We have just published a new resource to support students with writing their GCSE Music ‘free composition’. This 16-page booklet provides prompts, structured planning areas to complete and detailed guidance on rhythm, melody, harmony, structure, instrumentation and developing ideas, plus a 5-page composing log to track progress from lesson to lesson.
For teachers, our full guide to teaching GCSE music composition covers the wider process.
What does the booklet include?
The GCSE Music ‘free composition’ booklet can be downloaded and printed (colour or black & white) for GCSE Music students. It includes:
- Planning page with guidance on writing a brief
- Rhythm: writing a rhythm and ostinato
- Harmony & tonality: writing a chord sequence, including cadences + changing key
- Melody: practical approaches for melody-writing
- Instrumentation: considerations for choosing instruments & voices
- Developing ideas: 20 ways to develop initial musical ideas
- Composing log: structured blank pages for students to complete as they work through their composition

