Bridging Task Music

Tips for A level work

When doing any research make sure that you reference where you get any of your quotes or statistics from. If a direct quote is used you must reference it. You can write a number next to the quote and then in the footnotes say where it is from/link to the website.

Make sure that you read sources of information carefully

Do not just copy and paste large chunks of information.

Please ensure that you check your spellings

A You will be expected to examine the signs and symbols used in musical notation

This will include Rhythm and Pitch in staff notation and Rhythm and pitch in alternative forms of notation ( such as TAB, Tonic sol-fa, Graphic scores, Drum notation, Chord chart, Lead sheet)

Produce a report which describes each of these different forms of notation: TAB Tonic sol-fa Graphic Score Drum Notation Chord Chart Lead sheet

You can write the report in any style (Word Document/Power point/on paper) But it must include a description of the notation (with examples), a bit of history about it (when was it first used) why you would use this sort of notation, situations where this notation is better than others and an evaluation of the notation – e.g. are there certain times graphic notation is better than others/when is a lead sheet not informative enough etc etc

For this next section you may need to do some music theory research – the following website is useful https://www.musictheory.net/lessons It may take you a while to do these activities because you have to do the research – that is fine – the research is the important part!

B In the manuscript lines below write the following intervals: A) Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Diminished 7th, Augmented 5th, Perfect 4th, Octave (if you are not sure then research this)

C Name the following notes (part c is an extension task) a)

b)

c)

D) On the manuscript paper below write out the following key signatures G Major E Major Eb Major Ab Major A Major

E)

F)

G The following theory sites have a list of musical symbols that could help with the next task https://www.dolmetsch.com/musicalsymbols.htm https://www.hakwright.co.uk/music/tabfaq.html

What symbol would you use to tell an instrument to do the following things:

a) Tell a stringed instrument to play using a bow

b) Tell a stringed instrument to pluck the strings

c) Tell an instrument to play a glissando

d) Tell an instrument to play a sharp on a note

e) Tell the piano player to press the sustain pedal…. And then to take the pedal off

f) Tell a guitarist to play a hammer on

g) Tell a performer to gradually get louder

h) Tell a performer to get slower

H) Write out a D Major scale (without using a key signature)

I)Write out the same D major scale for a guitarist in tab

J Keep a practise diary which you write in weekly For each week try to play your instrument/sing at least 3 times In the diary write a description of what you practised, what areas you struggled with, ways you overcame those challenges (e.g. did you play it over and over again) Write how you think you are improving. Write the names of the pieces you are practising! You can keep it in any way that you want (electronically/in a beautiful scrap book style)

K Research what a symphony is. Try and find out some information on the history and development of the symphony. E.g. who were some important composers, how did it develop? Present this as bullet points

L Listen to a range of music from different composers – keep a listening diary – try to listen to at least 10 different composers – what did you like? Which pieces did you listen to?