In this article, the author asks music educators to imagine their band students being able to identify the melody of a piece as it jumps among sections after playing it just a few times. How about recognizing harmonic modulation, or applying dynamic contrast through understanding of compositional form? While these elements may seem obvious to…

Contends that contemporary trends in music education increase the emphasis on composition. Discusses the process of composition and asserts that students demonstrate their understanding of how music works through composition. Presents teaching suggestions for incorporating composition into the elementary and secondary curriculum. (CFR)