crafting parameters for composing
I began writing music at a very young age. For me, it was an extension of play. I didn't love learning the music that was assigned to me, but I loved the sound of the piano and my early compositions were really just explorations of that sound. As the adults in my life began to notice my interest in composing, many ideas about how to compose were shared. It's hard not to offer guidance to a child who is learning a new skill, but with composition, it has to be handled quite delicately so as not to squash the creativity and imagination of the child.
Ideas about what music is supposed to sound like, how it should be structured, what types of music should be played by which hand, these are limitations that are not particularly helpful for a child who wants to explore composing. Having no limitations, however, is not all that helpful either. So the question is, how do we create parameters for composing that simply define the borders for one particularly piece, rather than rules that communicate a greater value in certain choices and lesser value in others?
Our job is to help the child create their own musical boundaries, self-imposed limitations, rather than making suggestions about how to "improve" the composition. Let them find their own voice without leading them down Triadic Harmony Way. Encourage them to think about whether their rhythm will be free form or will fit into a steady beat. Ask them to consider whether they'll use the full range of the instrument or just a small portion of it. Ask them whether there will be sections of music that will repeat. Let them simply listen to the sounds of their instrument and decide which ones they like the best. That said, it doesn't hurt to offer a little more structure when they're first starting out.
paint by number, color inside the lines, or Free draw
There should be different levels of structure and guidance depending on the age of the student but also the nature of the child in question. Some children thrive with clear boundaries, while others prefer to have a limitless canvas in front of them. For some, limitations signify the freedom to roam safely; for others, they are oppressive. I've created several sample composition prompts at different levels of structure. You'll quickly see how you could vary these parameters to make completely new prompts and wildly different compositions. Please feel free to use these prompts exactly as written or varied in any way you wish. I will post more composition prompts periodically, so be sure to check back.
I would love to see compositions that result from these parameters (or others)! With the permission of the composer (and their family if they are a minor), perhaps I could even post some on this page at some point in the future. Please use the contact page to let us know you have materials you wish to send and someone will get back to you.
I would love to see compositions that result from these parameters (or others)! With the permission of the composer (and their family if they are a minor), perhaps I could even post some on this page at some point in the future. Please use the contact page to let us know you have materials you wish to send and someone will get back to you.