For Ava Reita, IB Music student and junior, music composition is a subject that is both demanding and rewarding. 

“Right now, I’m taking IB Music and Advanced Choral Ensemble,” Reita said. “For my choir, (we don’t normally work with) music composition unless we need to transpose something in a higher octave, but for IB music, I’d say it’s entirely composition.”

IB Music was introduced as a class in CHS in 2022. The class curriculum focuses on student development of music composition skills at an advanced level. Reita said that class provided her with unique opportunities to experiment with music composition related tools.

“I think (I’ve learned a lot of new things),” she said. “Like, I never knew how to use a DAW (digital audio workstation) before. That’s a new experience for me. I’d only previously used it for (choir) assignments like part checks.

Growing Popularity of Music

According to Statista, interest in the music industry has been steadily increasing alongside the popularity of streaming programs. In 2023, streaming revenue grew to $14.4 billion from only $4 billion in 2016.

Jiliane Jarvis, IB Music, AP Music Theory and Composition and Music Theory and Composition teacher, said student interest toward   music composition has grown alongside the music industry.

“I think kids, even now with everything that’s online, (are) hearing all these amazing things (about how) artists are able to self-publish and self-promote,” she said. “I think there’s more innovation and music going on than ever before. And it’s more clear, and it’s more available to us. And I think that sparks ideas.”

Mason Zhang, The Octave president and junior, said he views music composition as an opportunity for students to express themselves. The Octave is a club built around composing and creating music.

“Music composition is important as it is the foundation of creating music, which can serve as a channel of creativity and expression for people,” Zhang said. “For high schoolers, it can be an important self-discovering activity and a way to express their passions for music.”

Additionally, Jarvis said the growth in involvement with music composition was a natural change.

“I think humans are created for the process, not just (doing) something really fast and easy. I think we are created for processes that take time and thought and problem-solving,” Jarvis said. “So I think even (for) those kiddos who are focusing on hardcore academics…breaks from that for doing creative things are important, too.”

Experience in Music Composition

Despite its evident rise in popularity, Reita said music composition is difficult to transition to as a beginner.

“My teacher says that anyone can start at any level, but I don’t think that she’s telling the truth ‘cause my class is filled with people who have been taking piano lessons since they’ve been, like, four: people that have a lot of experience with writing music in general,” Reita said.

Reita said even with the importance of interest in music composition, a level of basic knowledge is required to understand the complexity of music composition.

“I’d say you have to have a healthy balance of both (background knowledge and interest), but I would also say that having background knowledge is a little bit more important,” Reita said. “I would only suggest (taking music composition classes) if you’ve previously been interested in music.”

Conversely, Jarvis said composition is a skill any student can learn. 

“I’ve had kids come in and say, ‘Oh, I can’t compose, I can’t compose.’ But I don’t believe that for a minute, ’cause every single person can,” Jarvis said. “They have ideas, and even if they don’t know how to express them, they (still) have them.”

Zhang said in the case of his own club members, he hopes for them to learn and grow their composition skills, even without a lot of experience.

“I wanted to lead (The Octave) because I am a passionate composer myself, but recognize that there are not a lot of people who share that interest as well,” Zhang said. “(In The Octave), I hope for members to learn different styles, techniques and purposes of other composers (and) for them to immerse in the art and become more inspired.”

Reita said that although music composition is a challenge, she enjoys it.

“I do, overall, like (music) composition. It (takes) a lot of work, and I think that if I had known how much work it was going to be, I would not have taken (IB Music), but I’m glad that I did,” Reita said.

Ultimately, Jarvis said very little should prevent students from pursuing music composition if they have an interest.

“The only thing I could think of (that might stop a student from taking these classes would be) fear,” Jarvis said. “Every single person can create music. I’ve never met one (who couldn’t), even ones that tell me they can’t… I wish I could take away that fear for every single kid and have them at least try it, you know? I think they would be very pleased.”