Composition and Creativity
Small ideas, clearly shaped.
A Four-Bar Motif
- Goal
- Write a memorable idea with very little material.
- Level
- Beginner
Steps
- Write a four-bar melody.
- Use only three pitches and two note values.
- How to check it
- The idea has a shape you can recognize.
- Next
- Develop it in a second four-bar phrase.
Sequencing a Gesture
- Goal
- Repeat an idea at a new pitch level.
- Level
- Beginner
Steps
- Compose a two-bar motif.
- Repeat it starting one scale step higher.
- How to check it
- The interval pattern stays inside the key.
- Next
- Try a descending sequence.
A Pair of Harmonizations
- Goal
- Hear how harmony changes a melody.
- Level
- Intermediate
Steps
- Harmonize a four-bar melody with I–IV–V–I.
- Harmonize it again with vi–ii–V–I.
- How to check it
- Compare tension and points of arrival.
- Next
- Explain which version supports the melody better.
Writing a Countermelody
- Goal
- Add a second independent line.
- Level
- Intermediate
Steps
- Take a four-bar melody.
- Write a simple independent line beneath it.
- How to check it
- Strong beats are consonant and the rhythms differ.
- Next
- Remove unnecessary parallel motion.
Composing With Silence
- Goal
- Use rest as part of the structure.
- Level
- Beginner
Steps
- Write eight bars.
- Include at least one full bar of rest.
- How to check it
- The silence helps shape the phrase.
- Next
- Move the rest and compare.
Register as Structure
- Goal
- Use pitch height to shape a melody.
- Level
- Beginner
Steps
- Write a short melody that starts low.
- Let it reach a single high point and return.
- How to check it
- The high point is the climax of the phrase.
- Next
- Move the climax later.
A Piece on a Single Chord
- Goal
- Create interest without changing harmony.
- Level
- Intermediate
Steps
- Hold a C minor chord throughout.
- Compose eight bars over it.
- How to check it
- Rhythm, register and articulation carry the interest.
- Next
- Add one nonchord tone with a clear purpose.
Changing Texture
- Goal
- Present one theme in three textures.
- Level
- Advanced
Steps
- Take a four-bar theme.
- Arrange it as a single line.
- Arrange it with chords.
- Arrange it as two-part counterpoint.
- How to check it
- The melody stays recognizable in all three.
- Next
- Choose the strongest texture for the final phrase.
Alternative Cadences
- Goal
- End one phrase in different ways.
- Level
- Intermediate
Steps
- Write a six-bar phrase.
- Give it an authentic cadence (V–I).
- Give it a deceptive cadence (V–vi).
- How to check it
- Check the chord functions and the direction of the melody.
- Next
- Write a third ending on a half cadence (ending on V).
Revising a Miniature
- Goal
- Improve a piece through a few clear decisions.
- Level
- Intermediate
Steps
- Compose sixteen bars.
- Record them.
- Revise exactly three decisions.
- How to check it
- Write down why each change improves clarity or character.
- Next
- Play the revised piece for a listener.
Other chapters: Pulse and Rhythm · Pitch and Intonation · Ear Training and Listening · Technique and Coordination · Phrasing and Expression · Sight-Reading · Harmony and Improvisation · Ensemble and Accompaniment · Performance and Feedback
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