Composition: Graphic Scores
To develop musical composition and notation through creating and reading graphic scores.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Creates a functional graphic score
- Reads another's score
- Explains score notation choices
- Understands notation as communication
Materials
- Blank paper for scores
- Drawing materials
- Instruments for playing scores
- Examples of graphic scores by composers
Instructions
Introduce the idea: 'Musicians need to be able to write down their music so others can play it. We use marks on paper — like a map for sound! Today you'll create your own sound maps.'
Start with simple associations: 'A wobbly line means a wobbly sound on the shaker — like this. A dot means a short sharp tap. A long line means a long held sound.' Make simple graphic scores and perform them.
Children create their own graphic scores. 'Design a sound piece on your paper. What marks will you use? What sound will each mark tell the player to make? Write it like instructions for the musician.'
Children perform each other's scores: 'Here's Amara's score. We need to work out what she wants us to do. What does this wavy red line mean? A smooth sound? Let's try it!'
Compare to real notation: show sheet music and a graphic score by a contemporary composer. 'Traditional music uses these symbols — notes on lines. Modern composers sometimes use pictures instead! Both are valid ways to write music.'
Record performances and play scores simultaneously — watching the score while hearing the music makes the notation-to-sound connection clear and exciting.