15782 / 18210 · Workshop 116 — Building a Complete Original Piece from Nothing: An Integrated Workflow from First Seed to Finished Piano Composition← prev⊞ allnext →
116.200A complete 20-pass composition checklist
When starting an original piece:
- Choose center/mode.
- Choose meter/pulse.
- Choose one character constraint.
- Create one small seed.
- Identify its DNA.
- Make a phrase.
- Make an answer/variation.
- Reduce melody to structural notes.
- Write bass.
- Identify function/center.
- Write one inner line.
- Choose harmonic rhythm.
- Choose texture/register.
- Define larger form.
- Give every section a job.
- Compose transitions from invariants.
- Develop rather than constantly invent.
- Reserve resources for climax.
- Write/refine ending backward.
- Reduce, edit, perform, transpose, and make a flexible version.
That is a practical end-to-end process.