with personal reflection of the composing stage include:
- blog entry
- diary
- mind map
- review
- written worksheet
- recorded interview
Your teacher will be looking to see if you have used a range of music concepts in a creative way.