How to Write Counterpoint - Music Composition

Learn how to write counterpoint, an advanced music composition technique. Many musicians are happy writing melodies and chords but when it comes to writing counterpoint they feel out of their depth. Many music students need to be able to write counterpoint and are not sure how to go about it. Improvisers might want to be able to improvise counterpoint, and anyone playing a contrapuntal piece might want to learn how to understand better how the counterpoint works. This music composition lesson is for all of you. Homophonic music is music which is essentially constructed vertically i.e. it basically operates by moving from one chord to the next. Polyphonic music operates a layered horizontal construction, in which melodic lines interact with each other. Counterpoint is all about how to construct these interweaving melodic lines in such a way as to make both melodic and harmonic sense. It all seems daunting at first but once the basic approach has been mastered you will soon be writing, improvising, and understanding counterpoint.

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to counterpoint
1:06 - The initial melodic idea
4:59 - Thinking about harmony
6:57 - Writing a second point
11:33 - What does it sound like?

🎓 Learn Music Online with Music Matters
Learn music theory, aural tests, composition, sight reading, orchestration and more! Prepare and practice for music exams and diplomas with Music Matters Courses. Whether you're just getting started with learning music, or you're an experienced musician looking to expand your abilities - we have something for you in our course library. With hours of step-by-step training, our courses will truly help you elevate your musicianship skills to the next level.

👥 Social Media

🔗 Affiliate Links

#MusicComposition #MelodyWriting #TheAllRoundMusician

[MusicMattersGB]

Learn Music Online - Check out our courses here!

[mohammedalsaqabi]

Sir, you are the best music teacher on YouTube.

[contactmouli]

Never thought I would binge-watch a series of music theory videos! Doing it now across your channel. Thankyou so much for sharing.

[LukeFaulkner]

Great video - I've studied counterpoint for decades but was still captivated!

[piarno]

I usually play Pop/ Rock/ Jazz but watched the video and took your class because the polyphonic style amazed me. Your class inspired me to compose my first counterpoint piano piece which you can find on my channel. Thank you for the great explanations and the inspiration!

[lawrencetaylor]

Finally, I knew my next step was to look at counterpoint. I saw other videos about it, but they lack the simple approach that you have mastered.

[bronktug]

Great video, I've been looking all around for this subject matter, thank you so much!

[Vivi-mpnn]

This is so helpful! I really want to study music but I‘m still in school ugh
So glad people like you make music theory easy to understand

[inahd]

So thankful of you, the content that you put on here is so helpful ♥️

[vaughangarrick]

Wonderful teacher. I feel I can write a B minor mass everytime I watch his videos

[d_lydian]

This is brilliant content, thanks for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate it very much

[pjny]

Simply Superb!! I'm amazed at how you build up this piece without having to sit at the piano working everything out. I'm wondering whether you hear the music in your head as you're writing, or are you creating the piece based purely upon knowing what tools to use when - ie, adding rhythmic variety, or following harmonic or melodic rules such as "we've moved by steps so now perhaps some skips would spice things up"? In other words, do you hear this music as you write it, or are you working purely from knowledge of what tools to use when? Hope that makes sense! Thank you again, you are beyond amazing.

[RuthButlerMusic]

Thank you for this! I would LOVE to hear this piece completed! It seems to fit right in with Bach’s 2 part inventions! Truly beautiful start.

[Smurf_Garden]

perfect lesson for me. thanks a bunch for your expertise!

[benjaminwlang]

Thank you for this. I have studied species counterpoint but that it is a more formal approach. It was helpful seeing you writing it and thinking out loud on how to solve problems you came across. It presents ideas on how one may approach contrapuntal writing.

[onebluenineTV]

This is just the lesson I was looking for at this time!

[Bekirkursunet]

thank you sir for lesson. You clearly explain the counterpoint

[annonymeandfish]

I’m in the middle of mu first semester in university (during covid) and I’m learning more on YouTube... and its free!

[letshuman]

I am still new to this subject but you made this really clear to understand. Thanks!

[vaughnhale]

This channel is so helpful! I always look here for my daily music theory lessons. Thanks!