Because most of us learned composition in theory class, there is a natural tendency to teach composition as a set of theory exercises, using narrowly prescribed formulas. Enrichment Teacher Mary Ann Addis says it is better to start with idea, expression, and emotion.
She said, “How does it feel to score a goal in soccer? Let me hear that in your musical idea!” And with that, the middle school music students are creatively composing music using NoteFlight.com. Beautiful and unique songs are written by the middle school students to show that composition does not need to be the culmination of years of studying music theory. Instead, this approach builds on the natural “songfulness” of students, helping them to acquire the skills they need as they grow as composers.