Creating a soundtrack for a video can be an engaging and stimulating project for pianists of all ages and levels. The short 2d animations below were created for Compose Yourself! There are two versions of the video - one completely silent, the other with Foley (sound effects) which will work alongside any music composed. You are welcome to download the videos at the links below each one.
Here are a few tips to get you started if this is new to you and your pupils!
- Look at the overall structure of the video. There are 3 main sections, ideal for use with ternary form.
- Map out the scenes and times on a sheet, like this one. This can be used for quickly sketching out ideas.
- Use an area of study as a focus. For example the contrasting sections lend themselves to exploring major and minor. Or take melody as a focus, creating different themes for the two main characters - the cat and the fisherman.
- Explore descriptive sounds that could be used for the different scenes, for example the calm sea at the start contrasting with the urgency of the chase in the second section.
- Ask your pupil to play along to the video to get a feel for the timings of each section. This can be tricky for your pupil so they can play whilst you watch!
- If you are going to add the soundtrack to the video using software, each section can be recorded separately and then edited together and timed precisely.
- To extend the project, the piano piece can be used as the basis for creating a score using different instruments in notation software.
- If creating a soundtrack doesn't appeal, you can still use the video as a starting point for composing or to inspire ideas.