Speed Composing

Step 1. Set up your file.

• Open Sibelius 6
• Click File → New
• Choose "blank" and click "Next."
• Add a piano and your favorite solo instrument and click "OK."
• Click "Next."
• Make sure the piece is in 4/4. Click the box that says "Metronome mark" and set it to ♩ = 120.
• Pick your favorite key and click "Next."
• Title your piece "Sonata for _____" (whatever instrument you picked), enter your name as the composer, and click "Finish."

Step 2. Prepare the score.

• Shift to panorama mode (Shift + P.)
• Add bars (⌘B) until you have 72 measures.
• Add a rehearsal marker (⌘R) every eight measures.
• Click on the barline between measure 24/25 (this should be Letter D.) Choose Create → Barline → Final, and then Layout → Break → Split System.
• Do the same at Letter G, measure 48/49.
• Copy (⌘C) the metronome mark from measure 1 and paste (⌘V) it into measure 25. Change the value to 80.
• Paste the metronome mark onto measure 49 (it should be 120 again.)

Step 3. Compose accompaniment.

• Beginning at measure 1, write whole note block chords in the bass clef of the piano part on I → V → V → I → ? → ? → V → I. (For "?" choose your own chords, but make sure they progress functionally.)

Step 4. Compose melody.

• In measures 1-2 of the solo instrument, compose a motif that lays over I → V.
• In measures 3-4 of the solo instrument, write a consequent phrase based on the same motif that lays over V → I.
• In measures 5-6, compose freely over the chords you have chosen.
• In measures 7-8, you may repeat measures 3-4, or find a more creative way to bring back your original motif, concluding the phrase with an authentic cadence.

Step 5. Enhance accompaniment.

• Take the block chords in your piano part and re-score them into a more interesting pattern.
• In the treble clef of the piano part, fill in any "empty space" in the melody by using material based on your original motif.

Step 6. Enhance melody.

• Add dynamics, slurs, and articulations to make your melody look more professional.

Step 7. Compose the B theme.

• In measures 9-16, repeat Step 3 using chords of your own choosing (progress functionally).
• Repeat Step 4 in measures 9-16 using a contrasting style.
• Repeat Step 5 in measures 9-16 using a contrasting pattern.
• Repeat Step 6 in measures 9-16.

Step 8. Ternary form.

• Copy (⌘C) measures 1-8 and paste (⌘V) them at Letter C.
• You are now done with your first movement.

Step 9. Second Movement (Ternary Form)

• Repeat Steps 3 through 8 for measures 25-48 (Letter D - F.) Since this is your "slow" movement, try to begin with a more lyrical, legato style.
• You are now done with your second movement.

Step 10. Third Movement (Theme and Variations)

• Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for measures 49-56 (Letter G.)
• Copy (⌘C) measures 49-56 and paste (⌘V) them at Letter H.
• Pick a musical element and turn Letter H into a variation of Letter G by altering that element.
• Copy (⌘C) measures 49-56 and paste (⌘V) them at Letter I.
• Pick a different musical element and turn Letter I into a variation of Letter G by altering that element.
• You are now done with your three-movement speed composition.