Music Composition
Here's the spot to check in for supplementary and interesting bits to compliment what we do in class. Like always, feel free to submit links/URLs/etc. that you think would be relevant and of interest to the rest of your classmates.
Intro to Sibelius -click here
Composition #1: The RHYTHM is gonna get you!
For your first composition, we're going to ignore notes, melody, and harmony, and explore the other half of the pallet: rhythm. Using the following examples to kickstart your creative process, you're challenge is to explore, create, and develop rhythmic ideas in a way that sustains compositional interest, uses form and structure to lead the audience in a such a way that balances both standard practices of rhythm and form, but also challenges/breaks those conventions to create some interest and surprise in the process. Have fun! (BTW, feel free to search and bring in other examples you find)
HookTheory
This year, we are going to spend a lot of time using HookTheory and it's web-based suite of music exploration tools. It's new to me, and I see lots of use for purposes in music comp. You do need to create a user account, which can be done from their homepage.
This year, we are going to spend a lot of time using HookTheory and it's web-based suite of music exploration tools. It's new to me, and I see lots of use for purposes in music comp. You do need to create a user account, which can be done from their homepage.
Listening Transcription #1: Glory Days
Download and listen (repeatedly) to the following Bruce Springsteen classic. Once you are comfortable with the verse/chorus structure, write out a simple chord sheet of the entire song.
glory_days.mp3 | |
File Size: | 3667 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
Theory Drill & Practice: there are many different programs/sites available, and please forward me a link if there's something that you find that would be useful to others. Musictheory.net is a basic musicianship site that has many drill & practice exercises to hone your skills with. It is the primary tool we will use in this area for the first part of the year. File Access/Storage: While you can use other methods (other online storage services, a USB thumb drive, etc.), I recommend using Dropbox, a free (need to sign up) cloud storage service that works really well with anything I've used it with. To sign up, please begin by clicking on this URL http://db.tt/4lYEkS2c Notation Software: Finale & Sibelius have become the standard in their field. Both have scaled down versions that are more than adequate for a students needs, but all versions do cost $. As an alternative, we are moving towards a n open source, cross platform program called Musescore, which can be downloaded here. After installing, please watch & follow along with the 10 part intro series that is directly linked in the MuseScore Connect portion of the software, or here. Circle of Fifths: the standard way of organizing and learning to understand key signatures and functional chord relationships/progressions. Click here for an interactive version. Tempos: a great link of tempo terms and meanings -click here |