Unlocking Musical Composition: A Beginner’s Guide to Improvising and Notating

The art of musical composition is both an ancient and evolving discipline, with roots stretching back to the very origins of music. One of the most influential figures in the intersection of mathematics and music was Joseph Schillinger, whose writings have inspired countless musicians, including the legendary George Gershwin. In this article, we explore the foundational skills of musical improvisation, essential notations, and the practical steps to begin your journey in creating and notating your own compositions.

Joseph Schillinger: A Pioneer in Musical Mathematics

Joseph Schillinger, an American composer, music theorist, and inventor, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in the mathematics and theory of music. Among his significant contributions is the book An Introduction to Musical Composition, which delves deeply into the mathematical structures underlying music.

While Schillinger's work is sophisticated, he also believed in the importance of simplicity in teaching musical composition, a principle that has centuries of provenance. One of his notable students, George Gershwin, utilized Schillinger's principles in crafting the iconic work Porgy and Bess. Even if Gershwin may not have fully grasped all the complexities of Schillinger's theories, the foundation laid by such simplicity and structure can undoubtedly be felt in his remarkable compositions.

Essential Skills: Improvising and Notating Music

Improvizing and notating music are two fundamental skills that should be introduced from the very beginning of any piano and keyboard learning class. These skills are crucial for any aspiring musician, especially those looking to explore their creative potential and express their ideas through musical composition.

Left Hand Technique: Playing Triads

One of the simplest and most effective techniques for improvisation is to restrict the left hand to playing only three notes, forming a 'Power Chord Triad.' This technique involves playing two notes from a power chord with the left hand, allowing the musician to focus on melody and harmonic structures with the right hand.

Consider two examples of such triads: the B and Gb power chord and the B and E power chord. In music notation, these are written as B/Gb and B/E respectively. To play these chords, place your left thumb on a 'B' key near middle C. Use your left ring finger to strike the black 'Gb' key to the left of the thumb-controlled 'B' key, and your pinky to play the white 'E' key.

The right hand can play the remaining black keys and the white 'E' and 'B' keys, as illustrated in the following diagram:

Understanding Notation

Notation is the backbone of written music, providing a visual representation of sound. The notation system used in the image can be thought of as a map that's drawn to scale. For instance, the slashed chords represent the highest note of each chord (the 'numerator' in the fraction illustration). The diagram also uses line types to represent different notes, with hollow ovals for white notes and solid black ovals for black notes.

Additionally, there are visual clues to note spacing, with double-wide spaces indicating larger intervals. The c's at the beginning of the staff represent the middle C, a crucial reference point in music notation.

Practical Application: Jotting Down Your Own Compositions

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to bring your ideas to life. The following image provides a blank set of staff lines, allowing you to start composing your own music. Use the diagram as a guide, and let your imagination run wild as you experiment with different chord progressions and melodies.

Conclusion

Becoming a proficient composer and notator takes time, dedication, and practice. By following the foundational steps outlined in this article, you can begin to explore the vast world of musical composition. Remember, it all starts with a simple triad and a blank composition page. So, pick up your piano or keyboard, and let your musical journey begin!