Composing idiomatically
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify how a composer has used idiomatic features in their composition, and can use some of these in my own.
Key learning points
- Composing idiomatically means using the typical features of that style.
- Every style has different idiomatic features that help to give it a unique sound.
- It is particularly important to use idiomatic melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation and structure.
- The jazz quintet featured many idiomatic features, which made it a very effective example of the style.
Keywords
Idiomatic - using features that are typical of the musical style
Swing - where notes are played unevenly; in jazz this usually refers to swing quavers
Chromatic - using notes from outside of the key
Head - a recurring chorus that starts and finishes a jazz piece; performers improvise over the chord sequence from the head in between repetitions
Common misconception
A composition should use every possible idiomatic feature from the style.
It is normal not to use every single idiomatic feature. Most compositions use a range of idiomatic features with different elements, to help them fit the style effectively. Choose a range of idiomatic features that work well in your composition.
Teacher tip
This composition also serves as a useful starting point for exploring: jazz accompaniments; jazz melody; ABA structure; improvised solos; jazz harmony; using a groove; drum kit notation; writing for small ensemble; harmonising a melody; using syncopation.
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - jazz quintet (score) 264 KB (PDF)
Composition exemplar - jazz quintet (audio) 5 MB (MP3)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
