Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module One

In this first week, we set the foundation for more advanced things to come. We talk about voicing of chords, voice leading of root position chords, and texture types. This first week might be review for some of you. If that's the case, the videos are still worth watching, I think, because they give a grounding for the thinking behind the music we will explore over these next 6 weeks. (You can always watch the videos at 1.5x or even 2.0x speed, but don't tell the instructor I told you that.) Even something as basic as voicing a chord involves issues of style, and approaches to these issues really give us a better understanding of the perspective of the composers making this music. Please note that there are two assignments for the week. There is a quiz designed to help you review the week's concepts. I would recommend taking it before you do the other assessment this week, which is a self-assessed chorale writing assignment. I use self-assessed assignments in this course as a way to deal with the limits of online learning. Ideally, I would look at all assignments and give feedback. When a class like this is taught at university, it is generally in groups of 20-30 students so students can get personalized feedback. However, that's clearly not possible online. I've tried to design these self-assessed assignments so that the videos really prepare you for the them and it is essentially practice of what we learn in the videos. This is easier in the beginning of the course than towards the end. As the topics become more complex, options multiply and hence correct solutions multiply and solution sheets become less helpful. For those who really do want to get weekly feedback, I encourage you to organize study groups via the forums to share your results and give each other feedback. Student-to-student teaching can be very valuable for learning, especially online. Please do not post your solution on the forum though because it's not permitted. Use the forum just to organize your groups.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches strategies for writing in the style of common practice European art music, which is valuable for musicians and composers

Explores harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, providing a solid foundation in music theory

Offers creative space even within the constraints of stylistic emulation, fostering originality and artistic expression

Uses self-assessed assignments to provide feedback and facilitate peer learning in an online environment

Covers chord substitution, melodic writing, and cadences, equipping learners with techniques for creating complete musical phrases

Introduces chromatic harmony and 2-voice counterpoint, expanding the learner's compositional toolkit

Reviews summary

Introduction to classical composition techniques

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in classical music composition techniques. Students found the instructor's explanations clear and engaging, effectively breaking down complex concepts like voice leading and harmonic progressions. The assignments are widely praised for being practical and helping apply theory, though many found the material challenging and demanding, sometimes requiring prior music theory knowledge. A consistently mentioned area for improvement is the self-assessment format, which many felt limited the learning experience due to the lack of expert feedback. Despite this, the course is seen as highly valuable for those serious about learning classical composition styles.

Provides a strong base in theory.

"It's given me a solid foundation."

"Solid foundational course. Covers the basics well."

"Good course, provides a strong framework."

"The material is presented logically, building from simple concepts to more complex ones."

Exercises apply theory effectively.

"The assignments, especially the chorale writing and period form composition, were challenging but immensely rewarding."

"The practical assignments pushed me to apply the theory directly."

"The assignments are practical and helpful."

"Assignments are key to learning... The final project was a great challenge."

Explanations are clear & engaging.

"The instructor explains complex concepts like voice leading and harmonic progressions with incredible clarity."

"The way the instructor breaks down complex topics is fantastic."

"The instructor is brilliant at explaining how theory translates into practice."

"The explanation of progressions and texture types was very clear."

Can be challenging without theory.

"Found this course quite difficult. Assumes a bit too much prior knowledge, especially in later weeks."

"The jump from basic harmony to composing a period form felt a bit steep."

"Did not meet my expectations... Assumed too much. Requires significant prior theory knowledge..."

Lack of expert feedback is a drawback.

"My main criticism is the self-assessment; while understandable for an online course, it's hard to be sure you're on the right track without expert feedback."

"Self-assessment is a significant limitation; for something like composition, feedback is crucial."

"The self-assessment is inadequate for composition; it's hard to know if your work is 'right'..."

"The self-assessment method is really a weak point for a subject like this. I think you need direct feedback from an expert."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition with these activities:

Review fundamental music theory concepts

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Strengthen the foundation of music theory by reviewing basic concepts like scales, intervals, and chords to prepare for advanced topics.

Browse courses on Harmony

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Review introductory music theory books or online resources
Practice identifying and constructing scales
Review and analyze basic chord structures and progressions

Explore video tutorials on Alberti bass patterns

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Gain practical insights into creating and using Alberti bass patterns by watching and following guided video tutorials.

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Identify online or platform-based video tutorials
Watch and follow the instructions on implementing Alberti bass
Practice writing and incorporating Alberti bass patterns in short compositions

Review 'Essential Counterpoint' by Kennan

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Reinforce understanding of contrapuntal techniques and improve compositional skills by reviewing Kennan's authoritative work.

