Australian music: Teachers-Composition

Composition

Syllabus outcomes: 5.4 and 5.6

Have a look at the student’s page to read the composition task.

You will see that there are two components to this task. The first is the actual composing, using loops. The second, is making a movie using Xtranormal.

To get started on this in class, you will need to help students with the technology. Some may pick it up easily, but just be aware of any students needing help. This is important as technology can frustrate students if it is daunting and confusing. This may mean they will develop a fear or negative attitude towards using it.

The students already know how to use GarageBand. You might need to remind them where to find loops, and how to do a few other things, but on the whole they will be fine to complete the task. Hand out this task card in class.

They are quite good with technology. Make sure you make a movie on Xtranormal yourself, just so you know how to do this. Once you get started, it’s very easy. You do need to pay if you’re wanting to make a longer video. When you start an account, you are given 300 “points” for free. This is enough to make a basic video. If you want to make a longer one, you can pay $10 and receive 1200 points.
The free starter points should be enough for students to complete this task though.
Basically, you choose some characters and a setting. Then, all you have to do is type what you want them to say in the text box. You do need to use proper spelling and grammar, as the characters should say everything exactly as typed.

This task is a fun, interactive way for students to tell you about the process of composing. They can have a link to their video on their blogs too, so the students can watch one another’s videos.

Here is a lesson plan you may want to use during this unit. It is just to show an example of how you might want to set the lesson out in class. The task is slightly different, but it may be useful.

Here are some notes you may want to take a look at as well.