Performing and composing ideas
Below is a table containing techniques that minimalist composers explore in their music. It may be useful to consider them in both performance and composition.
| In performance | In composition | |
| Phase shifting | Listening to the other performers and maintaining a constant pulse is key to the performance. | Concentrate a musical idea in a cell rather than a verse or chorus. Once a short idea has formed, experiment with the point of entry. This will create a new texture. |
| Clapping music | A clap can be pronounced in many different ways. Do not overlook the techniques of clapping for a performance. | Compose a piece which uses only clapping or body percussion. This will be entirely based on rhythm rather than pitch. |
| Texture | Be aware that there is one line of melody and the ensemble, duo, etc is the accompaniment. | Compose a piece for multiple voices (SATB) or instruments. Include passages where the melodic movement is chordal. This could be used as a contrast to a polyphonic or contrapuntal section where the instruments are playing independent parts. |
| Phase shifting | |
| In performance | Listening to the other performers and maintaining a constant pulse is key to the performance. |
| In composition | Concentrate a musical idea in a cell rather than a verse or chorus. Once a short idea has formed, experiment with the point of entry. This will create a new texture. |
| Clapping music | |
| In performance | A clap can be pronounced in many different ways. Do not overlook the techniques of clapping for a performance. |
| In composition | Compose a piece which uses only clapping or body percussion. This will be entirely based on rhythm rather than pitch. |
| Texture | |
| In performance | Be aware that there is one line of melody and the ensemble, duo, etc is the accompaniment. |
| In composition | Compose a piece for multiple voices (SATB) or instruments. Include passages where the melodic movement is chordal. This could be used as a contrast to a polyphonic or contrapuntal section where the instruments are playing independent parts. |