Reflections Music Composition Guide for Students

What is Music Composition?

Music composition means YOU create a brand new piece of music! You're the composer and you get to express your own ideas and feelings through sound.

What Kind of Music Can I Create?

Any style you want! Here are some ideas:

🎵 A cappella (voice only, no instruments) 🎸 Rock, pop, or country 🎹 Classical or jazz 🎤 Hip hop or R&B 🎼 Musical theater or choir music 🎧 Electronic or digital music 🌍 Latin, traditional, or world music ⛪ Religious or gospel music

You can use:

• Any instruments you want
• Your voice
• Computer sounds and digital tools
• A combination of everything!

What Do Judges Look For?

✨ Theme connection - How does your music show this year's theme: I Belong

✨ Originality - Is this YOUR unique creation?

✨ Creativity - How do you use music to express your ideas?

Think about:

• The melody (tune) and rhythm (beat)
• What instruments or sounds you choose
• Lyrics (if you include words)
• The mood or feeling your music creates
• How your music tells a story or shares an idea

Do I Have to Perform My Music?

Nope! You have options:

👉 You can perform it yourself

👉 Someone else can perform it for you (a friend, teacher, or family member)

👉 A group can perform it

👉 You can use music software or apps to create the recording

The important part: You must include a recording of your composition (a file where we can hear your music).

Can I Use Technology?

Yes! You can use:

• Music apps and software
• Digital instruments
• Recording programs
• Computer tools to help create sounds

Important rule: The computer can help you create your music, but YOU must come up with the main ideas and melodies. The technology is your tool, not your composer!

You must explain: In the "Additional Details" section, tell us what technology you used and how you created your music.

Submission Rules Made Simple

⏱️ Length: Your recording can be up to 5 minutes long

💾 File format:

• Audio: MP3 or WAV file
• Sheet music (if required): PDF file

🆕 Must be new: Create something new for this year's theme

🎼 Must be original: Your own melodies, rhythms, and ideas - no copying songs or music from others

📁 File size: Up to 1,000 MB (that's pretty big - most recordings will be much smaller!)

Step 1: Create your music 
Step 2: Make sure it follows all the rules above

Step 3: Fill out the student entry form in English or Spanish

Where to submit: Email your entry to perrineaotapta@gmail.com

Remember!

🌟 Let the theme inspire you
🌟 Pick your sounds and create something amazing!
🌟 Your music doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be yours.
🌟 Have FUN and let your creativity flow!🎶