You, the Composer

Question

A photograph shows someone writing musical notation by hand on a piece of staff paper.

Virtual Music Tools

Click on the icon on your computer to launch the Virtual Music Tools. Note: Students are asked to download Virtual Music Tools the first time they use the tool in each music course. The first instance of Virtual Music Tools is found in Unit 1, Lesson 1, Page 8. For this activity, you will use the virtual instrument.

Select any pitched instrument. Experiment with different instrument sounds while improvising to decide which sound you like best for your composition. 

In this exercise, you will choose a major or minor scale and use it to compose a melody. Follow the composition steps below.

Step One: Improvise

Improvise on the virtual instrument to brainstorm ideas for your composition. Play each of the following types of scales so you can decide which one you want to use for your composition. Improvise on each scale by playing its notes in any order or rhythm and avoiding notes outside the scale. If you discover a pattern or melody that you like while improvising, play it several times so you can remember it later for your composition.

Major Choose any tonic for your major scale. Remember to use this pattern of whole and half steps for a major scale: WWHWWWH.

Natural Minor

Choose any tonic for your natural minor scale. Remember to use this pattern of whole and half steps for a minor scale: WHWWHWW.

You, the Composer (Continued)

Step Two: Compose

Decide which scale and instrument you liked best from your improvisation, and use them in a composition.

When composing your melody, keep the following tips in mind: 

Your melody should have a peak (one note that is higher than all the others). 

Make sure your melody stays within the notes of the scale you chose. 

Your choice in tempo and dynamics will influence the mood of the music.

Your composition should follow these guidelines: 

Include a minimum of eight measures.

Include a tempo marking in BPM.

Include a dynamic marking.

Use a pitched instrument.

Use the notes of a major or minor scale.

End on the tonic note.

You, the Composer (continued)

Step Three: Describe

Describe details of your composition, including the following:

key of your original composition

the scale you used for your original composition

tempo

dynamics

how your choice of scale, tempo, dynamics, and melody set the mood in your work

Does the final product match your initial ideas for your composition?

Answer 1

You, the Composer: Composition Overview

Step Two: Compose

After experimenting with various pitched instruments and improvising on both major and natural minor scales, I have settled on using a C Major Scale for my composition. The sound of the piano seemed to resonate with my musical ideas, allowing for a warm and uplifting tone suitable for the melody I envisioned.

Composition Details:

• Key of Composition: C Major
• Scale Used: C Major Scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B)
• Tempo: 120 BPM
• Dynamics: Start at mf (mezzo-forte) and build to f (forte) at the peak, then return to mp (mezzo-piano) towards the end.

Melody Structure: The melody spans eight measures and is structured as follows:

1. Measures 1-2: Begin with a simple ascending pattern through the notes C, D, E, and F, creating a sense of anticipation.
2. Measures 3-4: Introduce a descending phrase that brings in G, F, E, and D, followed by a leap to C (the tonic) to establish a feeling of resolution.
3. Measures 5-6: Build intensity by transitioning to a higher register with notes G, A, and B, culminating in a peak at C, which serves as the highest note in the melody.
4. Measures 7-8: Gradually resolve the melody by descending back through A, G, and F, ending definitively on C, the tonic note.

Step Three: Describe

1. Key of Original Composition: C Major
2. Scale Used for Original Composition: C Major Scale
3. Tempo: 120 BPM
4. Dynamics: The piece starts mezzo-forte (moderately loud), reaches forte (loud) at the peak (measure 6), and then softens to mezzo-piano (moderately soft) towards the conclusion.

Mood Analysis:

The choice of the C Major Scale contributes to a bright and joyful mood, characteristic of many uplifting compositions. The tempo of 120 BPM maintains a lively pace, encouraging a sense of movement and energy throughout the melody. The use of dynamics, starting moderately and swelling to a peak before tapering off, enhances the emotional arc of the piece, mirroring a sense of excitement followed by a gentle resolution.

Reflection:

Overall, the final product aligns well with my initial ideas. The composition successfully captures the uplifting nature I aimed for, with the melody's structure allowing for both tension and release. The balance of dynamics and the use of the major scale result in a harmonious and engaging musical piece, evoking feelings of joy and optimism, reminiscent of a bright, sunny day.