Violins are a vital part of the string section.
Composing music for stringed instruments can seem very difficult, especially if you aren't overly familiar with them. The string family consists of violins, violas, cellos and double basses. Generally a string section will have numerous players on each of these instruments, and the composer has the task of giving every musician a part to play in the score, grouping them as desired. Learning the basics of composing music for strings can give you the skills you need to unleash your musical creativity and hopefully create a beautiful piece of music.
Instructions
1. Learn to read and write musical notation. This is much easier than it may seem at first. Either the bass clef or the treble clef goes at the beginning of the five-line musical staff, and the symbol determines where each note is located on the staff. The basic rule is that you move up alphabetically (restarting when you get to G) on each step up the staff. Count both the lines and the spaces, as each one represents a note. If there is a bass clef at the beginning of the staff, the bottom line is G, and if there is a treble clef, the bottom line is E. See Resources for more information.
2. Learn about time signatures. The time signature goes at the beginning of a musical staff after the clef. The most basic time signature is 4/4, which is also referred to as "common" time, and can be shown with a "C" or simply "4/4" at the beginning of the staff. The left number identifies that there are four beats in each bar, and the second number shows that they are quarter notes. Using this theory, you can tell that in a 2/4 time signature, there are two quarter notes per bar, and in 7/8 time there are seven eighth notes in each bar. See Resources for more information.
3. Familiarize yourself with the tones produced by each of the instruments that make up the string section. The violin produces a lyrical, brilliant tone; the viola is lower pitched and more nasal; the cello is deeper and chestier; the double bass is penetrating and deep. Use the different instruments to convey different emotions in your composition.
4. Learn about bowing marks. You can specifically notate whether the stroke should be done as an up or down-stroke by putting "V" or "I" underneath the note. "I" represents a down stroke, which are generally heavier than upstrokes. If you have very skilled players, however, the stroke direction shouldn't make too much of a difference.
5. Use the relevant Italian words for different types of playing. "Legato" indicates that the notes should be played smoothly, in one stroke of the bow. This is shown by one arched line linking the notes. "Staccato" notes are short and sharp, and are indicated by placing a dot above or underneath the note. "Tremolo" means that the notes are played in small, quick, up and down movements.
6. Combine your knowledge of the instruments and types of stroke to create a piece of music that suits your intended purpose. Learning the basics of music theory can help you in getting the right "mood" for your piece. See Resources for more information.
