Composing Strategies

You don’t have to go back to the original key.

​Chromatic voice leading is the coolest.

​What would Chopin do?

Modulate up a major third.

A common-tone modulation might be in order at this point.

Maybe it’s time to write a slow piece in the altered Dorian mode.

Unit A in the Dorian mode Unit B in the Aeolian mode Repeat

Write down or record even the tiniest idea. You'll find a way to develop it someday.

Don’t get too obsessed with finding a clever chord progression.

Less is more, sometimes.

​Circle of fifths, no major chord.

Improvise in related keys. For example: 4 bars in C major, 4 bars in G major, repeat; or: 4 bars in A minor, 4 bars in D minor, repeat.


Everything has been done before, but don’t let that stop you.


Always steal from the best.

“How strange the change from major to minor.”

Time for a secondary dominant.