In case you missed it, we recently rolled out a brand new educational series for teachers and students to utilize during remote instruction and beyond. This new series is called Compose YOURSELF! and features ready-made composition lessons and assignments for your students featuring your favorite composers. Each lesson includes listening assignments, a video with the composer, and a composition assignment. The video and accompanying PDFs will be provided for you to share with your students.
Lessons are added weekly at smartmusic.com/compose-yourself and are free to access, with each focusing on a different aspect of the composition process. These lessons are perfect for the remote learning environment, but can also be used in a classroom setting or assigned as homework or extra credit any time of the year.
Lesson 1: Rhythm & Meter with Chris Bernotas
Explore how different time signatures and rhythms can influence composing a new piece of music. Learn some of the concepts used in Pony Express, Ablaze and Festival Fanfare and March, then work on creating your own music!
Lesson 2: Some Notes on Melody with Vince Gassi
Your students will learn about melody construction through guided listening examples and a composition assignment. Both you and your students will fall in love with this great resource!
Lesson 3: Style & Articulation with Katie O’Hara LaBrie
Using Sky Suite as a guide, your students will learn the art of arranging with the use of different articulations and styles on a traditional folk song.
Coming Soon:
- Lesson 4: Scales & Modes with Dr. Scott Watson – Available on 5/15
- Lesson 5: Phrasing & Balance with Mike Kamuf – Available on 5/22
- Lesson 6: Arranging with Jim Palmer – Available on 5/29