Not every music student LOVES to compose or feels comfortable creating. In fact most are rarely invited to! I only recall creating one composition during all of my years of piano lessons as a child. When I thought about taking a songwriting class in college, I first attended the student songwriting recital at BYU and was both amazed and intimidated by the performances. Unfortunately, after hearing their songs I felt I could never create something that amazing, so I didn't sign up😢.
My love for improvising and composing came many years later as a piano teacher when I tried several "beginning" composing activities with my students and saw how much they enjoyed it. I also gained confidence and had fun as I explored improvisation in the comfort of my home using Forrest Kinney's resources. Hopefully, your students won't wait that long to FIND THE LOVE and learning that come from creating!
February Composing
Chrissy Ricker's Valentine’s Day Yay or Boo provides a fun composition starting point based on a familiar poem rhythm. I love the flexibility suggestions that can be used for students of all levels. In addition to the possibilities Chrissy mentions, students could try one of the following
Half the note rhythmic values and try composing a piece in 6/8 time
Add expressive dynamic and articulation marks
Create lyrics for a 2nd verse to tell a story about why you say Yay or Boo to Valentines
Adding a contrasting B section is another
Choose your own harmonic structure (Heart and Soul: I, vi, IV, V or quick V-I)
Composing Staff Paper, Prompts, and Styles
Joy Morin has many great composing resources like various sizes of printable staff paper and composing prompt pictures that can be used any time of the year. Near the bottom of this linked post is a Composing in Romantic Style activity. Since February is the month of "romance" it is a perfect time to introduce the elements of Romantic music using her guided worksheets the Prompts for Composing (p9) and Stylistic Traits of Romantic Music (p10). These resources can be used for individual or group classes.
Improvising with 2s
The Teach Piano Today Valentines Improv activity is a simple way to start with beginners that allows them to improvise on the black keys with quarter, eighth and half-note rhythm patterns.
For more of a challenge, intermediate/advanced students could try one of the Create First improvisation ideas below that include Add 2 Chords or Second Inversions.
Activity #1:Watch Create First Second ChanceSolo. Then create your own melodies using notes from the G Major Scale and Add 2 chords.
Activity #2: Watch Create First A Day Unbroken by Hours and then create your own improv using broken chords including root chords and inversions.
Activity #3: Watch the sample improv video CF Far From Home. Then create your own improv using right hand 2nd inversions patterns.
Activity #4: Watch the jazzy style Create First Gospel sample improv and then create your own improvisation including 2nd inversions.
The resources for creativity at the piano seem to be endless. Here are a few winter and New Year-themed activities to try. It's never too late to start or expand your skills with some creative fun! The framework of these activities help get the creative juices flowing, but the real fun comes when you can throw out some of the "rules" and let your imagination explore new possibilities.
Composing
January is a time for me to reset and contemplate my goals. This chant I learned at 4H camp makes me think of kicking off the new year with the best start which includes setting personal goals for physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social improvement.
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