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I am a composer in my professional life, and I understand firsthand the challenges and rewards that come with composing music at A Level. This component is not just about creating a piece of music; it’s an opportunity to express your musical identity while demonstrating technical and creative skills. As you embark on this journey, I want to share some key strategies to help you excel in your extended composition. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed.
1. Understand the Assessment Criteria
Familiarising yourself with the assessment criteria is the first step to excelling in composition. Each exam board may have slightly different expectations, but they generally focus on:
- Creativity: Your ability to generate original ideas.
- Technical Skill: Mastery of compositional techniques and understanding of musical elements.
- Structural Awareness: The ability to organise your ideas into a coherent form.
- Reflection and Communication: Documenting your creative process through a research report or composition diary.
Review the specific criteria for your chosen exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.) to ensure you are meeting their requirements.
2. Develop Your Musical Ideas
Start with a strong idea or concept for your composition. This could be a melody, a harmonic progression, or a rhythmic motif. Here are a few ways to cultivate your ideas:
- Inspiration: Listen to a wide range of music to inspire your creativity. Take note of what resonates with you and consider how you can incorporate similar techniques into your work.
- Improvisation: Experiment with improvisation on your primary instrument or using music technology. This can lead to unexpected and innovative ideas.
- Sketching: Jot down ideas as they come to you. Sketching can help you refine and develop your initial concepts before you dive into a full composition. (Legend has it that Johann Strauss II famously jotted down the melody for “The Blue Danube” on a handkerchief…)
3. Master Compositional Techniques
Familiarise yourself with various compositional techniques, such as:
- Harmony: Understanding how to use chords effectively and explore harmonic progressions will enhance your work.
- Melody and Counterpoint: Work on creating interesting melodic lines and using counterpoint to add depth to your compositions.
- Texture and Timbre: Experiment with different textures and timbres to create a rich sound palette. Consider how different instruments and voices can work together to produce contrast and variety.
4. Focus on Structure
A well-structured composition is crucial for clarity and impact. Consider the following:
- Form: Familiarise yourself with common musical forms (e.g., binary, ternary, sonata form) and choose one that suits your ideas.
- Balance and Pacing: Ensure your composition has a balance of different sections and that it flows naturally. Pay attention to how you transition between sections.
- Repetition and Variation: Use repetition to create familiarity, but also incorporate variations to keep the listener engaged.
5. Reflect and Communicate
Document your compositional process in a reflective manner. This could involve keeping a composition diary or preparing a detailed research report. Include:
- Influences: Discuss the musical influences that have shaped your composition.
- Development: Explain how your ideas evolved throughout the process.
- Notational Choices: Clearly communicate your intentions through appropriate notation and annotations in your score.
6. Seek Feedback
Don’t hesitate to share your work with peers, teachers, or mentors. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Consider:
- Workshops and Peer Reviews: Participate in workshops or group sessions where you can present your compositions and receive feedback.
- One-on-One Guidance: Seek feedback from a music tutor who can offer specific advice tailored to your needs.
7. Use Technology Wisely
Incorporating music technology can enhance your composition. Use software like Logic Pro, Sibelius, Dorico, or MuseScore to notate or test out your music and experiment. This allows you to:
- Hear Your Work: Capture your ideas in real time and listen back to assess their effectiveness.
- Experiment with Instrumentation: Use virtual instruments to explore different sound combinations and arrangements.
Conclusion
Excelling in the composing component of A Level Music requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and structured planning. By understanding the assessment criteria, developing your musical ideas, mastering compositional techniques, focusing on structure, and reflecting on your process, you can create a compelling and original composition.
If you’re looking for personalised guidance in your composition journey, I offer tailored A Level Music tuition, covering all exam boards including AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge International, OCR, and more. Feel free to get in touch at any time.
