Music Composition Adventures - Book 2: The Fear Worms

By Ben Ereddia

Book 2 is here!

You are about to go on an adventure in a land where music is magic and you must compose to complete the quests that are laid out before you.

In the second book of the Music Composition Adventure series, you will become familiar with using minor and major sounds to create powerful new compositions to rescue Sir Valiant from The King of the Fear Worms!

In addition to teaching composition, the story in this book explores concepts such as stage freight and fear in general. Through the use of stories, students engage and take ownership of these concepts.

Do you need to complete book one before you can use book 2?

No. It is not necessary to complete book one before enjoying book 2. There is a quick summary of book one in the front of The Fear Worms that will get you up to speed. There are a few references to the songs that the students composed in book one that can be ignored if you are skipping book one. For example, in the desert, the "Water" piece that was composed in book one is used to fill up a jug and quench your thirst.

What does the student need to know before they can begin The Fear Worms?

The Fear Worms is designed to be an easy introduction to writing music, easily accessible to most piano students. However the following are a few basic concepts that would be helpful to be familiar with.

• an introduction to music notation.
• a basic understanding of what makes a scale
• an basic understanding of sharps and flats
• an basic understanding of half steps and whole steps

Why should students compose?

• Composing music is a creative form of self expression that is fun and rewarding. Composers take ownership of their own musical creativity. Suddenly, music has a whole new component, one in which they are the creators.
• Composing music helps with ear training (being able to play what one hears).
• An understanding of the composition process helps students understand the works of other composers.
• When students compose, they make decisions about their musical preferences.

Why should students write music on a page?

The process of writing music on a page is an excellent way to deepen a students understanding of music notation. Putting pencil to paper creates a connection to the details of music notation and their function. It gives real world experience to elements of music that are often only conceptualized or worse, overlooked.

What age is Music Composition Adventures intended for?

Ages 6 and up

For creative teaching ideas please visit www.MusicCompositionAdventures.com