Printable Resources
Please feel free to download and print the PDFs if you think they may give you ideas on how to introduce composition into your weekly lessons. They include both a teachers guide and a pupil's activity sheet. These can be shared freely with your students.
1. Animal Rhythms (PDF)
This is suitable for a younger beginner. It uses rhythm as the starting point to create a song about animals at the zoo.
2. A Magical World (PDF)
This is ideal for an older pupil, or for one who has some pianistic experience and is a good introduction to ternary form.
3. The Grandfather Clock (PDF)
The Grandfather Clock would suit a pupil with some experience of playing hands together, and for a beginner if they limit themselves to using the black keys. The piece introduces the student to the use of ostinato, in addition to the pentatonic scale. It also provides the opportunity to develop independence of hands, especially the ability to play with different articulation in each.
4. Three Chord Piece (PDF)
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a contemporary flowing piece using 3 chords only. Included are examples that can be used as starting points. Ideal for older pupils and for those who enjoy the music of Yiruma, Einaudi and similar composers.
This is suitable for a younger beginner. It uses rhythm as the starting point to create a song about animals at the zoo.
2. A Magical World (PDF)
This is ideal for an older pupil, or for one who has some pianistic experience and is a good introduction to ternary form.
3. The Grandfather Clock (PDF)
The Grandfather Clock would suit a pupil with some experience of playing hands together, and for a beginner if they limit themselves to using the black keys. The piece introduces the student to the use of ostinato, in addition to the pentatonic scale. It also provides the opportunity to develop independence of hands, especially the ability to play with different articulation in each.
4. Three Chord Piece (PDF)
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a contemporary flowing piece using 3 chords only. Included are examples that can be used as starting points. Ideal for older pupils and for those who enjoy the music of Yiruma, Einaudi and similar composers.
5. Young Composers' Pack (PDF)
This pack includes 4 projects for your students. Each project includes a teacher's guide, a pupil's sheet and an example score from one of our own pupils! Also included is a composers tool sheet with ways for your pupil to develop their compositions further.
This pack includes 4 projects for your students. Each project includes a teacher's guide, a pupil's sheet and an example score from one of our own pupils! Also included is a composers tool sheet with ways for your pupil to develop their compositions further.
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6. What's that Lurking in the Cave? (PDF)
This duet takes young beginners on an exploration into a cave, discovering the creatures within. It works equally well on one or two pianos, encouraging a full exploration of the piano and the wonderful sounds and effects you can create. Included is a student's instruction sheet, a guide for teachers and a full score. |
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7. A video as a stimuli to composition
Creating a soundtrack for a video can be an engaging and stimulating project for pianists of all ages and levels. The short 2d animations here were created for Compose Yourself! There are two versions of the video - one completely silent, the other with Foley (sound effects) which will work alongside any music composed. You are welcome to download the videos at the links below each one. You will also find advice and a printable sheet for mapping out ideas on the page.
Creating a soundtrack for a video can be an engaging and stimulating project for pianists of all ages and levels. The short 2d animations here were created for Compose Yourself! There are two versions of the video - one completely silent, the other with Foley (sound effects) which will work alongside any music composed. You are welcome to download the videos at the links below each one. You will also find advice and a printable sheet for mapping out ideas on the page.