From Constraint to Creativity: Composition Lessons with Von Hansen
- Nathan Coles
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
Transform Limitations into Liberations for Inspired Writing
For many aspiring composers, the blank page (or the empty staff) can feel like an overwhelming frontier. The sheer endlessness of musical possibilities, while exciting, can often lead to creative paralysis. But what if we told you that some of the most profound compositional breakthroughs come not from limitless freedom, but from thoughtful, self-imposed boundaries? Join us as we delve into this powerful concept with insights from a seasoned professional.
Table of Contents
Don't miss a post, sign up for the Black Swamp Newsletter!
Meet Your Instructor: Von Hansen
Based at Washburn University, Dr. Von Hansen (b. 1984) is a multifaceted Assistant Professor of Percussion who actively works as a performer, composer, and multi-media artist. His musical style is a unique synthesis of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music with minimalism, specializing in creating engaging works that combine percussion with computer processing. A dedicated educator, Dr. Hansen is committed to developing new music and has presented numerous concerts and masterclasses at various universities and conferences, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), Electronic Music Midwest, and SEAMUS. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance from the University of Kansas, dual Master of Music degrees in Performance and Composition from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Washburn University.
Explore and listen to Von's work:
The Paradox of Freedom in Composition Lessons
In the dynamic world of 20th-century music, composers heroically shattered traditional barriers, ushering in an era where virtually anything is permissible. This liberation, while profoundly empowering, can also be a double-edged sword for new composers. The vast, open landscape of musical choices can often lead to intimidation and the dreaded "writer's block." How do you begin when there are no rules? How do you find your unique voice amidst an infinite array of possibilities? This is precisely where the concept of self-imposed boundaries becomes a game-changer in your composition lessons.
Drawing Inspiration: An Analogy for Musical Boundaries
To illustrate this concept, Von offers a brilliant analogy from the world of visual art:
Imagine you're given a box with 150 crayons and a blank piece of paper, with the instruction to "draw a picture." You might find yourself staring at the page, unsure where to start or which color to pick. The choices are overwhelming.
Now, consider this: you're given only a red and a blue crayon and asked to "draw a house." Suddenly, your creativity ignites! You're no longer paralyzed by choice. Within these simple boundaries, you can envision a whimsical house on the moon, with cats flying out the windows, full of expressive detail. The limitations actually foster creativity, guiding your imagination rather than stifling it.
This analogy perfectly encapsulates the power of boundaries in composition lessons. Instead of feeling restricted, you channel your creative energy into finding innovative solutions within a defined framework.
Controlling the Canvas: Applying Boundaries
In music, we have a diverse palette of elements we can choose to control as boundaries. These include:
Texture: The overall sound quality or fabric of the music.
Rhythm: The organization of sounds and silences in time.
Pitch: The highness or lowness of a sound.
Dynamics: The loudness or softness of the music.
Timbre: The specific quality of a sound that distinguishes different instruments or voices.
Form: The overall structure of a piece.
By deliberately fixing one or more of these elements, you create a controlled environment that allows other elements to flourish with greater intention and focus.
Case Study: Composing with Boundaries
Von demonstrates this concept using his Black Swamp Mercury Multisonic snare drum. For this experiment, he chose to control the texture as his boundary. He established a very specific, repeating textural pattern:
Three rim hits
One dead stroke
One stick shot
One "ping" shot (rim shot)
One cross stick
Two normal hits
One buzz roll (either a press roll or a long roll)
This intricate textural sequence became the consistent backbone of a one-minute piece. Within this fixed textural boundary, Von allowed himself to manipulate the rhythm and meter. The result is a piece that maintains a clear melodic and thematic connection due to the consistent texture, while generating interest and showcasing his compositional voice through rhythmic variations. This is a prime example of how thoughtful composition lessons can lead to innovative results.
Follow along with the sheet music below and download for free.
Expanding the Concept: Transcendent Pitches
For a longer-form illustration of this technique, Von refers to the second movement of his "Suite for Prepared Vibraphone," titled "Transcendent." In this six-minute piece, he imposes a boundary on pitch. The entire movement utilizes the same five pitches in the same order throughout. However, he allows himself to adjust:
Octaves: Manipulating the register of the pitches.
Rhythm: Varying the duration and placement of the notes.
Preparations: Because it's a prepared vibraphone, different octaves have different objects placed on the keys, subtly altering the timbre of each pitch.
The constraint of the repeating five-note sequence provides a strong unifying element, while the variations in rhythm, octave, and timbre create a rich, evolving musical landscape. You can hear this compelling example on Von Hansen's album, "Mortal Coil."
Student Action Plan: Practical Steps for Your Next Composition Lesson
Ready to apply these insights to your own composition practice? Here's a practical action plan:
Identify Your Blank Slate: Choose an instrument or ensemble you want to compose for.
Select Your Boundary: Pick ONE musical element to control. Start simple!
Example 1 (Rhythm): Use only quarter notes and eighth notes for a short phrase.
Example 2 (Pitch): Compose a melody using only the notes of a C major triad (C, E, G).
Example 3 (Texture): For a percussion piece, use only rim clicks and soft rolls.
Example 4 (Dynamics): Write a short piece that stays strictly piano (soft).
Define Your Constraint: Be specific about the boundary. What exactly are you limiting yourself to?
Explore Within: Now, let your creativity flow! How can you make interesting musical decisions with the elements you haven't restricted?
If you controlled rhythm, how can you vary pitch and dynamics to create interest?
If you controlled pitch, how can you create rhythmic vitality?
If you controlled texture, what kind of rhythmic or dynamic patterns can emerge?
Experiment and Reflect: Compose a short piece (1-2 minutes) using your chosen boundary. Afterward, reflect on what you learned. Did the boundary help or hinder? What new ideas emerged that wouldn't have otherwise?
Listen and Learn: Actively listen to how professional composers use repetition and variation to create cohesive yet interesting pieces.
Beyond the Notes: A Reflective Call to Action
The journey of musical composition is as much about self-discovery as it is about sound. By embracing boundaries, you're not just finding a trick to overcome writer's block; you're developing a deeper understanding of musical elements and cultivating a more focused, intentional compositional voice. Challenge yourself in your next composition lesson to turn limitations into your greatest creative assets. You might be surprised by the masterpieces waiting to be discovered within those carefully crafted boundaries.
Happy composing!
Comments