Creating Original Themes

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will dive deeper into the world of game soundtracks by composing their own original music themes for a fictional video game. They will apply their knowledge of musical elements to create a 30-second piece that embodies the mood and setting of their video game concept.

Age Group:

Key Stage 3 (Year 7)

Duration:

60 minutes

Class Size:

30 students

Learning Objectives:

• To explore the emotional impact of music in video games.
• To understand basic concepts of composition, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and dynamics.
• To use digital audio workstations (DAWs) or traditional instruments for composition.
• To apply critical thinking and creativity by composing a piece that fits a predetermined theme and setting.

Curriculum Links:

• National Curriculum for Music: "Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and instruments." (Music - KS3)
• Expressive Arts: Develops the ability to express ideas creatively using various means, such as music composition.
• Tiered Listening Skills: Developing listening and evaluation skills to understand how music fits within different media contexts.

Materials Needed:

• Computers or tablets with installed DAWs (e.g. GarageBand, FL Studio)
• Traditional instruments (keyboards, guitars, percussion)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector for presentation
• Printed templates for game themes (include descriptors of setting, mood, and character)

Lesson Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook (5 minutes):
   • Play short clips of popular video game soundtracks. Ask students to describe the emotions these clips evoke and how they relate to the games themselves.
2. Discussion (5 minutes):
   • Briefly discuss the role of music in gaming, and how it enhances gameplay and narrative (e.g., increasing tension, creating atmosphere).

Exploration (15 minutes)

1. Group Work (15 minutes):
   • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
   • Assign each group a predetermined setting and mood for their fictional game (e.g., underwater adventure, dark fantasy, space exploration, etc.).
   • Distribute printed templates and guide them to brainstorm ideas for their music (instruments, tempo, dynamics) within their groups.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Composition Time (25 minutes):
   • Students will create their original 30-second game theme using DAWs or traditional instruments.
   • Encourage experimentation with tempo, instrumentation, and layering sounds.
   • Teachers should circulate to provide feedback, suggestions, and support.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Share and Reflect (10 minutes):
   • Invite groups to present their compositions to the class.
   • After each performance, prompt a reflection on the emotional impact of their pieces and how well they feel it represents the game theme.
   • Encourage peer feedback, focusing on positive affirmations and constructive ideas on how to improve their compositions.

Assessment:

• Students will be assessed based on their participation, creativity, and the ability to communicate their musical choices effectively.
• A rubric will evaluate:
  • Composition Quality: Originality, structure, use of musical elements.
  • Collaboration: Group dynamic and ability to work together.
  • Presentation: Clarity of explanation during the performance.

Extension Activities:

• Students can further refine their compositions as homework.
• Encourage them to incorporate sound effects or voice-overs if they wish to enhance their themes further.

Inclusivity:

• Ensure a range of instruments or DAW tools are provided for students with different interests and skill levels.
• Adapt guidance based on individual student needs, ensuring everyone can participate fully in the activity.

Final Note:

Encourage every student to consider how their themes could influence gameplay and accentuate storytelling, as they embark on this creative journey into the world of game music.