![]() The structure can be one of the more tricky ones which are why if you have been able to hear the rhythms and melodies you may be able to hear the structure of the piece. Can you identify where the melody goes up down and whether it mostly moves by small steps or bigger jumps? Often it is a combination of both. Try to clap or tap them to yourself, then with the track to see whether you have them correct. Perhaps on first listening, try to pick out any rhythmic patterns that may be being used. This will help you break down how the music is composed. This does not mean you need to make a study of the Renaissance Masters even though there are merits to doing this, but to listen and analyze the music you are interested in. One essential aspect of learning to compose is to listen to the work of other composers. These are presented in a wide variety of ways and this skillful use of each of these elements forms the basis for a study of composition. Music from the Western Classical Tradition such as Haydn, Beethoven, Elgar, Stravinsky will have each of the elements I describe. Choose any piece of contemporary popular music and you will also find it has a structure, often verse-chorus, harmony, melody and perhaps most importantly, rhythm. There is a clear structure to the music, melody and the blending of textures that create a compelling sound. This music is highly percussive and driven by layered, repeating rhythmic patterns we often refer to as ostinati. It might seem hard to believe but think for a moment about gamelan music from Bali. For the purposes of this article, I will limit the selection to the one above. Not all of these elements are necessary for every composition and there are other aspects of composition that could be included too. In its simplest form, these elements, when put together, create a composition. These include but are not limited to, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, and structure. Music, regardless of its origins, can be analyzed into several common elements. All of these diverse forms of music do have some common elements and in my opinion, it is the understanding and application of these elements that is what is needed in order to compose music. ![]() In particular, in the world that we live in, music takes many, many different and wonderful forms from John Cage to Stormzy to music from the indigenous people of New Zealand. You certainly do not need to have formally studied music in order to write pieces. ![]() In many respects, there are no hard and fast rules that dictate how you compose music. ![]()
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