Compose World Project
Music KS2
Winter/Spring 2003 - 2004

Activity

Pupils use ‘Compose World' software to “ explore, choose, combine and organise musical ideas within musical structures” (National Curriculum Music – KS2 PoS 2, Composing.)

This is a fun project suitable for whole classes in years 4-6 (Year 7s have enjoyed it too) where pupils use a ‘drag-and-drop' approach to build whole songs from musical phrases. Rhythms and instrument sounds programmed into the software. It can be customized to fit in with particular musical styles, or to provide different levels of challenge if wished.

Outcomes

In a 2-hour session each pair of pupils will be able to complete their own 1-2 minute ‘song', which can be recorded onto a CD or tape to take back to school.

They will learn about different styles of beat, different instrument sounds, and musical elements including tempo, volume, pitch-shape, note and rests.

There are a wide range of possible extensions including: composing and recording their own musical phrases using grid edit or inputting them with a music keyboard.

Participants

All the year 5 classes from: Preston Park, Sudbury, Wembley Manor and St Mary's