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Variety Within A Unified Structure. When I was in college I used this phrase to describe good music. As a music major, I had to take a course called Theory and Analysis I & II (two semesters). We looked closely at musical masterpieces such as Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and Chopin’s Nocturnes. What made these pieces so great?
My answer to this question, and the conclusion to every paper I wrote on each masterpiece was that the great composers used variety and unity to make them great. If there was all unity and no variety, a piece would be boring. If there was all variety and no unity, the piece wouldn’t make musical sense to the human ear.
Ever wonder why all those rock songs do so well repeating the chorus over and over again? It’s because the human ear likes repetition and familiarity, and it makes their themes memorable.
Verse & Chorus. Using this simple method lets the chorus provide the unity and verses the variety in pieces. Make these sound different enough so the listener can tell the difference.
Chord Sequence Patterns. An example of a chord pattern could be I-ii-IV-V7-I (e.g. C-Am-F-G-C). One could use this pattern for an entire chorus or verse.
Rhythm Pattern. Probably the most memorable example of a rhythm pattern would be the opening theme in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Even a non-musician knows “duh-duh-duh-duuuum”. This theme is used over and over again throughout and is a unifying element.
Melody Patterns. A melody pattern would be the use of the same intervals. When using this and starting the pattern on different pitches is called sequencing. The human ear likes this because it provides unity and variety at the same time (same intervals, different pitches).
Use Cadences. The use of V7-I chords to end a section or a piece is the most final sounding of the cadences. It is called a “Perfect Authentic Cadence” or “PAC”. It lets the listener know that this is the end of a section.
Tension & Resolution. The human ear likes this element in music too. Tension can be described as “dissonance” or harsh tones that do not go well together, or dis-harmony. Resolution is the resolving of the tension, or notes moving to form harmony, or notes that sound good together. Tension makes the listener want to hear what comes next, to hear where the music is going. Resolution tells the listener “this is the end” and is final sounding. If there was no tension, there would be no resolution. If there was all harmony and resolution, it might be boring.
Question & Answer. Musical phrases are usually written in four measure phrases, and then two four measure phrases make a complete musical idea. The first four measures make the question, ending up in the air sounding, on a note other than the tonic note. The second set of four measures form the answer and must end on the tonic note to sound final, or like an answer.
Use Melodies Using 2nds and 3rds. Melody lines usually use intervals of 2nds and 3rds (step-wise and skip motion). The purpose of this is so the melody is easier to remember. If a melody line used huge jumps, it would be difficult to sing or a person to duplicate.
Write Down A Lead Sheet. A lead sheet is usually the melody written out in the treble clef and chords symbolized by chord symbols (i.e. Gmaj7) and lines in between to show where a measure ends. This can be done on a completely blank sheet of paper, not even any lines if necessary.
Record Yourself To Remember What You Played. This is helpful if you can’t figure out how to write down what you play. Using a tape recorder or digital recorder can be a helpful tool to remember things you make up at the piano. Simply let the tape keep recording and you can simply play back something to figure out what you just did. Say things like “Take One” on the tape or mention the date and time to help locate places on the tape. Never let not being able to write something down stop you from composing.
Labeling or Naming Sections. Labels such as “the smooth part” or “big octaves” or simply “Section A” or “Theme 1” are helpful to organize your musical ideas.
Title of Piece Gives The Mood. A piece called “Thundering Rainstorm” should sound different than a piece called “Twinkle Toes.” A title helps give you direction. How do you want your piece to sound?
Use “Special Effects.” Pedal use, Soft pedal, high and low octaves, arpeggios, grace notes.
Making Decisions. This can be the most difficult part of your writing. What do I keep? What is used in a different piece you compose? What do I like better? These are difficult questions, but think of your writing like you have to do it for a living. If you were given the job to write a piece for a block-buster movie and had to report back in a week with something, you’d probably do it. Have something to show at the end of the day.
Your First Composition Won’t Be A Top 40 Hit. The more you write, the better you get. Think of Thomas Edison, America’s most famous inventor. People remember him for his great inventions, not for the thousands of ideas that didn’t work. His quote is “Genius is 99 percent perspiration and 1 percent inspiration”. He also wrote: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” This message is on the top of every practice plan our students get every week. A good example to follow. Keep at it. Oh, and remember who taught you when you made your first million!
Article Copyright © 2005 by Paul Nazzaro
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