Composing a Song Using the Musical Letters in Your Name

An interesting musical technique used by composers such as Robert Schumann, Amy Beach and Bach was to compose a song using the musical letters contained in the name of a person. The melody found in the person's name becomes the theme. Then a rhythm is given to the melody followed by an accompaniment or harmony.

Robert Schumann's "Norse Song" used the musical letters in the last name of Niels Gade, a Danish composer who was a friend of Schumann. Notice the theme using the musical notes G-A-D-E in the following excerpt:

Mary Higgins Clark with Gail Smith

"Piano Mystery" is a new song composed using the musical letters in Mary Higgin Clark's name. She is the world-famous mystery writer who is the #1 New York Times best-selling author. Create a mysterious mood and follow the minor-mode theme throught the piece. Try composing a piece using your name or the names of friends!