Year 8 Song Writing Tasks.

There are 4 tasks to be completed. These are:

Task 1: Research an Artist of your choice (individual).

Task 2: Write Lyrics for a song (Pairs).

Task 3: Design an album cover for you single (Individual).

Task 4: Self-Assessment (Individual).

Task 1

You will choose an artist that you are interested in and answer the following questions. You will need to complete the questions in a word document and print it out when completed.

* You are able to choose an artist in a band, but remember to make this clear in your work.

1. Name, Age, birthplace and year started in the music industry.

2. How they got into the Music Business?

3. What style of music they perform? Describe it.

4. Who are their musical influences?

5. A complete list of albums they have released.

6. List any number 1 hit’s they have had.

7. List 5 songs they have performed.

8. Pick 1 of the above songs from the list in question 7 and copy the lyrics. What is the song written about? And who wrote it?

Task 2

In pairs you will create lyrics on a subject of your choice. Please remember that the topic and content need to be appropriate for school. If you are unsure please come and see me.

It needs to contain at least the following structure. You may add more verses and a bridge if you would like. Your lyrics need to be written on lined paper.

Verse

Chorus

Verse

Chorus

Verse

Chorus

Information to Help You.

- Verse: The verse is usually ‘the story’ of the song. Create two phrases or sentences. Each phrases or sentence needs to be 9-14 syllables. A syllable (a work or part of a word) is a short sounds that can be said without interruptions. For example, the word ‘original’ has 4 syllables.

- Chorus: The chorus is the musical highlight of the song, with a catchy phrase or ‘hook’ that gives the song its title. Most choruses use repetition; so don’t be afraid to use the same phrase more than once in your choice. Write four 8-10 syllable lines.

Task 3

You will need to design a single cover for your song.

Include the following

-  The artist/band (make this up).

-  Title of your song

* Think about what your song is about and how your single cover will reflect this.

Task 4

3. Write a Self Assessment using questions given.

-  I worked well in my group by……..

-  Two things I did well were………….

-  Two things I can improve on are………….

-  I helped my partner when…………

-  My time management was………..

Assessment Rubric

Above Standard / At Standard / Below Standard / Well Below Standard
Composition / Piece shows good knowledge of theory and creativity. / Piece shows knowledge of theory and some creative passages. / Piece demonstrates some knowledge of theory. / Piece shows low level of theory knowledge/is not finished.
Group Work / The group use the majority of there class time effectively / The group was on task a most of the time in class. / The group used some of there class time. / The group did not use class time effectively.
Self Assessment / All reflection questions were completed with some evidence of analytical thinking. / All the reflection questions were answered. / Not all reflection questions were answered and showed little evidence of analysis. / No reflections were done after rehearsals.
Presentation / The assignment is neatly and beautifully presented. / The assessment has been neatly presented, but plainly presented / Little effort has been put into presentation / No effort has been put into presentation