A Composition Course in MuseScore 4
From Silence
to Score
From a blank staff to a piece for small orchestra
The course in eight parts
0
Setting Up
4 chapters
1
Notation Fundamentals
6 + project
2
Harmony Basics
6 + project
3
Melody and Phrase
5 + project
4
Form
5 + project
5
Small Ensemble Writing
4 + project
6
Instrumentation Primer
4 chapters
7
Orchestration
5 + capstone
39 chapters · 5 projects · a capstone · 4 appendices
Vijay Mathew
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From Silence to Score — front cover
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Front Matter
Before the First Note
Before the First Note
Part 0 · Setting Up
Setting Up
Installing MuseScore 4
Getting Notes In
Navigating the Score
Saving and Exporting
Part 1 · Notation Fundamentals
Notation Fundamentals
Staff, Clef, and Pitch
Rhythm and Meter
Scales
Key Signatures and the Circle of Fifths
Intervals
Dynamics, Articulation, Tempo
Project · Notate a Melody
Part 2 · Harmony Basics
Harmony Basics
Triads
Diatonic Chords
Inversions and Chord Symbols
Four-Part Writing
Cadences
Non-Chord Tones
Project · Harmonize a Melody
Part 3 · Melody and Phrase Structure
Melody and Phrase Structure
What Makes a Melody Work
Phrases, Periods, Sentences
Motivic Development
Melody from Harmony
Accompaniment Patterns
Project · Compose a Melody with Accompaniment
Part 4 · Form
Form
Simple Modulation
Binary and Ternary Form
Theme and Variations
Rondo
Toward Sonata Form
Project · Compose in Binary or Ternary Form
Part 5 · Small Ensemble Writing
Small Ensemble Writing
Writing for Piano
A Counterpoint Primer
Writing for Two Instruments
Writing for a Small Ensemble
Project · Arrange a Melody for an Ensemble
Part 6 · Instrumentation Primer
Instrumentation Primer
The Instrument Families
Ranges and Transposition
Idiomatic Ranges
Doubling and Voicing
Part 7 · Introduction to Orchestration
Introduction to Orchestration
What Orchestration Is
Orchestral Textures
Balance
Scoring for Chamber Orchestra
Reading Real Scores
Capstone · Re-Score for Small Orchestra
Appendices
Reference
A · Keyboard Shortcuts
B · Instrument Range Chart
C · Glossary
D · Where to Go Next