New Composing Book for Music Students

If you haven't added composing activities to your music lessons, you should absolutely give them a try!

Composing helps students understand theory better, gives them a creative outlet and even encourages them to practice. I've heard first hand from parents that the most stubborn practicers will race to their instrument every day to practice "their song". In fact, I've heard "Miss Christie, can we start with MY song?" more than once in my lessons.

Our Newest Composing Book!

Composing Through The Year is an annual composing book that has composing activities for the seasons and holidays.

There are some favorites - You're the Best Dad!, an updated version of My Valentine's Song and The Smelly Elf - along with some new songs for your students to create and explore.


How Can I Use the Book in My Lessons or Classes?

Each of the songs can stand alone as their own composing activity or you can use them all at once. The pages can be used as slides, on the iPad or tablet, or they can be printed.

When I use this book with my students, I print out the activity page to use during the first lesson of the month. Then at the end of the year, I'll print the monthly cover on the back side of their composition, print a cover on card stock and bind it all together. Then I present each student their own songbook at the spring recital.

Another great alternative is to use the book for a composing camp! You can have the students compose a couple of pieces each day and then spend time practicing them or adding embellishments or percussion. The options can go as far as you and your students imaginations can carry them!


What Students Can Use Composing Through the Year?

The goal with this book was to include a variety of composing styles while making it accessible to students of every age. That's why I made a pre-reading and a grand staff version of each song in the book.

Most of the activities are geared toward elementary age students, but can also be tailored for teens and adults.

Included in each download:

• Cover pages in 4 colors + black & white
• Table of Contents
• Monthly cover pages
• Grand staff and/or pre-reading composing activities themed for each month
  
• Instructions for each composing activity

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Composing Through the Year - Grand Staff Edition

Composing Through the Year - Prereading Edition

Want to get your hands on both versions? Purchase the bundle for added savings.

Composing through the year bundle

I hope these resources will help you incorporate composing in your lessons, classes and camps!

Do you already have your students compose in their lessons? What are your favorite composing activities? Let me know in the comments!