Group 5
Welcome to the NEW FOUR WEEK INTENSIVE on tonebase!
This special FOUR-week workshop is a journey into the heart of piano composition, tailored for both beginners and seasoned pianists. Dr. Antonella Di Giulio will share her insights and techniques in creating structured piano compositions, drawing from her experience as a pianist, music theorist, and teacher.
Pianists of all levels are welcome.
More Detailed instructions coming soon!
- Sign-Up : January 12 - 15th
- Course Period: January 15th - February 11th
- Class Size: ALL are welcome!
- Optional check-In via Zoom: TBD
Assignment 1:
VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/uO_4ITnzrvo
"We will start this creative musical journey by exploring the cognitive processes of creativity and then we will dive into practical strategies you can use to start writing your own music. Creativity in music involves preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification.
Musical storytelling, theme and variation, collaborative composition, and constraint-based composing are powerful strategies to start creating music.
Improvisation is a key tool for developing musical intuition and creativity.
Tools to Begin Outlining Your Composition
- Manuscript Paper or Notation Software
- Piano or Keyboard
- Recording Device
- Reference Materials
- Creative Journal:
Breaking the Ice with Composition
For those who are new to composing or feel intimidated at the prospect of creating a full-fledged piece like a sonata, it's essential to start small and approach the process with a sense of exploration and fun. Here are some suggestions to ease into the composition process:
- Start with a Miniature Composition
- Improvise Freely
- Use a Familiar Piece as a reference
- Set a Time Limit
- Embrace the 'Sketch'
Assignments:
- Choose one of the strategies you might want to try out, maybe one you might feel more comfortable with and start experimenting with it.
For "Musical Storytelling:" write a short story with about 5 or more different scenes, create some sounds or ideas for each scene and write the notes down (symbols or sketches are ok!)
For "Theme and Variation": choose a short theme, start sketching what you could do with the theme (for instance, Var. 1/ in triplets, Var. 2/ in quadruplets, Var. 4/ in minor)
For "Collaborative Composition": find a partner or a group, start with a few notes, pass them along to your partner(s), let them complete the sentence, then continue what they have done and keep exchanging ideas.
For "Constraint-Based Composing": chose a constraint. For instance, you might want to work only with a certain rhythmic pattern, or only using certain pitches, or even transcribe an existing composition. Then start sketching your own piece on that base.
- Sketch a Short Piece: Using the chosen method, start outlining a short piece of music.
- Reflective Journal: Keep a musical journal of your process, noting your thoughts, challenges, and insights. It is easy to forget a short motive or a beautiful accompaniment if we do not write it down.
- Post your progress to receive suggestions and feedback.
Remember, it has to be fun!
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Assignment #2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdHlCiIIMuY&feature=youtu.be
"In the second week of the workshop, we will explore the intricate world of musical structure. Because each one of you is working on very different projects, it would be meaningless to just analyze traditional types of structures and the overused traditional forms. Instead, I have chosen to focus on two general concepts that can help everybody.
I will introduce two essential structural concepts: paradigmatic and syntagmatic structures. Paradigmatic structure, likened to a musical palette, involves making choices from available musical elements such as melodies, harmonies, rhythms, dynamics, and articulations vertically, to create depth and meaning in a piece. Syntagmatic structures help craft a narrative and focus on the sequence of musical events over time and the logical flow within a composition.
Music composition is a dynamic interplay between structure and creativity. So... if you consider these two main structural concepts, you might feel free to move within a structure in whichever way you'd like.
Assignments for Week Two: "Unlocking the Secrets of Musical Structure"
Paradigmatic Exploration: Choose a section of your composition and experiment with different paradigmatic choices. Alter the harmony, rhythm, or articulation to evoke different emotions or moods. Reflect on how these changes impact the overall expression of your piece.
Syntagmatic Storytelling: Review the structure of your composition. Ensure it has a clear narrative arc – introduction, development, climax, and conclusion. Consider the transitions between sections and how they contribute to the flow of your music.
Balancing Act: Explore how you can seamlessly blend paradigmatic and syntagmatic elements in your composition. Identify moments where introducing new musical material enhances the overall impact of your piece."
