Beethoven Composed the Ninth While Deaf: Audiation Made It Possible
In 1824, a composer who could no longer hear conducted the premiere of one of the most celebrated works ever written. That paradox is only possible b…
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Why Compositions Stall After Eight Bars, and the Training That Fixes It
Every self-taught composer eventually asks the same question: why do my pieces stall after the opening, and what would actually fix it? The honest an…
Sonata Form Only Works When You Can Hear It: Audiation and Structure
Sonata form is the most important large-scale structure in classical music, and the composers who use it well share one trait: they can hear the arch…
The Power of Audiation-Based Composition Instruction
Audiation, the ability to hear and understand music in your mind, is a transformative skill for composers. It allows you to internalize and realize y…
The Role of Dynamics in Music Composition
Dynamics play a crucial role in music composition, adding depth, emotion, and contrast to a piece. They help convey the intensity and mood of the mus…
Exploring Minimalism in Music Composition
Minimalism is a fascinating and influential movement in music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by simplicity, repetition, an…
Why Claude Debussy Never Cared About Music Theory
Claude Debussy was born on August 22, 1862, so writing a post to celebrate seemed appropriate. Debussy was a revolutionary composer who challenged th…