Composition Questions

  • What parts of your [in the works] piece do you like the most? (now develop those)

  • If this piece had an odor, how would it smell?

  • [looking at one note]

    • What all can you do to that one note?

      • articulations

      • dynamic(s)

      • timbre change

      • shock (by another instrument's entrance)

  • What parts show up most for one's first hearing of the piece?

    • What parts do people discover only after many listenings?

  • Is it working as you hoped?

  • What are some of your bad ideas?

  • Are you having fun? why not?

  • What are you doing in this piece that you've never done before?

  • Single words:

    • surprise

    • risk

    • limitations

    • engaging

    • statement (make a statement or ask a question)

    • questions (make a statement or ask a question)

    • improvise

    • relevant?

    • relationships (what relationship does x have with y?)

Last updated