Composing Using the Whole Tone Scale - Music Composition

The video tutorial explores the whole tone scale, highlighting its distinctiveness and how it diverges from traditional harmonic conventions. It explains the scale's structure, its two possible transpositions, and how it can be used in music composition. The tutorial provides practical guidance on composing with the whole tone scale, including melodic and harmonic ideas, and demonstrates a hands-on example of creating a composition using this scale.

What is one reason a composer might choose to use the whole tone scale?

• To create music with a strong sense of key

• To explore less conventional harmonic structures

• To focus on traditional major and minor scales

• To simplify the composition process

How does the whole tone scale differ from major and minor scales?

• It includes both tones and semitones

• It is based on a combination of modes

• It consists entirely of whole tones

• It is used only in jazz music

What is a unique characteristic of the whole tone scale?

• It is based on a pentatonic structure

• It is primarily used in classical music

• It allows for multiple key signatures

• It has only two possible transpositions

When composing with the whole tone scale, what is a common approach to structure?

• Sticking to one transposition throughout

• Avoiding any form of structure

• Using a binary form

• Mixing and matching transpositions

Why might a composer choose not to use a key signature when working with the whole tone scale?

• It is a requirement for using the scale

• It simplifies the notation process

• The scale is not tied to any specific key

• It is a traditional practice

What is one way to develop a melodic idea using the whole tone scale?

• By balancing conjunct and disjunct movement

• By using only disjunct movement

• By focusing on rhythmic complexity

• By avoiding any form of repetition

How can a composer create a harmonic idea using the whole tone scale?

• By avoiding any harmonic structure

• By focusing on dissonant intervals

• By employing thirds and sixths

• By using only single notes

What is a suggested approach to rhythm when composing with the whole tone scale?

• Using a fixed time signature

• Experimenting with changing time signatures

• Focusing solely on syncopation

• Avoiding any rhythmic structure

In the practical demonstration, what is one method used to develop the composition?

• Avoiding any form of development

• Focusing on a single dynamic level

• Using inversion and rhythmic diminution

• Repeating the same melodic idea

What is the benefit of thinking enharmonically when composing with the whole tone scale?

• It limits the composer's options

• It simplifies the reading for performers

• It is a requirement for using the scale

• It focuses on traditional notation