#composition projects

[businesssuitsandflutes-blog]

Last minute composition projects will be the death of me.

It is titled: Arvo Pärt in the Jungle: An Unexpected Journey

for flute and marimba.

[flutist-or-flautist]

Post-tonal composition projects

If it doesn't feel like you're doing it wrong, then you probably aren't doing it right.

[whatshouldwecallmusiced-blog]

Composition Projects

When having a composition project that lasts a couple weeks you must be well prepared ahead of time.

You need to designate a specific spot in the class for this project, in this spot you will need the required instruments (xylophone, piano, synthesizer  recorder, etc, pencils, manuscript paper, and anything else that will help the class complete this project.

Will the class be working individually or in small groups?  By age 11, students should be mature enough to work alone if the prefer to.  It's very wise to have children work with others who they are familiar with, if they are paired with someone who they do not feel comfortable with, their project may not be performance ready.

Depending on the difficulty and class strengths the amount of time needed to complete this project varies.  For instance, if you have a strong and engaging class, this project may take up to 2 weeks max; but if the class is weaker, it may take up to an entire month with the proper weekly assignments met.

You may want to give each group different assignments and have them discuss them after everyone presented.  For instance, you may ask one group write something that resembles the different animals in a zoo, a sad piece, a happy piece, etc.  Or you may want the class to write under the same guidelines (the entire class must write a piece that resembles a cat chasing a mouse, or a happy piece; and have them compare their compositions.

Ending the assigned time may be even more important than starting it, you have to figure out a way to get the class to stop what they are doing and listen.  You may put up to fingers and wait for others to put their fingers up in silence, flick the lights on and off, or even play a little melody on the piano symbolizing that time is up.

You have to make sure that you do not interfere with the student's work.  You can answer their questions and try and push them to an answer, but you can not try and change something that they already wrote, or put something in...there is no such thing as a "wrong note".