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A melody is a linear sequence of notes. It is a combination of pitch and rhythm.

Music contains notes in succession (melody) or notes in combination. When notes are played at the same time it is called harmony. The type of harmony created in a piece of music or a song is the tonality of the music.

Most music is divided into different sections. These can be identified by keys, melodies, lyrics or chord sequences. The different sections form the structure of a piece or song.

Tempo, metre and rhythm are vital in all forms of music. Tempo is the underlying beat of the music. Metre is the organisation of rhythms into certain regular patterns. Rhythm is the organisation of particular sounds by their length. Without tempo, metre and rhythm, music would be disorganised and chaotic.

Dynamics are used to show what volume a piece of music should be played at. Articulation is used to show how to play a note - if it should be short and spikey or smooth.

Sonority is another word for timbre. The timbre or sonority of an instrument or voice is the colour, character or quality of sound it produces.

Some music is written with 'block' chords, some has weaving parts around the tune, and some music has no harmony at all. These are all examples of textures in music.

There are different ways of writing down music - this is called notation. Written music will indicate the type and length of note to be played.

J.S. Bach came from a family of successful musicians and was one of the most prominent composers of the Baroque period, writing six concertos for the noblemen of Brandenburg. Bach took on the work in the hope for employment, but the concertos took a lot longer than expected.

Ludwig van Beethoven and the piano were two of the most exciting new qualities of music in the 18th century and both are showcased in his Sonata Op.13 No.8 in C minor, Pathétique, first movement.

Franz Joseph Haydn composed Symphony No.101 in 1793 during the Classical period. It is likely that the symphony was nicknamed ‘The Clock’ because of the continuous quavers in the second movement.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in 1787 during the Classical period. It has typical music features from this time, including the minuet and trio form.

Henry Purcell was the leading English composer of his time, even composing for the Royal family. Music for a While was written by Henry Purcell as incidental music for the play Oedipus, written by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee in 1692.

Killer Queen is a song by the hugely successful British rock band Queen, released on their third album, Sheer Heart Attack, in 1974.

Someone Like You was composed by Adele Adkins and Dan Wilson. It featured on Adele's second studio album, 21. The single was a huge success, reaching Number 1 in the charts around the world and winning numerous awards.

Make You Feel My Love is a song on Dylan’s album Time Out of Mind, released in 1997. It has become a popular song, covered by other artists, from Billy Joel to Adele.

Stephen Schwartz composed Defying Gravity for the musical Wicked that opened in 2003. It is a vocal duet between two witches and is one of the biggest songs of the musical, finishing the first act.

John Williams is one of the most successful and sought-after film composers, writing for many blockbuster films and winning many awards. The Star Wars score is one of his most memorable pieces of work, becoming as iconic as the 1977 film itself.

Naughty is a song from the musical Matilda written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The musical is based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name as the musical.

Pirates of the Caribbean is a hugely successful film franchise. The score for the first of the film series was written by Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt. It begins with the He's a Pirate theme.

Afro Celt Sound System are a collective of musicians who combine elements of traditional West African, Celtic and Western pop to create fusion music. Release is from their 1999 album Volume 2: Release.

Samba Em Prelúdio is a song written in 1962 by Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell. Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding arranged a version of the song in 2008.

Beautiful Wasteland is the seventh album from the Celtic rock band Capercaillie, which features the song Beautiful Wasteland. Released in 1997, the album is a fusion of Gaelic music, and Western popular music.

Dizzy Gillespie is considered to be one of the greatest jazz trumpeters and band leaders of all time. In 1975 he collaborated with Latin American musician Machito and his band the Afro-Cubans to create the album Afro-Cuban Jazz Moods.

Music software can be used for notation, sequencing and sound recording. Music technology can help you to compose and record your own music.

Advances in music technology have made it possible for musicians to create their own recording studio. Computer based recording makes it easier to experiment and develop ideas.

Turntablism refers to the skill of DJing. Techniques such as scratching and beat juggling are used for manipulating the decks and mixing tracks.

DJ and singer-songwriter Moby is a performer from New York. He plays keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and drums. He has written popular dance music tracks which sample music from other songs.

In GCSE Music you will be required to compose two pieces. To do this you will need suitable tools. You will also need to find a starting point for your music, and structure, review, evaluate and experiment with your compositions.

Music software can be used for notation, sequencing and sound recording. Music technology can help you to compose and record your own music.

The music assessment includes a solo and an ensemble performance. Learn how to prepare, such as developing technical skill, expressive control, stylistic awareness and confidence.