Rhythm Composition MuseScore Tips William Wieland
— Short (1 to 2 minutes long)
— 1 treble clef instrument
— 1 unpitched percussion instrument
— 1 bass clef instrument which plays a repeated one- or two-bar passage (an ostinato)
Initial Week — Read Rhythm Concepts. (Ask questions.)

— Before 5:00 pm on Friday, compose a piece on 3 staves using MuseScore. Include at least three of the following rhythmic devices: (One will be an ostinato.)
ostinato, syncopation,asymmetrical time signature,changing time signatures,polymeter,
motivic transformation,hemiola,AND / ORmetric 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).

— Your composition may be through-composed or feature sections that return.

— 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 a MuseScore 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)
      — I deduct ten points if I find only two of the rhythm concepts.
      — I deduct thirty points if I find only one of the rhythm concepts.
  • 2 Critiques — 20 points (10 points for 2 late critiques)