Music Composition and Arranging
Class Webpage
TO REGISTER CLICK ON:
www.lawrence.edu/dept/acad_music/classes.shtml#Composition
Learn how to write
and arrange pieces of music. Class sessions will look at several styles of
music that demonstrate the craft of composition. Students will receive guidance
and advice while composing at least one piece of music and will perform the
original compositions in a recital. While formal music theory classes are not
required, a working knowledge of notation, key signatures, and scales is
helpful. Notation software is not required for the class, but is helpful if the
student has access.
Open to students in
grades 9-12 (advanced students in grade 8 will be considered); Enrollment
minimum 4, maximum 8
2009
Summer Information
When TBA
Fee Summer tuition
schedule to be determined soon
Location
Instructor
Bring: manuscript paper, pencils, 6-inch ruler or
small straightedge for drawing measure bars, etc.
Music Theory Page – click here for music theory help
Resources to
download:
Books: (Click on the
links to download. These are in .pdf
format. I suggest that you print the
Guide to Musical Composition so you may bring it along to class. We may use the other materials, depending on
needs and time available).
Alan Belkin – A Practical
Guide to Musical Composition
(You may also read the book online and
listen to the musical examples by clicking this link: www.musique.umontreal.ca/personnel/Belkin/bk/index.html).
Alan Belkin – Artistic
Orchestration
(You may also read the book online and
listen to the musical examples by clicking this link: www.musique.umontreal.ca/personnel/Belkin/bk.O/index.html).
Alan Belkin – Workbook
for Elementary Tonal Composition
Legal
Notice: The preceding materials © Alan
Belkin. It may not be quoted or used
without the giving full credit to the author.
Although the material is copyrighted, it may be used free of charge,
provided the authorship is clearly indicated.
(Alan Belkin Biography - .pdf format)
Manuscript paper to
print on 8 ˝ x 11-inch paper (all in .pdf format)
(I will have printed
copies of these at the first session. If possible, follow my suggestions for printing
prior to class).
9 lines per page (print 5
copies minimum for the first class)
If you have printed manuscript paper
of your own that you prefer, just use it!
The point is, bring some blank manuscript to class!
Measure map – 40 bars (print 2 copies
minimum for the first class)
You can also download a myriad of
other manuscript paper styles at:
www.dolmetsch.com/manuscriptpaper.htm
You don’t need to
have notation software for the class.
Everything we do can be done on manuscript paper. HOWEVER, you probably would find it very
helpful to use software, since it makes the job of writing music less
time-consuming. Think of it as a word
processor for music.
If you already have
any of the Finale family of software (Finale, Finale Allegro, Printmusic, or
Notepad) you may bring along either your notebook computer or a jump drive with
your files on it. (I use Windows, but
Finale’s files are transportable between platforms).
If you wish to
download Finale Notepad (for purchase – be sure to check the website) click
this link: www.finalemusic.com/notepad/default.aspx
Follow the
installation instructions provided on the Finale webpage.
MUSIC THEORY
A basic knowledge of
music theory is assumed. If you need
help with music theory, the Dolmetsch Music Theory and History website is
extensive and is self-explanatory: www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm I would recommend that you take a look at
it because it contains not only fundamentals but many advanced topics and
provides links to other sites offering ear-training exercises, readings, an
online music dictionary, and online books about composition and
arranging. I will refer to it from
time to time in class; look it over before the first session.
There are music
theory fundamentals worksheets posted at Gene Biringer’s Lawrence University
page at www.lawrence.edu/fast/biringeg/media/theory_funds/index.html
These have no
explanation or instruction attached to them, but they do have answer sheets
posted so you can compare your work to them.
LISTENING AND
BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH VARIOUS STYLES OF MUSIC
One of the basic
premises of becoming a composer is to become familiar with different styles of
music. A short list of composers that I recommend
for exploration and listening follows:
Johann Sebastian Bach
Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart
Ludwig van Beethoven
Franz Schubert
Claude Debussy
Maurice Ravel
Béla Bartók
Igor Stravinsky
Charles Ives
Edgard Varčse
plus thousands more…
We will listen to and
discuss some of the composers in this list.
I would encourage you to find a piece that you find very attractive and
spend time studying it.
CLASS GOAL
Each student will
develop a sketchbook (a collection of musical ideas) that demonstrates various
styles. The student may wish to carry
forward one idea and develop it into a completed composition.
PROFESSORIAL ADVICE
Each member of the
class is in a different place in terms of musical experience, technique, and
understanding. Don’t worry if you don’t
understand all of the readings. Do the
assignments, email questions to me, and make an effort to extend your
knowledge. You know MORE about music
than you actually realize. Use your
musical experience as your tutor.