Composition, Songwriting and Tech: Oh My!
Kris Gilbert, Presenter
While we are waiting to begin….
WELCOME – Let’s Dive Right In!
Please take a notecard and do the following things:
� *On the blank side, draw a percussion clef on the far left side of the card.� *Write the time signature 4/4 next to it.� *Using only quarter notes, 8th notes, and half notes, compose a one measure rhythm composition not exceeding 4 beats.
*Wait for further instructions.
�
2
Activity #1 – Rhythm Master
WELCOME – Let’s Dive Right In!
Next Steps:
�*Get in groups of 4 - 8, whole tables/rows are ok.
* As a group, decide what body percussion to use for each rhythm.
* Teach each other your rhythm along with the body percussion.
“I Do, You Do”
* Decide the order of rhythms (lay them out)
* Practice your body percussion rhythm compositions
* Name your group!
* PERFORM!
��
3
Composition
Let’s learn about you!
WELCOME!
Where are you from?
What level do you teach?
What is your comfort level with composition?
Do you currently use composition in your classroom?
4
Composition
Today’s activities will highlight the benefits of composition:
Benefits of Composition
*Inspire individual and collaborative creativity
*Adaptability for all levels of learners
*Develop listening skills
*Scaffolding possibilities
*Learn how to work and communicate with others
*Develop strong foundation blocks to encourage further compositional experiences
*Gain self-confidence in ability
*Gain self-esteem and pride in one’s work
*Learn how the industry professionals put a song together
*Composition allows the composer to think outside the box and explore new harmonies.
*Simplification of composition leads the way to more complex compositions.
Most of all: IT’S FUN TO BE ORIGINAL!�
5
Composition
Codebreaker
6
Composition
Codebreaker
7
Implementation & Scaffolding Strategies:
�Students can work alone or in groups. If in groups - assign so that no one gets left out. Randomize!
�You can limit the number of chords. Fewer chords for beginners. More advanced chords for older students.
�You can have them strum as little or as much as they like.
�You can let them run with this project and add silly or serious lyrics!
�
Composition
Wheel of Awesome
8
Directions:
Go to wheeldecide.com and scroll down to customize your wheel. Enter your chords and click apply changes. Click to spin! Enter chords as they appear and test your composition.
�Students can work alone or in groups. If in groups - assign so that no one gets left out. Randomize!
�You can limit the number of chords. Fewer chords for beginners. More advanced chords for older students.
�You can have them strum as little or as much as they like.
�You can let them run with this project and add silly or serious lyrics!
�
Composition
Wheel of Awesome
9
Implementation & Scaffolding Strategies:
�This can work as an individual project or small group project.
�You could divide the class into “bands” and go all out!
�You can limit the number of chord choices based on class knowledge of chords.
�*You can decide if you are doing full chords or easy chords.
�*You could turn this into an iPad ensemble project if you want to use more complicated chords that they don’t know yet.
�*This project makes for a great discussion on why certain chords don’t necessarily “sound good” next to other chords. (especially if you are mixing keys)
Composition
Hook ‘Em Early
10
Songwriting
Directions:
Use a progression from a previous activity.
Your group will receive a random topic – come up with a list of related words, match those, then a list of every day words that could match the remaining words.
With your group, write a 4 line hook and a 4 line verse.
Rehearse and perform!
Extension: learn and perform someone else’s song
�
Alphabet Alliteration
11
Songwriting
Directions:
Use a device and an app to create a beat (soundtrap, bandlab, GarageBand or other digital instruments)
Each group will be assigned a letter.
Write 1 verse using words starting with that letter. Filler words, prepositions are allowed for connection purposes.
Perform Round Robin (going from one group to the next)
�
Mad Libs
12
Songwriting
Directions:
Create an easy 4 chord progression.
Your group will receive a Mad Libs paper.
With your group, fill in the mad libs blank spaces and have a volunteer read it out loud. Use your mad libs for the words for your song.
Rehearse and Perform!
Extension: Use in a blues progression format!
�
Mad Libs – Blues Sample
13
Songwriting
Google Jamboard
14
Technology
You can use a Google Jamboard for individual or collaborative work.
You can copy and paste images from whatever source you like
If you use Google Classroom and want students to have individual copies, check off “make a copy for each student”. If you want small groups to work together, assign to specific students in a group.
In this sample above, it is a code breaker type assignment, but I’ve set it up to multiple layers of notes and chord names.
What is also nice is that you can see students working if you visit the jamboard assigned to them.
Soundtrap EDU vs. BandLab EDU
15
Technology
�
*ALWAYS soundtrap.com/edu when asking for approval from schools.
*”Live” Collaboration
*No track or length limits
*accepts .mp4
*MIDI and interface compatible
*amp simulators, generous effects
*Podcasting with transcript capability
*Built-In Lesson Plans
$5/seat 50 seat minimum – swappable
*Students can use app on EDU side
*ALWAYS edu.bandlab.com when asking for approval from schools.
*Collaboration is clunky – “pass the football” Students have to wait to create.
*Track limit of 16, length 15 minutes
*MIDI and interface compatible
*amp simulators, generous effects
*Free
*App is NOT for EDU
Virtual Instrument/Ensemble
16
Technology
*Take out your mobile device and open a virtual instrument app if you have one. If not – pair up with someone.
*Group up quickly 4-6 people
*Compose a quick four chord song
*Choose/Assign an instrument
*Layer
*Practice
*Perform
I need a group or two to volunteer to perform!
Just for You!
17
Technology
A year’s worth of lesson plans
involving tech and composition,
Lesson can be adapted for your own use.
To access link, put presentation in play mode.
�
Just for You!
18
Composition/Songwriting
More composition/songwriting presentations and ideas:
Composition Games in the Modern Band Classroom
Composition Games in the Modern Band Classroom Part Deux
Band Together: Collaborative Composing With Your Students
Composition Games: Yes, You Can Compose!
Some of these have similar activities but adapted for different instruments and audiences.
To access link, put presentation in play mode.
Thoughts? Questions?
19
Share Out
Do you have any questions about process or timing?
Were you able to get some ideas to use on “Monday morning”?
Do you think you will try some more composition next year?
Remember – all of these activities are scalable and adaptable for younger age levels.
Session Feedback
20
Wrap-Up
Please take a moment to fill out the session evaluation form.
I take this feedback very seriously, and I appreciate you choosing to spend your time with me today!
Reach Out!
21
Contact
Kris Gilbert
Facebook: Kristen Elizabeth
Email: krisgilbertmusic@yahoo.com
IG/Twitter: @conductorchik
YouTube: KrisTheUkeChickGilbert