Sample work Music Stage 5: Composing variations on a theme
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Students compose an 8-bar theme and 6 variations in the classical style for the piano. They notate their composition using appropriate forms of notation and technology.
Context
Students have an understanding of classical style music and have analysed Six Small Variations by Friedrick Kuhlau (1786–1832). They have been improvising, composing and arranging musical ideas both individually and in groups, and have experience in using appropriate notation and technology to create and notate compositions. Students have done a lot of work using Finale Notepad and are generally quite competent with this program.
Outcomes
A student:
- 5.4 demonstrates an understanding of the musical concepts through improvising, arranging and composing in the styles or genres of music selected for study
- 5.5 notates own compositions, applying forms of notation appropriate to the music selected for study
- 5.6 uses different forms of technology in the composition process.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- compose an 8-bar theme and 6 variations in the classical style for the piano
- create a score of their work using appropriate notation and technology
- select a variety of tone colours appropriate to their composition
- demonstrate an understanding of the roles of melody, harmony and structure in the compositional process.
Graded student work samples
Work sample feedback
Drew
Drew has demonstrated an extensive understanding of the composition process realising a coherent and stylistic work. A perceptive understanding of idiomatic writing is apparent through changing voices for the theme, varying accompaniment patterns, exploring the range of the piano and appropriate rhythmic ideas for the style.
Each variation demonstrates variety with increasing complexity both rhythmically and melodically and interest is maintained for the duration of the composition. Articulations and phrasing have been used stylistically reflecting a strong understanding of score conventions, although they are not consistently applied to all variations. Harmonic elements are very appropriate but not adventurous and the writing is not always consistent in the classical genre. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade A standard.
Ainsley
Ainsley has demonstrated a sound understanding of the composition process. The original theme and variations are linked showing an understanding of the structural restraints. The ability to vary the melodic material is evident, although the melodic elements become less coherent as each variation occurs and at times there appear to be random choices creating harmonic errors.
Dynamics and expressive details are missing and score conventions have not always been followed. Some stylistic writing is apparent through the use of techniques such as alberti bass lines and alternating voicings (dialogue between hands), but stylistic features are not sustained throughout the composition. There is frequent use of block chords and restricted left hand usage. The composition would benefit from a greater understanding of rhythmic choices, notational conventions and the minor key. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.