Composition Masterclass
Composing is a process that takes time. It is a journey that requires the individual to generate new ideas, to reflect on their work and refine what they have done. The process of composition accesses many higher-order thinking skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, analysing, evaluating and creating. For centuries people have composed music for a variety of purposes ranging from chamber music, dances, ceremonies, films, protests songs, etc. In the days before humanity notated music, people shared music through 'doing', a tradition where people would perform music and others would remember it.
Pythagoras had a natural curiosity about music and was one of the first to study the mathematical relationship between music intervals. Philosopher and Roman senator Boethius wrote a treatise titled The Principals of Music and translations of his work brought Pythagoras' mathematical understanding of music into the medieval period. His treatise was printed in Venice during the 15 th century and became influential throughout Europe. Boethius believed that arithmetic and music were intertwined and unified the principles of order and harmony. Throughout the 1600s music notation continued to evolve; music notation, bar lines, performance directions and dynamic markings all started to appear on music scores.
Composing and performance are intertwined. To be able to write for instruments, each must inform the other to create a work of music. Composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Schumann were all great composers, however, they were also great performers.
Composing music involves mathematics, creativity and critical thinking. In recent years, neuroscientists have developed a deeper understanding of the areas where music is processed in the brain. Research has shown that music engages many areas of the human brain. During composing the areas in the brain responsible for emotional processing and information integration show increased connectivity. Composing activities provide students with the opportunity to generate new ideas, and plan what they are going to create and produce. It is a journey where they will take risks, make mistakes, overcome challenges, consider alternatives, and develop their ideas to a point of realisation. What all good composers have in common is a good idea. It is the craft of composing that turns this idea into a great work. When a composer writes a piece of music, they must have an understanding of the style and context they are working with, the technical capabilities and idiomatic use of instruments, as well as knowledge of how to develop their rhythmic, melodic and harmonic material.
On Tuesday 1 September, the Year 9 Specialist Music students participated in a composition masterclass with renowned Perth composer Mr Griffin Wright. This session involved students workshopping their compositions and refining their harmonic and melodic ideas. Throughout the masterclass the boys were given opportunities to experiment with accompaniment styles, voice leading, idiomatic writing and harmonic function. Prior to the masterclass, they had spent time listening to and analysing scores of great composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Bartok and even The Beatles. This opportunity was designed to help students to develop their personal and original composition voice whilst reinforcing their understanding of music fundamentals. The masterclass was a great success and will be the first of a masterclass series that will run each term. These masterclasses are designed to prepare students for higher-level composition tasks in Years 11 and 12, including the Year 12 Composition Showcase where the students' works are performed by professional musicians in front of a live audience.
Jennifer Sullivan
Music Teacher | Music Curriculum Coordinator