Table of Contents

Introduction.
Part I: Basics and Rhythm.


Chapter 1: Thinking Like a Composer.


Chapter 2: Tools of the Trade.


Chapter 3: Musical Scrapbooks: Writing on Paper and Screen.


Chapter 4: Rhythm and Mood.


Part II: Melody and Development.


Chapter 5: Finding Melodies Where You Least Expect Them.


Chapter 6: Scales and Modes, Moods and Melodies.


Chapter 7: Building Melodies Using Motifs and Phrases.


Chapter 8: Developing Your Melodies.


Part III: Harmony and Structure.


Chapter 9: Harmonizing with Melodies.


Chapter 10: Composing with Chords.


Chapter 11: Composing from the Void.


Chapter 12: Beginnings, Middles, and Endings.


Chapter 13: Musical Forms.


Part IV: Orchestration and Arrangement.


Chapter 14: Composing for the Standard Orchestra.


Chapter 15: Composing for the Nonstandard Orchestra.


Chapter 16: Composing for Multiple Voices.


Chapter 17: Composing Commercial Music and Songs.


Chapter 18: Composing Electronic Music.


Chapter 19: Composing for Other Musicians.


Part V: The Part of Tens.


Chapter 20: Ten Composers You Should Know About.


Chapter 21: Nine Career Opportunities for Composers.


Chapter 22: Ten Recommended Books for Composers.


Chapter 23: Ten Periods of Music History to Explore.


Appendix A: Modes and Chords Reference.


Appendix B: Glossary.


Index.

About the Author

Scott Jarrett is a producer and musician who currently runs Monkey House recording studio.
Holly Day is the co-author of Music Theory For Dummies; her articles have appeared in publications across the globe.