What Is Music Composition—and Could It Be Right for You?
- Diana Mascari
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Introduction
When you think about creativity and music, there are two questions that you might be asking yourself.
Have I ever found myself humming a tune and wondering where it came from?
Have I ever sat down at the piano and all of a sudden played a tune that wasn't in any of my music books but instead felt like it came from within me? Here's the answer: That moment of spontaneous creation—is the seed of music composition.
And you don’t need to be a professional or a prodigy to do it.
What Is Music Composition?
Music composition is the art of creating original music. It can be as simple as a short melody or as complex as a full piece for piano, voice, or ensemble. At its core, composing means choosing notes, rhythms, and harmonies to express something uniquely yours.
There are many ways to compose. Some people use recording software like ProTools to play and capture ideas on a keyboard, layering instrument sounds to create complete pieces. One of my students once used this method to write music for computer games. He couldn’t read music, but what he created was beautiful and full of feeling.
Others compose by memory, playing their pieces without ever writing them down. I once taught a classically trained pianist who composed entirely by ear—his technique gave him the tools, and his imagination did the rest.
Personally, I favor a more traditional approach with a modern twist. Instead of pencil and staff paper, I use music notation software like Sibelius. This lets me "write" every note on a virtual staff and instantly hear it played back. I can write for multiple instruments, edit as I go, and explore each detail of the music as it takes shape.
While there’s no single "right" way to compose, I prefer this notated approach—and it’s the method I teach. It allows students to see, hear, and refine their ideas in real time, making the creative process both concrete and inspiring.
Why Is Composition Important?
When I first began composing—before music notation software was widely available—I used pencil and manuscript paper. Much to my surprise, I realized I couldn't remember even the simplest conventions of writing music, like how long the stems of notes should be. Although I had seen thousands of printed scores, I hadn’t studied them closely enough to reproduce what I saw. That moment taught me something essential: composing requires a different kind of attention, one that deepens your relationship with music in unexpected ways.
When you compose, you learn to listen more carefully, think more creatively, and engage with music more personally. It also sharpens your understanding of structure, harmony, and melody as well.
For adult learners in particular, composing can be a powerful way to reconnect with musical curiosity and reignite creative joy. It's not just about producing a polished piece—it's about the process of discovering your own musical voice.
How You Can Benefit from Composing With or Without Piano Lessons
Composition stands on its own as a creative and enriching musical practice.
While it naturally complements piano study, it doesn’t require it. Whether you play piano, another instrument, or are simply musically curious, learning to compose helps you connect more deeply with music—on your own terms.
Here’s how composition can benefit anyone with a musical background:
It makes music theory practical and meaningful
It gives you a creative outlet to apply what you already know
It builds confidence and musical independence
It keeps your motivation high by connecting you with your own ideas
You don’t have to be a seasoned performer or advanced in theory to begin. With just a basic sense of rhythm, pitch, or harmony, you can start creating music that is truly your own.
Here’s how composition supports your growth as a pianist:
It makes music theory practical and meaningful
It builds confidence and musical independence
It keeps your motivation high by connecting you with your own ideas
You don’t need to wait until you "know more" to start—you can begin composing with just a few notes and a basic understanding of rhythm or chords.
Why Take Composition Lessons with Me?
I bring over 50 years of experience as a composer, teacher, and jazz pianist. My background includes composing music for orchestra, chorus, chamber ensembles, and numerous jazz works. Alongside that, I've helped hundreds of adult learners—many of them returning musicians or those with experience on other instruments—find their creative voice.
No matter your musical background—classical, jazz, folk, or something entirely your own—I’ll meet you where you are and guide you forward.
I’ll help you:
Develop your own musical ideas
Explore structure, harmony, and melodic writing
Use the music you already know as a model for your own compositions
Learn to notate or record your ideas
And most importantly, I’ll support you in discovering what you want to say through music—by composing pieces for the piano or any instrument or ensemble that inspires you.
Ready to Get Started?
Composing is not about being perfect. It’s about being curious. Whether you’re coming back to music after years away or picking up a new path, composition invites you to listen more deeply and express more freely.
If learning about compositions and how to express your musical ideas sparked your curiosity, imagine how much more you can discover through personalized:
Whether you're a beginner or returning to music after years away, I’ll help you turn understanding into creativity and confidence.
To Schedule Your Free 30 Minute Composition Lesson or Piano Lesson Consultation with Diana Mascari, Click Here:
Diana Mascari-Piano & Composition Teacher for Adults
Diana Mascari-Piano & Composition Teacher for Adults
Diana Mascari has taught piano to hundreds of students for more than 47 years. She is dedicated to enriching her students’ lives by supporting their individual musicality.
She has developed a teaching system called the Transformational Approach to Piano. It offers her students colorful musical insights that broaden their experience beyond traditional methods.
Diana holds two Masters of Music degrees from New England Conservatory, taught keyboard harmony to music majors at Boston University, and was the music director of a multicultural Presbyterian Church for four decades.
Diana has performed as a solo jazz pianist as well as with her ensembles at many colleges and jazz clubs throughout New England. Many of these performances featured Diana's jazz compositions.
As a composer, she has explored the intersection of jazz and classical music. Her compositions reflect her deep appreciation for musical structure, enhanced by the spontaneity and emotion of jazz. Each piece has a timeless sense and is designed to move and inspire. Her works have been performed in Europe, Japan, and the Eastern United States.
Diana’s vibrant personality infuses her teaching, performing, and composing as she inspires piano students to achieve their musical goals.
Two Free Piano Courses:
To schedule your FREE 30 Minute Consultation for Composition Lessons or Piano Lessons with Diana Mascari on Zoom Click Here:
Comments