Music Composition 1: Learn how to compose well-written rhythms and melodies: Volume 1

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

“Music Composition 1” is the first 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 transcription/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. Students who take this course will get practice transcribing music (hearing a rhythm or a melody and writing it down). In the composition assignments students will get real life practice using the information and techniques learned in each lesson to write their own rhythms and melodies.

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.

Some type of music notation software. I recommend MuseScore Studio 4 which can be downloaded for free at: https://musescore.org. 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)

WHAT AM I GOING TO GET OUT OF THIS COURSE?

Includes free access to on-line audio samples and quizzes for each lesson

By the end of the course you will be able to compose your own rhythms and melodies.

You will also learn how to develop your rhythmic and melodic material through a wide variety of compositional techniques.

You will get practice transcribing music (hearing rhythms and melodies and then writing them down in notation form).

You will get practice notating music using 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 any genre (including rock, pop, and jazz)

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

Jonathan Peters is an award-winning composer currently residing in the beautiful state of Colorado. He has worked in the music business for 24 years as teacher, director, composer, and recording artist. Mr. Peters holds a B.A. in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College and continued his graduate work at California State University Northridge where he studied advanced composition, theory, orchestration, and film scoring. Mr. Peters has completed over 40 works including 2 full length operas, a symphony, orchestral works, chamber music, choral pieces, and works for solo piano. His pieces have won many awards and recognitions including 1st place in the 1996 Composers Today Contest. He has professionally recorded and produced 6 CDs. His music has been performed both in the United States and Europe, is heard on the radio, and sells in over 50 stores world-wide. He is also the author of the Scholastic Music Series, a collection of educational CDs that use music as a tool to teach various academic subjects. The series has received starred reviews from School Library Journal and is carried in libraries throughout the country. Over the past 24 years Mr. Peters has given lessons in piano, composition, orchestration and music theory. He has worked with various orchestras, has been a guest conductor with the Cypress Pops Orchestra and has also directed various choirs in southern California.