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Writing your own music - OCRSelecting sounds and ideas

In GCSE Music you will be required to compose two pieces. To do this you will need suitable tools. You will also need to find a starting point for your music, and structure, review, evaluate and experiment with your compositions.

Part of MusicComposing

Writing your own music - selecting sounds and ideas

How will you decide which musical phrases and sounds you like?

The key part of this process is repetition. Repeat your ideas and sounds. Do they make sense? Follow your instincts.

Can you hear the starts and ends of phrases? Can you harmonise your melodies with simple chords? These are two indicators of well-crafted compositions.

Consider your GCSE composing criteria. The criteria vary between exam boards, but you will certainly be expected to show evidence of your ability to develop musical ideas and select appropriate timbres.

The most important thing to do is listen and repeat until you are happy.

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