Rhythm Composition MuseScore Tips William Wieland
— 1 to 2 minutes long
— 2 or more instruments (any sounds you wish) 
— 3 or more rhythm concepts mentioned below 
Initial Week — Read Rhythm Concepts. (Ask questions.)

— Before 5:00 pm on Friday, compose a piece on at least 2 staves using music software. Include
ostinati,syncopations,asymmetrical time signatures,changing time signatures,polymeters,
motivic transformation, hemiola,AND/OR metric modulation.
(Please explore rhythmic ideas that are new to you.)

— Fast, accurate rhythms are also easy, e.g. The Beatles "In My Life" (about 1:28 – 1:46).

— To create a final rhythmic cadence, reaffirm the beat near the end and conclude with a long note on a strong beat.
Over the Weekend — Forget about this composition.
Following Week — Listen to your composition with fresh ears and make any final revisions.

— Before Wednesday, post your composition for the class.
  1. Upload an mp3 file to D2L > MUS 110 > Communications > Discuss > Compositions and Critiques > Rhythm Compositions
  2. Write your title in the subject box.
  3. Add program notes—3 sentences which describe or explain your piece and/or your compositional process. Use the rhythm terms mentioned in this webpage.
— Before Friday at 5:00 pm, critique at least 2 compositions by your classmates.
  • If possible, please choose at least one composition which no one else has reviewed.
  • Comment upon a musical feature you thought had artistic merit and why.
  • Offer constructive criticism (one suggestion).
Grading Rubric
  • Satisfactory Composition — 80 points (50 points for a late composition)
  • 2 Critiques — 20 points (10 points for 2 late critiques)