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Music Composition 1

A practical and inspiring composition course that equips you with the theory and techniques to start writing your own compelling music across styles.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you in Music Composition 1 Course

  • Develop strong melodic ideas and thematic motifs

  • Understand harmony: triads, seventh chords, and functional progressions

  • Master form and structure: binary, ternary, sonata, and song forms

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  • Orchestrate for small ensembles using instrumentation principles

  • Apply counterpoint techniques and effective voice leading

Program Overview

Introduction to Composition Principles

⏳ 30 minutes

  • The creative process: inspiration, sketching, and development

  • Overview of notation tools and software

Melody & Motif Development

⏳ 1 hour

  • Crafting memorable themes using intervallic and rhythmic variation

  • Techniques for motivic transformation and sequence

Harmony & Progression Basics

⏳ 1 hour

  • Building triads and seventh chords in major/minor contexts

  • Functional progressions (I–IV–V–I, ii–V–I) and secondary dominants

Form & Structure

⏳ 45 minutes

  • Binary and ternary forms, phrase and period construction

  • Overview of sonata, rondo, and strophic/song forms

Counterpoint & Voice Leading

⏳ 1 hour

  • Two-voice counterpoint rules (species counterpoint)

  • Smooth voice leading and avoiding parallel fifths/octaves

Orchestration for Small Ensembles

⏳ 1 hour

  • Instrument ranges, timbre blending, and score layout

  • Scoring a simple quartet (strings or winds) with balanced textures

Advanced Techniques & Modern Styles

⏳ 45 minutes

  • Modal interchange, chromatic harmony, and extended chords

  • Introduction to 20th-century idioms and atonal elements

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Job Outlook

  • Composition skills lead to roles as composer, arranger, and orchestrator in media and performance settings

  • Opportunities in film, TV, video game scoring, and concert commissions

  • Freelance work writing for ensembles, choirs, and commercial projects

  • A foundation for advanced study in music theory, composition degrees, and conservatory training

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
An in-depth, hands-on introduction to composition that balances creativity and craft, giving you the tools to write structured, expressive music.
Value
9.3
Price
9.5
Skills
9.7
Information
9.6
PROS
  • Comprehensive coverage from melody to orchestration
  • Practical exercises reinforce theory with real compositional tasks
CONS
  • Limited deep dive into full orchestral scoring
  • No live feedback or peer review included

Specification: Music Composition 1

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

Course | Career Focused Learning Platform
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