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Mary McDonald.jpeg
Mary McDonald
Second prize winner in Ages 12-14 division
Winning composition: Conversations
How old were you when you started composing?
8 years old

What do you love most about composing music?
Creating a story and trying to find the best way I can use sounds to tell that story.

What was your process/approach to composing your piece for YWCC?
I created a story, and then thought about what I liked most about each instrument. After figuring that out, I used those sounds to best convey what was happening in my story.

What is your favorite instrument to compose for and why?
My favorite instrument to compose for is the piano because I can write for both the treble and bass clefs.

What is your advice to someone who is interested in composing a piece but does not know where to start?
Honestly, the best thing to do is to just start playing. Give yourself a couple of chords to play around with, and if you like something, write it down!
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