Utilitarian Assignment Music Composition Assignments William Wieland
Music is more than masterpieces and grammy-winning albums just as writing is more than poetry and novels. Think of other types of writing:
  • Texts
  • Posts
  • Letters
  • Short Stories
Listening Component

Hindemith famously wrote Gebrauchsmusik (Music for Use)—music written with a specific purpose in mind. It was intended for talented amateurs rather than virtuosos. He regarded the composer as a craftsman (turning out music to meet social needs) rather than as an artist (composing to satisfy his own soul). Examples of Hindemith’s Gebrauchmusik include:
  • Spielmusik for String Orchestra, Flutes and Oboes, Op. 43/1
  • Lieder für Singkreise, Op. 43/2
  • Schulwerk for Instrumental Ensemble Playing, Op. 44
  • Sing- und Spielmusik für Liebhaber und Musikfreunde (for Amateurs and Friends of Music), Op. 45
Composition Component

Compose a piece that is not meant for the concert stage, but rather a practical purpose. Possibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Finger Etude
  • Long Tones Chorale
  • Patriotic Anthem
  • Scale Accompaniment
  • Table Prayer
  • Vocal Warm-up