How to Write a Piano Composition: A Beginner's Guide
Original Composition for Orchestra. Learn how to compose with NUVO Jazz Instructor . Explore more piano compositions by Kian on our YouTube channel!
What is a Composition in Piano?
At its core, a musical composition is an original piece of music created by a composer. On the piano, this means you are the architect of your own work, carefully crafting every note, chord, and rhythm. A composition is more than just a sequence of sounds; it's a structured piece of art with a beginning, middle, and end, designed to evoke a specific emotion or tell a story.
To the student, think of it this way: You’ve learned the alphabet and how to spell words. Now, you’re learning to write poetry or a short story. Instead of using letters, you'll use melodies, harmonies, and rhythms to create a meaningful work.
A successful composition reflects not only technical skill but also a deep inner connection to the music.
The key elements you will be working with are:
Melody: The main tune, the part of the music that you can hum. It's the voice of your composition.
Harmony: The chords that accompany and support the melody. They provide emotional colour and depth, much like the backdrop of a painting.
Rhythm: The pulse and flow of the music. It gives your piece life and forward momentum.
Form: The overall structure of your piece. It's the blueprint that holds everything together, guiding the listener through your musical journey.
For more details, check out our Jazz piano composition program here.
How to Write a Piano Composition
Writing a composition might seem daunting at first, but it is a process of discovery. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Find Your Inspiration
Don't wait for a grand idea. Find inspiration in your daily life. A simple emotion, a beautiful view from your window, or even the feeling of a specific word can be your starting point. Sit at the piano and play until something clicks—a chord you love, a short melodic phrase, or a rhythmic pattern.
2. Develop a Core Idea: Once you have a small idea, don’t just leave it. Play with it!
Melody: Repeat your melody but change the rhythm. Play it in a different key. Add some ornamental notes around it.
Harmony: Try different chords underneath your melody. Does it sound happy with a major chord? Sad with a minor chord? Tense with a seventh chord?
Rhythm: Vary the rhythm of your melody and harmony. Play it twice as fast or twice as slow. Experiment until you find something that feels right.
3. Build the Form A composition needs a clear structure to be effective. A simple but powerful form for a beginner is A-B-A form:
Section A: This is your main musical idea. It should be memorable and stable. Play it and make sure you are happy with how it sounds.
Section B: This is your contrasting section. It should sound different from Section A. You can use a new melody, a different key, or a change in rhythm and mood. This creates tension and variety.
Section A (Reprise): Return to your original Section A. This brings the piece full circle and gives the listener a sense of familiarity and resolution.
4. Refine and Polish
Don't be afraid to revise! If a part doesn’t sound good, change it. Try different endings. Experiment with dynamics (loud and soft) and articulation (legato and staccato) to add character to your piece.
Piano Composition for Beginners
If you're just starting out, keep these tips in mind to avoid feeling overwhelmed:
Start with a Single Hand: Don't worry about both hands at once. Compose a simple melody with your right hand, using just the white keys. The C Major scale is your friend here.
Use a Simple Harmonic Foundation: Once you have a melody, add a simple bass note in your left hand. Start with C, G, and F. You can build simple chords from there.
Experiment with Pentatonic Scales: The C Major Pentatonic scale (C-D-E-G-A) is a great tool. It has no dissonant notes, so everything you play will sound good together. It’s a safe space to explore and improvise.
Listen to Your Instincts: The most important rule in composition is to trust your own ears. If something sounds good to you, then it is good. Your personal taste and creativity are what make your music unique.
Take Your Composition Skills to the Next Level with NUVO Music School
If you are looking for a piano composition in Surrey, Langley, White Rock, or Delta BC, you are in luck! NUVO Music School is proud to offer a comprehensive Harmony and Composition program with instructor Kian Jafari, an experienced jazz piano teacher, and composer.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced musician, NUVO's tailored courses provide the perfect environment for your creative growth:
Harmony and Composition: Beginner
This course is for students who are just starting their compositional journey. You will learn the foundational elements of harmony and composition, from the building blocks of pitch and rhythm to diatonic harmony and chordal functions. The curriculum is designed to help you apply music theory to creative assignments, culminating in a final project of at least five original compositions.
Harmony and Composition: Advanced
For students with a solid foundation, the advanced course dives into complex harmonic concepts, part-writing, and arranging. You will learn to compose and arrange in diverse styles, including classical chorales, jazz lead sheets, and chamber music. This course is for those ready to tackle a final project of multiple compositions and arrangements for live or digital performance.
NUVO Music School's programs are designed to give you the skills and confidence to create your own music. Don’t be afraid to take the first step. The world of piano composition is vast and waiting for you to create your own unique sounds. Happy composing!