Composing in the Classroom
An Engaging and Flexible Model Lesson
Benjamin Bolden
My Connections to Teaching Composing
Composer Teacher Teacher of Composing Researcher
StudentsComposing
Providing Tools
Engaging Guiding
Causal Conditions
Consequences
The Teaching-Composing Process
Sample Lesson: Rhythm Comp
Engaging Providing Tools
Guiding
• Improvise/Explore• Model Process (compose
together) • Collaboration with peers
• Sequence tasks • Enable students to hear their work• Peer & teacher feedback (questions/suggestions)
Freedoms &Constraints
Engaging Models
the hook model (watch and listen) the assignment-specific model (physically engage
in the music) Balancing freedoms and constraints
Parameters: limiting rhythm values, time signature, etc.
Extending the boundaries if students need greater freedom
Showcasing and sharing student work Motivate and inspire (spark ideas) * at various points throughout the composing
process
Providing Tools Improvise/Explore
To get a sense of the shape of the piece (together) To find an idea/motif (alone)
Model the Process (compose together) Composing is making decisions (what happens
next?) 3 choices: repeat, develop, new material Developing: e.g. chunking, extending, shrinking,
stretching Structuring: vertical (unison/solo/polyphonies), horizontal (e.g. abba, abaca, etc.)
Guiding Sequence tasks:
Find motif Make decisions (repeat? develop? new material?) Structure (horizontally and vertically) Refine
Aural feedback: enable students to HEAR their work (facilitating self assessment)
Teacher and peer feedback: questions/suggestions
Thank you.