Programme 1: Chart Hits

Practical Activity

Generating Song Material

Think of different ways to generate song material. For example: Ask the students, working individually or as a class to:

• Create a melody from a short phrase or verse. This can be sung or played on an instrument. Discuss the results: how did the rhythm of the melody relate to the words? what kind of backing track would be a suitable accompaniment?
• Over a given rhythm or drum loop, bass riff and/or chords, think of a short lyric and melody. Discuss the results: how did the rhythm of the words relate to the rhythm of the music? did the rhythm of the music inspire certain words, or lyrical mood? did the rhythm of the words complement the rhythm of the music?