- Definition
To compose means to create a piece of music, like writing a song, using different musical sounds and ideas to express something.
A child composes music when they create a pattern of claps and stomps to make their own rhythm.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Composing music is like using sound blocks to build your very own song.
Ask your child: What sounds can you make to start a little song?
Common mix-up: Kids might think composing is only for famous musicians who can write music. Anyone can compose by putting sounds together to create their own musical idea.
Examples
- Making up a simple melody on a toy keyboard.
- Singing a new song about their day using their own words and tune.
- Tapping on different cups to create a song with high and low sounds.
compose is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+7 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
