May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
21 minute read
Music composition is the art and craft of creating original musical works. It involves conceiving an idea and bringing it to life through the arrangement of musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre, ultimately notating it or recording it for others to perform or hear. Compositions can range from simple songs to complex orchestral scores, spanning every conceivable genre and style. The journey of a composer is one of perpetual learning, creativity, and dedication to expressing ideas and emotions through the powerful medium of sound.
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Find a path to becoming a Music Composition. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 29 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Music Composition.
Foundational text covering the basic principles of musical composition, from the construction of themes to larger forms. It is highly valuable for students gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a textbook in academic settings. While not recently published, its timeless principles make it a crucial reference.
The most recent edition of Adler's comprehensive orchestration text, including updated information and enhanced online resources. This edition remains a top-tier resource for learning how to write effectively for orchestral instruments and is widely used in academic settings. It is essential for deepening understanding of orchestration.
Explores contemporary compositional trends and practices, helping composers navigate the diverse landscape of modern music. It is highly relevant for understanding current topics in music composition and offers guidance for developing a personal voice in the 21st century. Published recently, it provides up-to-date perspectives.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of music composition, from the basics to advanced techniques. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced composers alike.
This classic textbook on orchestration must-read for any serious composer. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of orchestration and how to use them to create effective compositions.
This classic work on music composition must-read for any serious composer. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of music composition and how to use them to create effective compositions.
Schoenberg's exploration of harmony in classical and romantic music, delving into the concept of monotonality and key relationships within larger structures. is vital for deepening understanding of harmonic language and significant reference for advanced students and professionals. It builds upon foundational harmony knowledge.
This comprehensive handbook on music composition valuable resource for composers of all levels. It provides a detailed overview of the different aspects of music composition, from the basics to advanced techniques.
Offers a practical guide to composing music for video games, covering the unique creative and technical challenges of this medium. It is highly relevant for those interested in contemporary applications of music composition and provides valuable insights into a growing field. It is suitable for upper-level undergraduates and professionals.
Surveys a wide range of compositional techniques developed in the 20th century, including atonality, serialism, and other experimental approaches. It is essential for understanding the historical context and technical aspects of modern music composition and is often used as a textbook.
A comprehensive guide to orchestration with a focus on practical application and examples from the repertoire. complements theoretical study with practical insights into writing for different instruments and ensembles. It valuable reference for students and professionals.
A definitive guide to the principles of twelve-tone and atonal music, focusing on the Second Viennese School. is essential for understanding a significant period in 20th-century composition and provides deep insight into these techniques. It is geared towards advanced students and researchers.
A widely used textbook on orchestration that provides a clear and systematic approach to writing for orchestral instruments. It is valuable for deepening understanding of instrumental capabilities and standard resource in academic music programs.
Provides a detailed method for analyzing musical form in the classical style. Understanding form is fundamental to composition, and this book offers a rigorous approach that is highly respected in academic circles. It is valuable for deepening understanding and is often used in theory and composition programs.
A classic text on orchestration by a master composer. While older, it offers timeless insights into combining instruments effectively and understanding orchestral color. It is more valuable as additional reading and historical context rather than a primary contemporary reference, but its principles remain relevant.
Covers a broad range of compositional topics, offering practical advice and aesthetic considerations. It is suitable for students looking to develop their craft and provides a solid overview of essential concepts. It can be used as a textbook or for self-study.
Delves into the principles and practice of counterpoint, a fundamental skill for composers. It provides a thorough grounding in contrapuntal techniques through analysis and exercises. It valuable resource for deepening understanding and is often used as a textbook.
Provides a detailed overview of the process of composing music for film, covering aesthetic and technical aspects. It useful resource for those interested in a specific area of contemporary composition and offers practical guidance for aspiring film composers.
The second part of Hindemith's treatise, focusing on two-part counterpoint through practical exercises. is valuable for developing contrapuntal skills according to Hindemith's system and complements the theoretical concepts presented in Book 1.
This comprehensive guide to electronic music valuable resource for composers who want to learn about the history of electronic music and how to write for electronic instruments. It provides a detailed overview of the different styles of electronic music and how they have evolved over time.
This practical guide to music composition valuable resource for students and teachers alike. It provides a clear and concise overview of the principles of music composition and how to use them to create effective compositions.
This classic text on species counterpoint, providing a historical and foundational approach to contrapuntal writing. While the original is centuries old, this translation makes its principles accessible and is valuable for understanding the historical development of compositional techniques. It foundational text for counterpoint study.
This comprehensive history of film music valuable resource for composers who want to learn about the history of film music and how to write for film. It provides a detailed overview of the different styles of film music and how they have evolved over time.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/e73szs/music
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