Wizarding School

for Composers

Rules for Sketching

A Cheat Sheet

1. You do not have to start with pitches and rhythms.

• Collect and cultivate the piece’s influences. Sketching is the process
• Feel free to draw, diagram, free write, photograph, etc. by which you convert
2. Embrace the half-baked idea. your inspiration into
• The goal of composing is complete phrases. The goal of pitches and rhythms
revision is polished phrases. The goal of sketching is frag- (notated or recorded).
ments of pitch, rhythm, harmony, etc. “Half-baked” means
you’re doing it right. Composing is the pro-
• “Half-baked” means sketching moves fast. This speed cess in which you or-
makes sketching perfect for working on the subway/bus, ganize, connect, and
between meetings, in waiting rooms, etc. develop your sketches
3. Use the tools that make it fun, easy, and retrievable. into complete phrases,
4. Don’t paint the picture; capture the essence. phrase groups, and sec-
• Keep your sketches no longer than 4 bars. If it’s longer tions.
than that, you’re probably composing not sketching.
• If you must go longer than 4-bars, keep it one dimen- Revising is the process
sional: e.g., just melody, not harmony; just harmony, not by which you deepen
texture; just texture, not harmony; etc. connections between
• If you must incorporate many dimensions, keep it phrases, remove excess
stream-of-consciousness level. details, and polish the
5. It’s okay to move between sketching, composing, and remaining ones.
revising.
• Organizing and polishing your ideas are not sketching, but
sketching can help you do both tasks.
• Confusing composing, sketching, and revising leads to
frustration.
6. Early sketches generate. Mid-to-late sketches refine.
• Composing requires ideas to arrange. Sketching creates
those ideas.
• Revision needs alternatives to composed phrases. Sketch-
ing creates those alternatives.
7. When you’re on the right track, your body will tell you.
• Cross-check your sketches against your influences and
your body/heart­—not your mind.
• Notice especially when you’re feeling energized, relaxed,
and engaged.

Learn more about the Wizarding School for Composers at www.josephsowa.com/composingmagic.

Copyright © 2021 Joseph Sowa. All Rights Reserved.