Create Your Own Composition - First try!

In this project, you will create your own short composition. We are fairly early in the semester still so do not expect this to be perfect (hence the first try) but I do expect you to adhere to basic conventions (see rubric).

To get started,create a primary melody that is simple, catchy and easy to remember. In popular music this is often the chorus of a song that repeats at least once in the song and is easy to sing along with. Your composition must also have a secondary or counter melody. Think of this as the verse or "bridge" of a song that helps the song move from one section to another. You can have more than two melodies in your composition but the primary melody should be the most prominent.

Time Signature

I recommend 4/4 time signature for this first composition project, however you can optionally write in 3/4 or 6/8. The time signature must be noted on the written composition. Also, be sure all measures use an appropriate combination of notes and/or rests to match your specified time signature

Tempo & Key

The tempo and key for your composition is up to you, but must be noted on the written composition.

Clefs

You MUST have at least 2 parts (treble clef and bass clef or any other variation you choose).

Length

The composition can be as short as 8 to 16 measures in length. You are welcome to create a longer composition, but please keep it under 64 measures in length.

Assignment Submission

All students must turn in the written notation for their composition.

Please submit your written notation in the the following file formats: .pfd, .jpg, .jpeg.  

• If you have created your file electronically - you can easily convert to PDF using the print > PDF option on your computer.
• If you have hand written your document - either take a picture (.jpg or .jpeg) or use one of the PDF scanners available in the technology lab to convert your document to an electronic format.

Up to 15 points extra credit will be given for recorded performances of the composition regardless of whether you perform the piece yourself. This can be accomplished as easily as using the media recorder in Canvas via the mic/webcam on your computer, tablet or phone.

Peer Review

This is gonna be fun. Once everyone has turned in their submissions, we're all going to review the great work and give each other constructive feedback, share 1st impressions (and 2nd) and provide at least a few ideas of how you could change the composition to get a different sound. Some of best Beatles songs were collaborations in which one member contributed the "middle eight" (bridge) to the primary songwriter. This is your chance to be creative and open to the ideas of others.

Be sure to review the grading rubric below before you begin work on your composition and Have Fun!