Whether you’re a new composer or a seasoned veteran, finding inspiration to get started on a new composition can be one of the most challenging aspects of creating music. While Finale gives you the tools you need to create music your way, what do you do when you’re uncertain about what to create? We’ve created the following prompts for each month of the year to give you some inspiration and kickstart your creative process.
To get started, read the composition prompt for the month. Does the prompt remind you of a song, movie, piece of art, book, person, place, or memory? Whatever comes to mind, commit to the idea, and listen to the song, watch the movie clip, or talk with the person. What sounds, colors, or words move you?
Once you’re feeling inspired, open up Finale and start composing!
Monthly Prompts:
- September: Compose a melody that sounds like leaves falling from a tree.
- October: Create a composition that sounds haunted, using dissonant harmonies.
- November: Create a composition using an original, creative rhythmic pattern.
- December: Give the gift of music! Create a composition as a gift for a friend or family member with original lyrics.
- January: Create a composition that captures an emotion or feeling. What does curiosity sound like? Excitement?
- February: Compose a love song
- March: Compose a song for a rainy day // seasonal // St. Patrick’s Day // sports theme song // major key/happy song // create creature sounds
- April: Create a composition that incorporates a ii-V-I progression (April // Jazz Month).
- May: Create a melody or composition in your favorite key
- June Create a composition inspired by your favorite color. What does the color red sound like, or yellow, or blue?
- July: Create a patriotic national anthem for a fictional country + lyrics?
- August: Create a composition or melody that borrows ideas from your favorite composer or songwriter… make it your own
Are you an educator looking for ways to engage a classroom throughout the school year? These prompts make for a great monthly activity for your students to practice composition and creativity.
Download a PDF of the monthly composition prompts >
Once your composition is finished, use the interactive sharing features in Finale to easily share your compositions with others. Getting feedback on your music can be a great way to improve your creative process!