Use a variety of compositional techniques and musical resources.

What is Composing?

Think of composing like building a LEGO set. Each block (note, rhythm, harmony) fits together to create a bigger picture (the piece). You decide the shape, colour, and how the blocks interact.

Key Compositional Techniques

1. Melody & Counterpoint – Write a main line and add a second line that complements it. 🎵
2. Harmony & Voice Leading – Use chords that move smoothly from one to another. Example: C → G → Am → F.
3. Rhythm & Meter – Experiment with time signatures like 4/4, 3/4, or 6/8. Try a 5/4 “Take Five” feel.
4. Form & Structure – Arrange sections (A‑B‑A, verse‑chorus‑bridge). Think of a movie: intro, conflict, resolution.
5. Texture & Timbre – Mix instruments (homophonic, polyphonic, homogenous). Use emojis to remember: 🎹 (piano), 🎸 (guitar), 🎺 (trumpet).
6. Orchestration & Arrangement – Decide which instruments play which parts. Use a “color palette” of sounds.

Musical Resources You Can Use

• Score sheets & staff paper
• Digital audio workstations (DAWs) like GarageBand or FL Studio
• Instrument samples & loops
• Music theory books & online tutorials
• Ear training apps (e.g., Tenuto)
• Collaborators (friends, teachers, online communities)

Exam Tips 📌

When you’re writing a piece for the exam, keep these points in mind:

1. Show Variety – Use at least three different techniques (e.g., a melodic line, a rhythmic motif, and a harmonic progression).
2. Explain Your Choices – In the commentary, describe why you chose a particular form or instrument.
3. Keep It Manageable – Aim for 30–60 bars; you can always add a short coda.
4. Use Proper Notation – Pay attention to clefs, key signatures, and dynamics.
5. Practice Performance – Even if you’re not performing, play through your score to catch mistakes.

Practice Ideas

Try these activities to sharpen your composing skills:

• Compose a 4-bar motif and then develop it into a 16-bar phrase.
• Take a familiar tune and rewrite it in a different key or time signature.
• Create a short piece (8 bars) using only two instruments (e.g., piano & violin).
• Record a simple loop and build a full arrangement around it.
• Exchange scores with a classmate and give constructive feedback.