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Assignment #3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg43G3uOOH0
"This workshop focuses on understanding music as a system of signs and codes, following Umberto Eco's theories. The session aims to expand participants' understanding of how musical elements convey meaning within a composition's structure.
Key Points:
Music as a System of Signs:
Emphasis on how music uses signs like notes, rhythms, dynamics to communicate. Discussion on the semiotics of music.
Eco's Theories:
Exploration of Umberto Eco's concepts of 'Structures That Move' and 'Structures Within Which We Move', applying them to music composition.
Musical Codes in Composition:
Importance of understanding and creatively using musical codes. Discussion on genre-specific codes and cross-genre exploration.
Crafting Music with Intention:
Focus on intentional use of musical codes to enrich narrative and emotional depth in compositions.
Practical Assignments:
Analyzing Musical Codes:
Choose a music piece, identify and analyze its musical codes, understanding their contribution to the piece's message and emotion.
Composing with 'Structures That Move'/ 'Structures Within Which We Move':
Apply this concept to your piece.
Examine how codes combine in music to express meaning. Add codes to unlock the meaning in your piece.
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Assignment #4 (Final!)
"As we consider finalizing our compositions with the rhizomatic concept in mind, it's important to embrace the idea that a composition might never be 'finished' in the traditional sense but can always remain open to new interpretations and developments. Your composition is complete not when every possibility has been explored but when it provides a coherent musical experience that feels resolved yet open to further exploration.
Assignments for the Final Week
Review with Rhizomatic Perspective: Revisit your composition, considering the interconnectedness and multiplicity of musical ideas. Reflect on how each segment offers paths to new explorations.
Subtle Refinements: Focus on detail-oriented tweaks that enhance the interconnected themes, ensuring each motif contributes to the overall rhizomatic structure.
Seek Feedback: Gather diverse perspectives on your composition's rhizomatic nature. Use this feedback to open new paths within your work.
Embrace Evolution: Allow your composition to develop organically, exploring alternative paths and creative experimentations.
Maintain Your Vision: Ensure your rhizomatic composition remains true to your original intent, even as it evolves and expands.
Final Presentation: Prepare to share your composition here on Tonebase on February 20th (watchparty)
As we conclude this workshop, remember that composing with a rhizomatic perspective enriches your creative process, offering endless possibilities for growth and exploration. Your compositions become living, breathing entities, constantly evolving and inviting new interpretations. Thank you for joining me on this unconventional journey!
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Hi everyone! This is something different for me so here goes….
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Christobel welcome!! Start with something small: you will see miracles happening
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Antonella Di Giulio so grateful for your teaching. I can see how choosing a strategy helps to start. Thank you. I’m looking at pieces I like as resources and ideas.
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Hello everyone !
It's a different approach that I've always wanted to explore.
I improvise already but have never really composed something (maybe few very short pieces)
For me I'd like to really improve the organization of the structure and enrich the harmony cause I'm stuck a lot with it and feel that it's always the "same"
I will follow the recommandations and start thinking about an idea.
In fact I would really like to compose a piece for my piano teacher which I had for 10 years and I admire, and that is retiring this year.
I think it's a good starting point, I just have to decide whether starting with a storytelling or a theme and variations.
Good luck to everyone and I'm looking forward to share with you about this journey.
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Natalia it is great! The second session will be more about structures and the third one about how to expand melodies and harmonies I hope you will have fun!
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Hi Everyone and thank you Antonella for the class.
I have decided to go with the constraint-based strategy:
I would llike to develop this little idea into a 16 bars prelude maintaining the overall shape of the motif both in the melody and the accompagnement.
I have always loved motto perpetuo pieces such as Bach's prelude in cmin from the WTC book1 or Chopin prelude in C maj.Looking forward to hearing from you all.
Gauthier
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Gauthier ohh wow! That is a great starting point!
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Hello. I' m studying partimento - basically an Italian tradition of a moving baseline using the Rule of the Octave for harmony. Rather than just noodling around, I'd like to come up with something and and commit it to paper.
