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Student Compositions


Something changes when we compose. As we take all that we've learned and apply it, the notes morph into something all our own. The notes become our thoughts and ideas, our hopes and dreams...our song.

All About the Blues

These blues songs are based on a series of chords commonly called “12 bar blues.” (A bar is a measure.) You can look at the end of this section of songs to see an example of the “12 bar blues” pattern.

First, the students learned the blues scale in the keys of C, G, and F. Next, each student composed a two measure pattern in the key of C. That pattern was then repeated throughout the piece in the different keys. Once the melody was complete, I gave the students a few different options for the bass clef pattern. They chose their pattern and began practicing their masterpiece. This is the finished product.

As you listen, notice the “12 bar blues” pattern. And then notice how each student created something all their own.


The Pentatonic Scale Song

A pentatonic scale is created using just five notes, C, D, E, G, and A. The mix of these notes in a music composition can be heard in many different parts of the world, but it is most commonly recognized in Asian folk music.

After learning the pentatonic scale, the students went to work composing the first line. Once finished with that task, they repeated the same pattern on lines two and four to create an AABA form to their composition. They completed their piece by composing the B section on the third line. Each student was given the same bass clef pattern.

Our biggest challenge was not in composing the piece, but in playing it! The left hand pattern was new to them, and the fingering in the right hand would change depending on how they chose to arrange the five notes in the pentatonic scale. Still, they persevered. It’s amazing what they have created with five notes!

 

The Dorian Mode

Another word for mode is scale. Most of us have heard pieces composed from the Major or Minor scale, but very few of us regularly experience the sounds found in the Dorian scale.

Each scale is based on a series of half and whole steps. To figure out the pattern for a Dorian scale, all one need do is play all the white keys from D to D. After learning the pattern, the students set to work on creating a melody. After creating their melody, I gave them four chords from which to choose, G, F, C, or dm. The students then used their years of ear development to fill in the measures with the correct chords.

These were the trickiest pieces to compose, mainly because we’re not used to hearing the Dorian scale. At least, the students are not used to hearing the Dorian scale. Scarborough Fair, a Simon and Garfunkel standard, was written in the Dorian mode.

 

Spooky Songs