Page 69 - Year 10 Knowledge Organiser

BTEC Music: 5 of 9 BTEC Music: 6 of 9

Structure Instrumentation

Analysing the structure a song involves examining various aspects of the composition's form, arrangement, and organisation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the analysis: Consider Instrumentation Changes: Notice any changes or variations in
instrumentation throughout the song. This could include:
Consider Harmonic Progressions: Analyse the harmonic progression of the •Instrumental Solos: Sections where a particular instrument takes the
Listen to the Song: Start by listening to the pop song attentively. Pay close Listen to the Song: Start by listening to the pop song attentively. Pay close attention to the
1 attention to how the music unfolds over time, noting any changes in 6 song, including the chords used in each section and how they contribute to 1 sounds of the instruments, focusing on their timbres, rhythms, and roles within the 5 spotlight with a solo or featured melody.
•Instrumental Breaks: Sections where the arrangement temporarily drops
dynamics, instrumentation, or texture. the overall tonal structure. Identify any key changes or modulations that arrangement.
occur throughout the song and how they affect the mood and energy. out or changes to highlight a specific instrument or texture.
•Instrumental Layers: Sections where additional instruments or layers are
Identify Sections and Phrases: Divide the song into sections such as verse, Evaluate Arrangement and Instrumentation: Evaluate the arrangement of introduced to build intensity or complexity.
chorus, bridge, and any other distinct parts. Each section typically has its own instruments and voices within the song. Notice how different instruments
2 melody, lyrics, and chord progression. Identify phrases within each section, 7 and vocal parts interact to create the overall sound. Identify instrumental Relate Instrumentation to Genre and Style: Consider how the
instrumentation of the song reflects the genre and style of pop music.
which are smaller units of musical ideas that contribute to the overall solos, melodic hooks, or other standout features that add interest and Identify Instruments: Make a list of the instruments you hear in the song. This may include both Different genres may use different instruments, sounds, and production
structure. variation to the arrangement. 2 traditional instruments (such as guitar, bass, drums, piano, and keyboards) and electronic or 6 techniques to achieve their characteristic sound. Analyse how the

Relate Structure to Lyrics and Theme: Consider how the musical structure synthesized sounds (such as synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers). instrumentation contributes to the mood, atmosphere, and emotional
Analyse Repetition and Contrast: Look for patterns of repetition and impact of the song, reflecting themes of joy, sadness, excitement, or
contrast within the song. Repetition creates familiarity and reinforces key relates to the song's lyrics and theme. Note any instances where the music nostalgia.
3 musical elements, while contrast adds variety and interest. Note any 8 mirrors or reinforces the lyrical content, enhancing the emotional impact of Analyze Instrument Roles: Identify the roles that each instrument plays within the arrangement.
the song. Analyze how the structural features contribute to the storytelling
repeated melodies, chord progressions, or rhythmic motifs, as well as or message of the song, conveying themes of love, loss, empowerment, or This could include:
contrasting sections that introduce new material or change the mood.
other subjects. •Melodic Instruments: Instruments that play the main melody or instrumental hooks, such as Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your analysis with specific
lead guitar, keyboards, or synthesizers. •Harmonic Instruments: Instruments that provide chords
Examine Dynamics and Texture: Analyse changes in dynamics (loudness and Provide Examples and Evidence: Support your analysis with specific 3 or harmony, such as rhythm guitar, piano, or synthesizers playing chord pads. •Rhythmic 7 examples from the song, including musical notation or audio excerpts.
softness) and texture (the density and arrangement of musical elements) Instruments: Instruments that provide rhythmic accompaniment, such as drums, percussion, or Refer to instrumentation techniques such as guitar riffs, drum fills,
keyboard textures, or vocal effects to illustrate your points.
4 throughout the song. Identify moments of buildup and release, where the 9 examples from the song, including musical notation or audio excerpts. Refer bass guitar.
to structural features such as verse-chorus form, instrumental breaks,
music builds tension and then resolves it through changes in volume, dynamic changes, and thematic development to illustrate your points. •Textural Instruments: Instruments that add texture or color to the arrangement, such as
instrumentation, or intensity. strings, brass, woodwinds, or electronic effects.

Identify Transitional Elements: Look for transitional elements that connect Analyze Instrumentation Techniques: Pay attention to how the instruments are played and the
different sections of the song. This could include instrumental breaks, drum 10 Draw Conclusions: Summarise your analysis by drawing conclusions about techniques used to create specific sounds. This could include:
5 fills, or melodic hooks that signal a change in mood or direction. Pay the structural characteristics of the pop song. Consider how the song's •Strumming and Picking: Guitarists may use different strumming or picking patterns to create Draw Conclusions: Summarise your analysis by drawing conclusions about
structure contributes to its overall effectiveness and appeal, and reflect on
rhythmic and melodic effects.
attention to how transitional elements bridge the gap between sections and its significance within the context of the genre and style. 4 •Keyboard Techniques: Keyboard players may use techniques such as arpeggios, glissandos, or 8 the instrumentation of the pop song. Consider how the instrumentation
maintain the listener's interest. chordal stabs to create texture and interest. •Drum Patterns: Drummers may use different contributes to the overall effectiveness and appeal of the song, and reflect
patterns and fills to drive the rhythm and add dynamics to the song. on its significance within the context of the genre and style.
•Electronic Effects: Electronic instruments may use effects such as filtering, modulation, or
distortion to manipulate the sound and create unique textures.