GCSE COMPOSITION BRIEFS

2019/20
Component 2: Composition is made up of 2
compositions: One free composition and one in
response to a set brief.

The total mark for this component is 60. Each

composition is marked out of 30. They must each be at
least 1 minute in duration and both compositions must
last a total of minimum 3 minutes.
 FREE COMPOSITION
● You should use your imagination and skills to
compose a piece of music. (Work to your strengths!)
● You can draw inspiration or starting points from the
set works and suggested wider listening, as well as
your own interests and the world around you.
● Consider the role of audience and occasion. (Who will
listen to it and where)
● The piece may be composed for any instrument of
combination of instruments, acoustic and/or
amplified and/or synthesised.
● The music may be in any style.
 SET BRIEF
● You must choose one of the four briefs listed in the
following slide. Each brief is based on a different area of
study you are looking at for the Listening and Appraising
component of the course.
● You can draw on your knowledge of the set works, and any
other pieces of music you have studied/listened to, in order
to help you think about the structure, style and features
of your music. (Look at your notes on the different
elements of music!)
● Consider your audience and/or occasion in your composition.
● Before you begin to work on your piece, have an overall
view of what it will look like when finished.
 BRIEF 1
Instrumental Music 1700-1820
Develop and extend a melodic theme of your own choice (either composed
by yourself or from an existing source) to create a theme and variations.

Compose for a solo instrument and accompaniment to be performed at

a chamber concert.

● The piece should exploit the potential of the solo instrument and
accompaniment.
● The accompaniment may be for one or more instruments.
● The instruments may be acoustic and/or amplified and/or synthesised.
● The music may be in any style.
 BRIEF 1
Instrumental Music 1700-1820

Mozart: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

 BRIEF 1
Instrumental Music 1700-1820

Harry Potter: Hedwigs Theme

 BRIEF 2
Vocal Music
Compose a song for solo voice and accompaniment to be
performed at an open mic night.

● The piece should exploit the potential of the solo voice

and accompaniment.
● You may choose any text or write your own.
● The accompaniment may be acoustic and/or amplified
and/or synthesised.
● The music may be in any style.
 BRIEF 3
Music for Stage and Screen
Compose the trailer soundtrack for a film about a theme
park.

● The music will reflect the characteristics of the

various attractions as well as the atmosphere within
the theme park.
● You may use one or more instruments, acoustic
and/or amplified and/or synthesised.
● The music may be in any style.
 BRIEF 3
Music for Stage and Screen

Disney World Theme Park

 BRIEF 3
Music for Stage and Screen

Alton Towers
 BRIEF 3
Music for Stage and Screen

Disney Haunted Mansion

 BRIEF 3
Music for Stage and Screen
Things to think about:

● What is the theme of the amusement park? Is it

existing or will you create one?
● What are the different sections or ‘worlds’ within your
park?
● What rides will you represent with music?
● What age group is the amusement park aimed at?
● How will contrast be achieved within the different
sections and how will you unify them?
 BRIEF 4
Fusions

Combine the stylistic features from two musical

styles or traditions to create a piece to be
performed at a Mardi Gras celebration.

● You may use one or more instruments,

acoustic and/or amplified and/or
synthesised.
BRIEF 4
Fusions
 HOMEWORK TASK
Choose a brief and start researching ideas.

● Choose 3 existing pieces of music that are similar in style to what you
would like to compose.
● Analyse one of them. How are the element of music used? Think about:
- Structure
- Instrumentation
- Melody
- Texture
- Rhythm, Tempo and Metre
- Tonality
- Harmony
● Brainstorm what you would like your piece to look like, using ideas you
have analysed from the existing piece and/or adding you own ideas.