How are pop songs constructed?

In this lesson, we will learn all about the different sections in a song structure. We will learn how to play a complete pop song, and then structure our own pop songs in a digital audio workstation.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >
Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.How many notes are in a triad?

1/10

Q2.How can you work out a triad on a keyboard?

2/10

Q3.What are the primary triads in roman numerals?

3/10

Q4.What are the three secondary triads in C major?

4/10

Q5.What does the 'm' in Dm mean?

5/10

Q6.What is a semitone?

6/10

Q7.What does this symbol mean?

7/10

Q8.What chord and instrument does this show?

8/10

Q9.What does syncopated mean?

9/10

Q10.What is the accompaniment?

10/10

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >
Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Q1.How many notes are in a triad?

1/10

Q2.How can you work out a triad on a keyboard?

2/10

Q3.What are the primary triads in roman numerals?

3/10

Q4.What are the three secondary triads in C major?

4/10

Q5.What does the 'm' in Dm mean?

5/10

Q6.What is a semitone?

6/10

Q7.What does this symbol mean?

7/10

Q8.What chord and instrument does this show?

8/10

Q9.What does syncopated mean?

9/10

Q10.What is the accompaniment?

10/10

Video

Click on the play button to start the video. If your teacher asks you to pause the video and look at the worksheet you should:

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Worksheet

These slides will take you through some tasks for the lesson. If you need to re-play the video, click the ‘Resume Video’ icon. If you are asked to add answers to the slides, first download or print out the worksheet. Once you have finished all the tasks, click ‘Next’ below.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >
Quiz:

How can we play in a virtual band?

Don’t worry if you get a question wrong! Forgetting is an important step in learning. We will recap next lesson.

Q1.What is structure in music?

1/10

Q2.What do you call the catchy section of a song that repeats, with the same lyrics each time?

2/10

Q3.What do you call the sections of a song that repeat, with different lyrics?

3/10

Q4.What do you call the beginning of a song or piece of music?

4/10

Q5.What is a contrasting section that prepares us for the chorus again?

5/10

Q6.What is the correct order of a typical song structure?

6/10

Q7.Where would you find a pre chorus?

7/10

Q8.What parts are the accompaniment?

8/10

Q9.How can you vary the accompaniment?

9/10

Q10.What is 'strumming'?

10/10

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >
Quiz:

How can we play in a virtual band?

Don’t worry if you get a question wrong! Forgetting is an important step in learning. We will recap next lesson.

Q1.What is structure in music?

1/10

Q2.What do you call the catchy section of a song that repeats, with the same lyrics each time?

2/10

Q3.What do you call the sections of a song that repeat, with different lyrics?

3/10

Q4.What do you call the beginning of a song or piece of music?

4/10

Q5.What is a contrasting section that prepares us for the chorus again?

5/10

Q6.What is the correct order of a typical song structure?

6/10

Q7.Where would you find a pre chorus?

7/10

Q8.What parts are the accompaniment?

8/10

Q9.How can you vary the accompaniment?

9/10

Q10.What is 'strumming'?

10/10

Lesson summary: How are pop songs constructed?

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Time to move!

Did you know that exercise helps your concentration and ability to learn?

For 5 mins...

Move around:
Walk

On the spot:
Dance