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Ron G. Franklin that is great! The rules of the octave is what they used in the European Conservatories to teach composition and improvisation. If you are familiar with the work of Prof. Gjerdingen, maybe you can look up at some of the schemas he analyzed.
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Hi! My name is Brian. I am excited to have a little push to try to compose more piano music. I love creating my own music and have experience making computer music but it leans towards the pop world of drum/groove/simple harmony. I look forward to learning about Dr. Antonella Di Giulio’s approach to composing and finding new ways to get ideas jump started. I also look forward to discovering new approaches to developing harmonic and melodic ideas.
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Brian Woolford Awesome! I am looking forward to listen to your music!
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Antonella Di Giulio It took longer than I thought ha! Here is my assignment for the first week. The initial inspiration was a snow storm we were having. I used mostly improvisation to create the material and then have been slowly editing. Thanks for any suggestions!
-Brian
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Brian Woolford So beautiful! Great job! I would work a bit on how things are repeated and connected... I had the impression it was almost too predictable :) I am sure you might have some ideas about what to add :)
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Brian Woolford So lovely and peaceful! Wow!
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Hello Everyone!
I’m excited to try to compose something. When I studied as a child, there was an assignment in my music book to write something. So I did, and I thought it was normal since it was in my book, but it was not assigned. I showed it to my music teacher at the next lesson, but the teacher was not interested, so I never tried again.
Now is the time!!!! Thank you Antonella Di . Thank you for the easy entry, the guideposts, and the lack of pressure. Just fun!!!
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Wendy Oh no! Kids can have such fantastic ideas! Now you have the possibility to write something for yourself and for us :)
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Antonella Di Giulio Thank you!!! Yes! And I will be brave and share whatever I compose with the group! (I actually said that I would “compose”. That was already brave for me.). Thank you!
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Hello Antonella!
I have always wanted to try my hand at composing. This opportunity may push me beyond my comfort zone, But it’s time for me to do it. I like the idea of storytelling and starting small. I teach piano and voice. I believe this course may show me ways to incorporate composing techniques in my teaching. Looking forward to learning from you and having fun with music.
—Melanie
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Melanie Payne It is great! I use all these tools in my piano studio since day 1. The earlier you start using them with your students, the faster your students will feel free to write their own music.
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Hello everyone!
Am so happy to be in this creative journey with you all. Such a fascinating topic!
Thank you so much, Dr. Antonella, for being willing to teach piano composition. Already, I love your teaching style and approach through the first assignment given. It has been ages since I've tried my hand at composition as a college piano student. Am grateful there's this class to try my hand at it again. I look forward to the guidance, and thank you so much in advance!
Joy
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Rudelle Gaje Thank you for being here!
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Got inspired last night. Sat at the keyboard to play what came to mind. (Tried my hand at notating on MuseScore tonight. My first time. I still need to find where the tie sign is to put in mm. 7-8 and the last two measures). This sketch is more choral-like than not. Is this a good start for a Theme and Variations composition?
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Rudelle Gaje Beautiful! I was playing it on the piano and I can imagine it as being a very good theme, but I would also explore a sort of story telling system: it feels like an introduction to a beautiful story. I will write a few suggestions for you on the pdf of how you might want to expand. Those are just suggestions... :) I am not the creator, just the facilitator for your own creativity to unfold. :)
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Thank you so much for your gracious words. I love the idea of story telling. I will take that idea and hopefully run with it.
A confession here really as at the outset of the this first assignment, the Musical Storytelling direction caught my mind (that is before thinking to try my hand at a Theme and Variations direction which I've never attempted one before). I had actually listed out 5 different scenes tracing events from about three months back that led to a wonderful culminating event that just happened a few days ago on January 14. What came out on paper (1st sketch) must have been a reflection of that quiet joy... Somehow, there is a happiness that I cannot explain of. Thank you so much for the idea of my 1st sketch being an introduction! 
Where do I find the pdf, please? I'd love to hear your suggestions.
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Rudelle Gaje I will post the pdf below here as soon as I am done with it :) I would take the theme as the "subject" of your story, then expand it, modify it, add some climax, and then summarize all the elements in a coda.
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