What to do?

[pianochick93]

Today I just got a music assignment. I can choose from 3 options, or I can set my own. The three options are negotiable as to size/content, but I'll outline them here. I am in year nine, and have been playing piano for about 2 years.

1) A written essay/poster. Negotiable content/length. If I was to do this I was thinking an analysis of a few pieces of a certain composer, what he was going through at the time he wrote them that may have influenced the piece etc.

2) A composition, either lyrical or instrumental. I was thinking something for flute/piano, with the piano playing most of it but the flute kinda being complimentary/harmonising kinda thing. Also a flute solo somewhere in there. If this one I would like to know a recommendation of form as well. I havn't composed before.

3) A solo performance 8-10 minutes long. I wasn't thinking of doing this one, as I don't have anything that I can get up to performance standard in 6 weeks. Much less 8-10 minutes worth.

Thanks

Ella

[pianochick93]

I forgot to add, if there's anything else we think up, or people help us think up, we can negotiate it with the teacher. So if anyone has suggestions that would be great.

Thanks

[leahcim]

Today I just got a music assignment. I can choose from 3 options

Yeah, choosing options, it's that tricky part of the syllabus that schools neglect.

My QED exam "Answer any 6 of the following questions" - easy enough if you know which 6, but I was stuck.

[pianochick93]

I prefer to choose which one I would like to do best rather than just be told "perform for 10 minutes" or "Write an essay so many words long about this subject"

It is negotiable, so we can incorporate out own ideas into the general thing as well.

[counterpoint]

If you have difficulties to choose one of them, just do all 3 options 

[pianochick93]

We had to decide today, so I decided to do a piano and flute composition. I am also going to compose something for clarinet for a friend.

[mcgillcomposer]

We had to decide today, so I decided to do a piano and flute composition. I am also going to compose something for clarinet for a friend.
[/quote

Have you ever written for flute and/or clarinet before? What about chamber music?Anyway, if you want feedback when you're done, send it to me as a .pdf or as a finale file if you have the programme. If not, good luck .

[pianochick93]

I havn't composed anything before, it is my first time. I am only in year 9, so I don't think the teacher expects it to be of exceptional quality. It is just to show that we understand harmony, melody, dynamics etc.

I hope to get feedback from almost everyone that sees it, but I will try and make it into a PDF to send you.

[pianistimo]

year 9 means 9th grade?

there's a composer's forum somewhere's around.  and, also several sites that help people compose music.  forget where i found it.  will look.

i don't know why - but when i think of flute music i always thing of the 'siciliano' for flute - and i'm not sure what the form of a siciliano is myself.  i always assumed a semi-slow pastoralish type of playing.  i guess the siciliano is defined as a slow dance in a minor key with either six or twelve beats to the bar.

you could look up one of these on the international music score library and imitate the style.  here's charles alkan's transcription of js bach's siciliano:
https://imslp.ca/images/imslp.ca/2/22/Alkan_TRANS_Bach_siciliano_BILLAUDOT_COSTALLAT.pdf

[pianistimo]

i can't seem to find the composing site i found once.  anyways - here's a beautiful siciliano.  i notice that the slower trills and held notes at the end give this piece a simple beauty.  you can hear the accompaniment for harpsichord - but it doesn't overpower the flute or violin as the piano does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZPqgHYdngE&mode=related&search=Grante%20carlo%20piano%20pianist%20live%20concert%20Ghione%20Bach%20Godowsky%20Sonata%20Siciliano

[pianochick93]

year 9 means 9th grade?

As long as you aren't talking 9th grade piano, then yes.
It is an assignment that wouldn't usually be given to year 9s, it is usually year 10 or 11 by the time composition is included in the syllabus.

Inspiration hasn't struck me yet though, but I do have a few melody ideas.

[pianochick93]

I've finally started. It is a waltz for flute with piano accompaniment (so far anyway). It sounds good, but I don't think it follows many rules regarding anything technical. It has a time signature and some notes. I work out the key at the end, because if I start off with a key signature I find that I can't put what I want to anymore because it doesn't sound right.