Music Composition 2: Volume 2

(Includes free access to on-line quizzes and audio samples)

“Music Composition 2” is the second book in a two book series by award-winning composer, Jonathan Peters, which explains how music is formed and how to compose your own music. Book 1 covers the study of rhythmic and melodic composition, while book 2 covers harmonic composition and compositional form.

Each lesson covers a particular concept (or related concepts). Concepts and compositional techniques are demonstrated throughout the course with real musical examples (pictures and on-line audio samples).

Each lesson also contains memory questions, access to on-line quizzes, listening assignments, and composition assignments. Memory questions serve to summarize and reinforce key concepts learned, while the quizzes tests the students’ knowledge and understanding of the material from each lesson. In the composition assignments students will get real life practice using the information and techniques learned in each lesson to write their own chord progressions and entire pieces.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS COURSE?

A computer with internet connection, screen, and speakers.

A basic knowledge of music theory. If you do not already have a rudimentary understanding of music theory, it is recommended that you take a music theory course before this course. (See "Music Theory" by the same author)

Some type of music notation software. MuseScore Studio is a recommended free option. An important part of music composition is getting your music to paper, and so this course will also develop the students’ ability to properly notate their music. This software not only prints professional looking sheet music, it also allows the student to hear their compositions as they are writing them.

Although not a necessity, it is very beneficial that the student have some ability to play the piano (or other instrument)

It is also recommended that you take "Music Composition 1" (by the same author) before taking this course.

WHAT AM I GOING TO GET OUT OF THIS COURSE?

Includes free access to on-line audio samples, assignments, answer keys and quizzes.

By the end of the course you will understand be able to compose chord progressions. You will also have composed a number of entire pieces in various compositional forms.

You will learn how to develop your harmonic material through a variety of compositional techniques.

You will learn about musical texture and how rhythm, melody, and harmony are combined.

You will get practice notating music using basic music notation software.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?

Anyone who has always wanted to learn how to write music!

Every student of music!

Beginning Composers/Songwriters

Composers/Songwriters with previous knowledge or experience who want to brush up and hone their skills (and maybe learn some new techniques!)

Although this course uses many examples from classical music, most of the information and compositional techniques learned in this course can be used by musicians of other genres.

If you want to deepen your understanding of music, learn to write it!