A

GUIDE TO COMPOSING

Determine the Form/Structure
o AABA
o ABACA
o ABCBA
Determine the opening key you wish to use
Determine the cadences you wish to have at the end of each phrase (4bars)
Build chord progressions leading up to cadences
Determine the type of accompaniment you are going to use
o Arpeggiation
o Blocked Chords (make use of inversions and avoid chords to low in bass clef)
o Alberti Bass
o Ostinato
o Walking Bass
o Varied/Mixed
Create a melody to suite the accompaniment:
o be mindful not to have clashing notes with the chords in the accompaniment.
o Be mindful of the melodic contour as well, rise and fall.
Make use of some of the following devices:
o Sequence
o Imitation
o Chromatic passage
o Retrograde
o Inversion
o Ornaments
o Modulation to Relative or Parallel key
o Augmentation or Diminution
o Syncopation
o Varied rhythmic patterns
o Counter melody
o Varied texture
o Pedal Point
o Contrary Motion/Movement
Ensure that each new section of your form/structure is different:
o Melodically
o Harmonically
o Texturally
Repetition is important in establishing the motive of your composition, so ensure
that it is repeated a few times. You can and should have more than one motive
throughout your composition.
Add Expressive Elements:
o Appropriate tempo (adagio, allegro, moderato, vivace)
o Appropriate and effect use of dynamics (p, f, cresc, dim etc)
o Appropriate and effect use of articulations (staccato, slurs, accents etc.)
Listen, Review and Analyse
o Make adjustments if necessary
 o Let others listen and give honest comments
o Write a detailed analysis of all you did the create the composition