Composition Basics: Lesson 3 PowerPoint – CBC & IGCSE

This is Lesson 3 of my 6-part composition series for IGCSE and CBC music teachers.

Before this lesson: Students should have completed Lesson 1 (Pentatonic Scale – free) and Lesson 2 (Rhythm – available in my store).

What this lesson covers:

A melody without harmony can feel empty. A piece without cadences can feel like it never ends. This PowerPoint introduces students to the three primary chords (I, IV, V) and the three most common cadences (perfect, plagal, imperfect) – the tools that give music its harmonic shape and sense of arrival.

Learning objectives:

• Build primary chords (I, IV, V) in C major
• Identify perfect, plagal, and imperfect cadences by ear
• Add appropriate cadences to end musical phrases
• Understand how harmony creates musical punctuation

Why this lesson works:

• ✅ Demystifies harmony – simple, visual explanations
• ✅ All examples in C major (no sharps/flats to confuse beginners)
• ✅ Works with keyboards, guitars, or even classroom percussion (bass notes)
• ✅ Takes 50-60 minutes
• ✅ Curriculum aligned (IGCSE Component 1 Listening + Component 3 Composing)
• ✅ Zero prep for you – everything included

What you'll need:

• Projector or screen to show PowerPoint
• Students with paper and pencil
• Optional: keyboards or any chord-capable instrument

This is Lesson 3 of my 6-lesson composition bundle.

Also available in my store:

Also available in my store:

• Lesson 1: Pentatonic Scale (FREE)
• Lesson 2: Rhythm (available now)
• Lesson 4: Melody Writing (coming soon)
• Lesson 5: Structure and Form (coming soon)
• Lesson 6: Final Composition Project (coming soon)
• Complete Bundle (Lessons 1-6 at 20% discount)

Download now and give your students the harmonic tools they need.