Starting to Write a Composition

Starting to write a composition:

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Remember you have to combine 2 or more Areas of Study (AoS) in your Unit 4 composition.

AoS 1 Rhythm and Metre

• choose a time signature
• compose five different rhythms
• introduce them on different instruments (pitched or unpitched) to produce a layered composition.

AoS 2 Harmony and Tonality

• choose a key –Major or minor
• write a short chord progression using 4 to 6 chords- you can repeat one or more of them within the sequence – such as Em, C, Am, Em, B7, C, Am, B7.
• choose an accompanying instrument to play these chords
• write a suitable bass line
• work out a suitable pattern of notes for the chords, such as an Alberti style accompaniment, spread chords, a waltz style and so on.

AoS 3 Texture and Melody

• starting with a single line, bring in further tuned/untuned instruments to vary the texture.
• Establish the texture
• Add a melody on an instrument/voice of your choice

AoS 4 Timbre and Dynamics

• Choose two or more different instruments tuned or untuned
• Write two or four short phrases using a question and answer pattern
• Vary the dynamics either by contrast or by gradual increase/decrease.

AoS 5 Structure and Form

• Choose any of the forms listed within this AoS see your notes
• Choose instruments
• Compose the first section

Developing your initial ideas:

AoS 1 Rhythm and Metre

• Alter the rhythms you chose so that each rhythm has fewer or more beats in the pattern, such as 3/4, 7/8, 5/4
• Introduce a time shift by concentrating on one of the rhythms and taking away or adding beats.
• Alter some rhythms so that you produce a polyrhythmic composition

AoS 2 Harmony and Tonality

• Introduce a melodic line (on electric/lead guitar) above a repeat of the chord progression.
• Treat this 6 bar melody as a ‘question’ and then balance it with an ‘answer’
• Modulate
• Introduce some additional chord progressions to extend the range of the chords/harmony used.

AoS 3 Texture and Melody

• Change the accompaniment to broken chords, alberti bass, sustained chords.
• Introduce a counter melody
• Move the main melody around different instruments.

AoS 4 Timbre and Dynamics

• Experiment with the different tones across the instruments register.
• Full chords on guitar could contrast with finger picking
• Introduce additional instruments which will bring in new timbres

AoS 5 Structure and Form

• Compose contrasting sections
• Feature different instruments in each section
• Vary the first section when it returns
• Modulate
• Add an introduction or coda.