Watch Lesson 1 from the Course
An Overview of Sonata Form
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Overview of Sonata Form
Sonata Form Workbook
The Use of Harmony in Sonata Form
Thematic Loosening Techniques
Melodic Development Techniques
Ex. 1-3-1 Audio - Transcribe this melody by ear
Ex. 1-3-1 - Melody only
Hybrid Theme 1 - Antecedent + Continuation
Hybrid Theme 2 - Antecedent + Cadential
Hybrid Theme 3 - Compound Basic Idea + Continuation
Hybrid Theme 4 - Compound Basic Idea + Consequent
Compound Theme 1 - Compound Period
Compound Theme 2 - Compound Sentence
Framing Functions
The Exposition Overview
The Main Theme
The Subordinate Theme
The Transition
The Development An Overview
The Pre-Core and Augmented 6ths
The Core
An Overview of the Recapitulation
The Recapitulation Main Theme
The Recapitulation Transition
The Recapitulation Subordinate Theme
The Coda and Slow Introduction
The Slow Introduction
The Coda
Score Cleanup Part 1
Score Cleanup Part 2
Score Interpretation Part 1
Score Interpretation Part 2
Score Playability
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FAQ
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What do I need to know to start?
You need to understand the concepts from Music Composition 101 and be able to read and write music notation. Be able to play the piano is not required but it helps a lot.
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Will it work for my style of music?
Yes. While sonata form is a classical form, the loosening techniques and your ability to craft a long piece translate to any style or genre.
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Are lessons downloadable?
Yes. All the lessons are downloadable. The course also has a download workbook and comes with a podcast version so you can listen to the audio from the course on the go.
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Do I need a membership if I purchase the course?
No. Purchasing the courses will give you access for life. The membership allows access to the courses on a month to month basis, but you lose access after you cancel (once your month runs out).
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Can I get direct feedback on my music?
We have community forums where you can post your music and ask questions.
A Deeper Look at the Course Syllabus
See what you'll learn in each module.
Build Your Development Skills: Module 1 lays the foundation for really diving into the techniques of composing in sonata form. We will do some analysis, some ear training, some score copying, and then a lot of paraphrase exercises. After this module, you will be ready to tackle the different formal sections of a sonata form piece with confidence.
Using Unconventional Themes: Module 2 is about expanding your ability to write different thematic types. We look at the four hybrid themes, the two compound themes, as well as framing functions.
The Exposition: In Module 3, we will begin modeling Beethoven’s 1st movement. The goal is to emulate and integrate the tools, techniques, and stylistic choices Beethoven makes. This means you may feel overly restricted. That is a good thing. Later on in the course, you will have plenty of opportunities to modify your work, making it more your own. For now, focus on learning.
The Development: Module 4 is going to take us deep into the heart of our piece. You will walk away with a complete development section - and you will understand how everything works inside.
The Recapitulation: Module 5 brings us to the end of the model - the recapitulation. We’ll learn how to wrap things up, harmonically and formally. But this won’t be the end. We still have an optional module on the slow introduction and coda.
The Slow Introduction and Coda: Module 6 covers the last two sections of standard sonata form - the slow introduction and the coda. Just because Beethoven didn’t add them to his piece doesn’t mean you can’t. This is where you start to break free from the model and compose what you hear in your head.
Fine Tuning Your Piece: Module 7 looks at all the aspects of getting a polished, final version of your piece. This is often overlooked, and makes a huge difference for how performers interpret your music. We look at critical information on your score, layout, text, dynamics, articulations, spacing, and notational issues.
Instructor
Creator of Art of Composing Jon Brantingham
I've composed for over twenty years, and I am passionate about teaching and learning composition.
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Brandon
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Stephen
Excellent mid-level composition course
Missed learning about Sonata form in my Berklee studies. This filled that in nicely!
Kwadwo
K Frimpong
I'm really happy to have signed for this course, I have gained the insight of what Sonata Form is all about. Thanks Jon, for the insight.
Miyoko
Excellent!
I learned a lot. After completing this course, I feel I can really compose pieces in sonata form.
Elvis
Five Stars!
Very well done! Clear and simple with great content! Bravo!
Juan
Best Composition Course.....So Far
Incredible and easy to digest concepts to get you started composing in larger forms. This course has changed my life forever!
Neeraj
Best Teacher
Sir, the courses are great! But dont leave me hanging here. There is so much to learn from you Sir. I look forward to your new course. Thank you so much for growing and inspiring a musician in me!!
John
Excellent Course!
It took me a while to get through it, but at the end, I had composed a complete sonata (using another sonata as a guide) along with various other exercises that were done before the sonata. And if you ask me at least, my sonata sounds pretty good for doing this the first time. Anyway, I learned a lot in this course!
Ethan
Great Course
I learned a lot and got experience in various aspects. Writing the sonata is fun!
Graeme
Outstanding course
Outstanding course - little else quite like it on the internet. Breaks things down into manageable chunks that don't seem quite so overwhelming.
Dennis
Sonata Tutorial
Most excellant course. I learned so much. I am forever grateful. I'm looking forward to writing many more Sonata's, thanks to your exemplary training. I found this composition form the most intellectually stimulating of all I have attempted. Outstanding course and great instructor!
Joe
Great Course for Several Different Levels
I took this course as refresher since I had been out of music for a very long time. It was a great experience being well taught, and the way it was covered is quite thorough (for the time it takes). Jon is a very good teacher, and the material are extremely relevant. You will learn! The references are very solid and helpful in giving external ideas to learn (Caplin's Analyzing Classical Form, and other references to the sonata form. Jon has produced a very good course, I recommend it to anyone interested gaining skills in this area or just sharpening up current skills.
Chris
Review of Composing in Sonata Form
Super informative and enjoyable. Strongly recommend to any budding musician.