Unlocking Composition Techniques

Composition is the creative process of inventing music. Great composers use a variety of tools and techniques to make their music memorable.

Motif and Development

• Start with a short idea or motif.
• Develop it by repeating, varying, or transforming it throughout your piece.

Form

• Binary (AB), ternary (ABA), and rondo (ABACA) forms organize music into larger sections.
• Theme and variations offer endless creative possibilities.

Orchestration and Texture

• Use different instruments (or voices) to change the mood or thickness (texture) of the music.

Bringing Music to Life

These techniques let you turn simple ideas into full, expressive compositions, whether you’re writing for orchestra or a rock band.