KNOW: A minor scale

SHOW: You can insert notes into Cubase

COMPOSE: A diatonic chord sequence

• Step by step guide to composing A* - C grade songs.• It’s not about composing a piece your ears have yearned for. Its about meeting the

requirements of AQA.• This not an instruction manual, those expecting to be spoon fed will struggle. Composition

means song writing, you writing a song. Not sticking your hand up after 10 mins saying “I don’t get it”.

• Song writing on Cubase means you won’t have to write a score. (teacher demo) • Last year no one got below a C grade in their composing because Cubase allows you to

edit at a later stage or as you go along.• Click here - http://www.musicgcse.com/Unit%204.html and open the ‘Area of study

justification’.• Go through the justification and marking process.• Pick 2 area’s of study for final piece.

1: Use a scale to compose a chord sequence (triads)

TASK 1: You MUST know your scale. Why?

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Em

Bd Am

Am

Count

Chords

TASK 2: Compose a chord sequence in 3/4 time signature

At the bottom of your AoS justification fill in either a major or Minor scale.

All piano chords: http://www.8notes.com/piano_chord_chart/G.asp

1. Select More.

2. Select Empty

3. Select Create.

When saving: Save in your ‘My documents’ folder.

In pairs get Cubase loaded2: Using Cubase – Set up

1. Right mouse click here

2. ADD INSTRUMENT TRACK

3. Click here

4. SYNTH

5. HALION

2: Using Cubase – Set up

Click hereTo access instruments

Search for the sound you want by

Typing

Or

Scrolling

Customise your sound

2: Using Cubase – Time Signatures

Turn the metronome on

TASK: Hit record and play in your chord sequence

2: Using Cubase – Always use the metronome

Turn Auto Q on

Enlarge, Snap, Select all and Quantise.2: Using Cubase – Getting your music in time

1. Ctrl + D = Duplicate

2. Ctrl + C = Copy

3. Ctrl + V = Paste

4. Ctrl + Z = Undo

5. Crtl + A = Select all

2: Using Cubase – Windows shortcuts

TASK:Duplicate

your Chord progression

3 times.

I NOW HAVE…

x

x

xx

x

EXTENSION: Insert a cadence