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The Music Graduate Award Scheme is your opportunity to deepen your knowledge and explore music beyond the classroom.

In order to become a music graduate, you will need to

  • Create a music journal critically appraising 3 pieces of music
  • Create and perform your own piece of music
  • Research a genre / style of music and create a poster

 

Music journal

Choose three pieces of music from three different genres from the lists below. Listen carefully to each piece and complete a music journal entry for each one.

Pop: Count on Me – Bruno Mars | Golden – HUNTR/X | Roar – Katy Perry

Rock: Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi | Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey | We Will Rock You – Queen

Country: 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton | You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman | Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts

Musical Theatre: Defying Gravity – Wicked | Revolting Children – Matilda | Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – Mary Poppins

Classical: The Four Seasons – Vivaldi | Clair de Lune – Debussy | Für Elise – Beethoven

For each piece…

Name it
Write the title, genre and singer/composer.

Listen
Record where you listened to the piece, such as YouTube, Spotify or a CD.

Give your first impressions
What did the music make you think, feel or imagine? Explain why.

Listen for instruments
Write down the instruments you think you can hear.

Listen for dynamics
Is the music loud or quiet? Do the dynamics change? Describe what you notice.

Listen for tempo
Is the music fast or slow? Does the tempo change during the piece?

Give it a rating
Give the piece a star rating out of 5 and explain your choice.

Draw the music
Create a picture, doodle or pattern inspired by what you hear. Think about the sounds, mood and images the music creates in your mind.

Your challenge

Use musical vocabulary when you can. Try to explain why you hear or feel something, rather than simply saying that you like or dislike the music.

Create and perform

You can choose one of the following options:

Create your own piece of music using technology.
  • You could use GarageBand or Chrome Music Lab to compose your own piece.
  • Think carefully about the tempo, rhythm, dynamics and instruments/sounds you choose
  • Give your piece a title and make sure you can explain some of the choices you made
  • Practise your piece so that it is ready to be shared during Celebration Worship
Perform a piece of music
  • Choose a piece of music that you would like to perform.
  • It could be something you have composed yourself or something by another musician.
  • It could be singing or playing an instrument
  • Practise regularly so that you can perform your piece confidently and accurately
  • Be ready to perform your piece during Celebration Worship

You only need to do one of these options!

Research a genre of music

Choose one of the following genres/styles:

Blues · Jazz · Baroque · Samba · Bhangra

Create a poster to teach others about your chosen genre.

Your poster should include:

  • The genre – What is it called? What are its main characteristics?

  • Its roots – Where did the genre begin? What was happening when it developed?

  • Its history – When did it develop? How has it changed over time?

  • Key figures – Who are some important composers, singers or musicians connected to the genre?

  • Instruments – Which instruments are commonly used? Can you explain how they contribute to the music?

  • Key pieces – What famous pieces or songs are associated with the genre? Choose at least two to listen to.

  • Something interesting – Find one interesting or surprising fact about your genre.

Remember: Your poster should be informative, clear and engaging. You can make it on paper or on a computer/iPad. Use your own words and include pictures or examples where they help to explain your research.

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