Setting musical parameters is important for students who are learning to compose. When there are no parameters and the “skies the limit,” students have trouble focusing and often produce directionless music. I love what Janet Lanier recently suggested on Twitter […]
Setting Interesting Parameters Read More »
I’m getting ahead of myself, but my 2nd point at the KMTA Conference lecture Composition for Kids was “Relate Theory To Composition.” I’m going to be talking about this in a later post, but I thought the KMTA members might
“Relate Theory to Composition” E.g. Read More »
Thanks to all the KMTA members who helped make my presentation on Saturday successful. I appreciate your participating in the session though it was early in the morning! I am grateful for your interest in the topic of Composition for
In working with student composers, I have discovered that students struggle with 2 major areas of composition: melody and form. These trouble areas tend to manifest themselves in the following ways: Too many motivic ideas in one piece Too much repetition (too
Trouble Areas for Student Composers Read More »
I love Susan Paradis’ new labels for teaching! She has a 2 octave keyboard label and now a treble and bass clef label. Each of these can be printed on Avery labels found at any office supply store. I plan to
Labels for Teaching Read More »
Hot off the press! Contemporary Movie Hits contains intermediate arrangements of: Bella’s Lullaby Breaking Free Dawn Georgiana He’s a Pirate That’s How You Know (from Enchanted) I arranged Georgiana, Dawn, and That’s How You Know (my personal favorite). I sang this one
New Book: Contemporary Movie Hits Read More »
Should you have any dreams about becoming rich as a composer, it might be helpful to know who makes what in the music publishing business. And be sure you read to the end because I’ve updated this post since it
Who Makes What in Print Music Publishing Read More »
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of adjudicating for a local MTA’s Music Progressions event. One of the students performed my new piece, Twister. He was so excited to be playing for the actual composer but I was probably more excited
Why are some pieces hits? Read More »
Carnegie Hall has some great online videos of piano and string quartet masterclasses and learning sessions. The first video is a Masterclass with Leon Fleisher. Students in this class perform the late Schubert Sonatas. When you “Launch the Guide” you can choose
MasterClasses with Leon Fleisher and Emerson SQ Read More »
Here are 10 ways you can encourage composition in your studio: 1. Feature student compositions at a recital This year I told my students, “Any student who composes a piece of music and helps me write it down can perform
10 Ways to Encourage Composition in your Studio Read More »
Ignite the Spark!
August kick-off webinar
Join hundreds of teachers at this energizing webinar where we unveil new Fuzzies, Color, Beautiful Wonders, Adventure, & video game music! Plus stickers, new catalog, organization & teaching ideas!
