5.

WRITING A MAJOR KEY COMPOSITION

BY VICTORIA WILLIAMS
www.mymusictheory.com

Date of publishing: 5th June 2015

Summary of the Lesson

• For each beat of your composition, begin by choosing a chord note from the harmonic
structure that you have already planned.
• Then try to reuse the ideas of the given opening by using the same fragments of rhythm and
the same type of melodic movement.
• Don’t repeat large sections note-for-note – avoid having any two bars exactly the same,
although parts of the bars could be the same.
• Remember to use a long note for the cadences half way through and at the end.
• Try to make a logical decision for each choice – for example, choose a note so that a similar
rhythm/melodic shape is repeated, or to avoid repetition.
• Bars 6-7 are the natural climax of the piece (bar 8 is just the end), so aim to make it a little
bit more exciting/interesting.

© Victoria Williams – www.mymusictheory.com 1

Grade 6 Composition Course
5. MAJOR KEY COMPOSITION | PRACTICE
Using the given opening, compose a melody of 8-10 bars for clarinet. You do not need to add
performance directions, as this will be covered in the next lesson. Write the whole composition on
the blank staves below.

Compositions are scored out of 20. To score full marks:

• A good sense of shape and direction

• Style/character of the given opening has been well maintained
• The melody implies a plausible harmonic foundation
• Melodic/rhythmic aspects of the given opening have been well developed and continued
• There is a suitably balanced phrase structure
• The melody is within compass of the stipulated instrument

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© Victoria Williams – www.mymusictheory.com 2

Grade 6 Composition Course