Music · Pioneers 11–15 · Year 8
Harmony, chords and film music
Why does that chord make you nervous?
What you will learn
- Play and identify major, minor and diminished chords
- Use chord progressions and modulation for mood
- Compose a 60-second cue for a film clip using leitmotif
- Analyse how Williams, Zimmer or Shirley Walker create tension
Helpful to know first: Pitch notation; Simple chords
Discover
Think first: Why does that chord make you nervous? Say or jot one idea before you read on.
Learn — core route
- Chord quality ear training
- Score a silent clip
- Leitmotif transformation
Lessons in this subject: Learn Topics · Music
Practise — check a common mix-up
Minor chords always sound sad.
Film music should be noticed by the audience.
Apply / Create — Film Cue Composition
Compose and record a 60-second cue for a provided clip with a leitmotif and at least one modulation; write a 150-word analysis of your choices.
Evidence type: composition · accessible alternative always allowed (speak it, draw it, or show an adult).
How it is judged (rubric)
- Beginning: Cue exists
- Developing: Fits clip, one chord change
- Secure: Leitmotif, modulation, synced, analysed
- Extending: Sophisticated harmony and orchestration choices
Explain — say what you did
Review later
We'll offer a quick memory check in 7, 21 and 45 days. Mark this done and your Today page will remind you gently.
For grown-ups · framework mappings
- aligned to UK NC · KS3 Music: compose; appraise
- aligned to IB MYP · Arts: criteria A–B
Status: Live · reviewed
What's next?