Video submissions

I have given you the option of posting your performance online as well as performing it in class. I realize that some instruments that you may have chosen for your project are at home and may not be brought to school so this option is for those of you who choose to perform your piece to the class through a video. Submit your video or link to the video as a comment on this post so class can post comments on it, same rules and guidelines will apply.

I do not own this picture.

Stuck?

Sometimes even though you think you might have it all figured out, you might get composer's block. It's like writer's block but for composers. I have attached several different links where you can find helpful strategies and articles for composing. This does not substitute my teaching in class or our one on one sessions, but it is rather helpful advice that you can use at home while working on your composition! Feel free to also look for your own links and post on the comments for others to use them as well :)

Neil Haydock: Music Composer, Music composition tips & techniques!

A Practical Guide to Musical Composition

Guidelines for Composing

I do not own the pictures or the websites.

References

Belkin, A. (1999). A Practical Guide to Musical Composition. Retrieved from http://www.dolmetsch.com/form.pdf

(2012). Neil Haydock: Music Composer. Retrieved from http://www.haydockmusic.com/composing_tips/music_composing_tips.html

Trevor, P. (2011). Guidelines for Composing. HSC Online. Retrieved from http://hsc.csu.edu.au/music/composition/tips/3380/guidelines_pearce1.htm

Composers & Arrangers

Eric Whitacre is one of the most popular and performed composers of this age, a distinguished conductor, broadcaster and public speaker. I have performed several pieces by Eric Whitacre including "Sleep" and "Cloudburst." The first time I heard "Sleep," I immediately fell in love with the piece. The tight harmonies and note clusters had me completely surrendered to the piece. The lyrics of the piece are actually a beautiful poem written by Charles Anthony Silvestri. They add so much to the piece, it is a PERFECT combination!!

Listen to this beautiful piece HERE!

Kurt Bestor is another composer I recently heard of. I had sung a famous piece by him in High School that is called "The Prayer of the Children." It was not until recently that I knew that he was the composer. I began to listen to more of his music and was very moved by some of his pieces. "The Prayer of the Children" is an incredible piece that moved me to tears when I first heard it. Like Whitacre, Bestor likes to use tight harmonies and note clusters which I am a sucker for. 

Listen to "Prayer of the Children" HERE!

There are millions and millions of composers out there that you can relate to and their music. I happen to identify with both of these composers because I like arranging and composing music that has many tight harmonies that include dissonant tension and release chords. Name a few composers or arrangers who you may identify yourself with and explain why.




I do not own any of these videos or pictures.

References

(2013). Eric Whitacre Composer, Conductor, Lecturer. Retrieved from http://ericwhitacre.com/
(2009). Eric Whitacre Conducts "Sleep." Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9shXm0cIeEY
(2008). The Prayer of the Children. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_xj6Ymz9ak

Inspiration

The sunset, the sunrise, someone I love, a heartbreak, rain, an old picture....these are a few things that inspire me when I compose and write music. Writing music is a way to express yourself and your feelings, a way to let lose from the world. Describe in detail what inspires you when creating or writing music.

I do not own this picture.