Serialist Composition

Below is the formula for making a great 12 tone serialist composition.

1. Draw a grid/table 12 columns across and 6 rows down. This is used for planning the notes you will use.

2. Write the following notes into the top row in any order you like. (this is called a tone row)

C, G#, D#, D, F#, C#, A, G, A#, E, F, B

3. In the second row write the same notes backwards. (this is called retrograde)

4. Now write out another four variations of the notes you drew out in step 2 in the remaining four rows.

5. Layout your music score. You will need three instruments, two in treble clef and one in bass clef. The first stave will be the melody, the second will be the counter melody, and the bottom will be the bass line. This means you need to bind the first three staves on your page with a line. Add your treble and bass clefs.

5b. Draw out 24 bars for these three instruments. Add a D.C al Fine at the end of the 24th bar this means the music will return to the beginning and then finish at the “Fine” in bar 12.  Add a Fine at the end of the 12th bar. This will give the piece a ternary structure (ABA)

6. It’s time to decide on the rhythms you will use. You’ll need another grid. Yes another one! This time the grid is 4 columns wide and 6 rows down. Each box represents a bar and must add up to 3! However each row must only have 12 notes. Time to use those maths skills!

7. Once you have decided on the rhythms its time to insert the notes. Take the first row of 12 notes from your grid and insert them into the first four bars of the melody using the first row of rhythms. (this will take up the first 4 bars of the melody)

6. Now take the second row of notes and the second row of rhythms and write them into the next four bars of music.

7. Now take the third row of notes and the third row of rhythms and write them into the next four bars of music.

8. Continue until the melody is finished.

9. Now return and repeat the process with the counter melody. This time mix up the rows and rhythms you are using.

10. Repeat this again with the bass line.

11. Write the names of the instruments on the first three staves. Violin, flute, and double bass for example.

12. Add some dynamic markings

13. Add a crotchet = 60 above the start of the melody.

14. Add some decorations, accents, and other marking you like to spice up the music.

15. Decide on a title. Write the title at the top of the page above the music

16. Copy and paste this description into Microsoft Word. Change the sentences to include “I added….”

17. Write the title “Program note” and the name of your composition along with your own name.

18. Give it to the teacher!