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Read through chapters on fundamental counterpoint principles
Analyze provided examples of polyphonic music
Attempt written exercises on basic contrapuntal rules
Review and refine understanding of species counterpoint techniques

Five other activities

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Practice harmonic progression exercises

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Enhance proficiency in harmonic progressions by completing written or online exercises that focus on identifying, constructing, and analyzing sequences.

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Review basic harmonic progressions
Complete exercises that involve identifying progressions from musical excerpts
Construct written or sequenced progressions based on provided rules

Participate in discussion forums

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Engage with peers in the course discussion forums to solidify understanding of concepts and get diverse perspectives.

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Review forum guidelines
Identify relevant discussion topics
Formulate thoughtful questions or comments
Read and respond to peers' posts
Summarize key points and insights gained

Form study groups for compositional feedback

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Enhance compositions by providing and receiving constructive feedback within a supportive peer environment.

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Form study groups with fellow students
Organize regular meetings for sharing and critiquing work
Provide specific and constructive feedback on compositions
Incorporate feedback into revisions and improvements
Reflect on and assess the effectiveness of the feedback process

Compile a repository of musical analysis examples

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Deepen analytical skills by collecting and organizing musical excerpts that demonstrate key concepts covered in the course.

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Identify and select musical examples relevant to course topics
Organize the examples into a structured and accessible format
Provide brief annotations explaining the analytical aspects of each example

Compose a simple binary form piece

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Apply principles of rounded binary form by composing a piece within the constraints and structure covered in the course.

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Review the characteristics of rounded binary form
Sketch out a melody and harmonic progression for the A section
Develop and contrast the B section while maintaining tonal coherence
Repeat the A section with variations or embellishments
Finalize the composition and record or perform it

Career center

Learners who complete Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Professor

Music Professors teach music theory, history, and performance at colleges and universities. This course helps build a foundation in classical music composition, which is essential for success as a Music Professor. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for music educators to understand. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for teachers who want to inspire their students to create their own music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Professor

Music Composer

Music Composers create original music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, and video games. This course provides a solid foundation in classical music composition, which can be helpful for aspiring Music Composers. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all essential elements of music composition. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for composers who want to develop their own unique style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Composer

Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt existing music for different instruments or ensembles. This course provides a strong foundation in classical music composition, which is essential for Music Arrangers to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for arrangers to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for arrangers who want to create their own unique arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Music Director

Music Directors oversee the musical aspects of a performance, such as an orchestra or choir. This course provides a comprehensive overview of classical music composition, which is essential for Music Directors to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for directors to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for directors who want to interpret and perform music in a meaningful way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. This course provides a solid foundation in classical music composition, which can be helpful for Music Producers to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for producers to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for producers who want to work with artists to create unique and compelling music.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers teach music at elementary, middle, and high schools. This course provides a strong foundation in classical music composition, which is essential for Music Teachers to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for teachers to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for teachers who want to inspire their students to create their own music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. This course provides a solid foundation in classical music composition, which can be helpful for Music Therapists to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for therapists to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for therapists who want to use music to create a healing environment.

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Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course provides a strong foundation in classical music composition, which is essential for Music Critics to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for critics to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for critics who want to write informed and insightful reviews.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians manage and catalog music collections in libraries and archives. This course provides a solid foundation in classical music composition, which can be helpful for Music Librarians to understand. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for librarians to master. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for librarians who want to catalog and preserve music.

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Music Publisher

Music Publishers acquire and publish music for performance and sale. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Publishers who want to learn more about classical music composition. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for publishers to understand. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for publishers who want to work with composers to create and promote new music.

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Music Archivist

Music Archivists preserve and catalog music collections in libraries and museums. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Archivists who want to learn more about classical music composition. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for archivists to understand. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for archivists who want to preserve and interpret music.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Journalists who want to learn more about classical music composition. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for journalists to understand. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for journalists who want to write informed and insightful articles about music.

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Music Educator

Music Educators teach music at colleges and universities. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Educators who want to learn more about classical music composition. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for educators to understand. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for educators who want to inspire their students to create their own music.

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Music Historian

Music Historians research and write about the history of music. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Historians who want to learn more about classical music composition. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which are all important concepts for historians to understand. Additionally, the course provides insights into the creative process of composition, which can be helpful for historians who want to interpret and write about music from different periods.

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Music Instrument Maker

Music Instrument Makers design and build musical instruments. This course may be useful for aspiring Music Instrument Makers who want to learn more about classical music composition. The course covers topics such as harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture, which can help inform the design and construction of musical instruments.

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