Music Theory.. I need a lot of help.?

Question

So I'm in music theory 1 and its the end of the semester right? I am so confused in that class and I have to compose 16 bars. I sort of understand everything but I have trouble applying it. I have to use primary triads, dominant seventh chords and inversions. Any key excpet C major. and each 4 measures have to end with a specific cadence. Where do I start?!

Answer 1

Start by selecting a Key.  I'd recommend the Key of G Major.  It's fairly simple and similar to Key of C Major.

Key of G Major - G, A, B, C, D, E, and F#

The triads for this key are:  

G Major (G, B, D)

A Minor (A, C, E)

B Minor (B, D, F#)

C Major (C, E, G)

D Major (D, F#, A)

E Minor (E, G, B)

F# Diminshed (F#, A, C)

As for different inversions, just mix up the order of the notes within the chord.  For Example, play the G Chord as (B, G, D).  

As for cadences just use the basic ones.

Progression V (D) - I (G)

Progression vii (F#) - I (G)

Progression I (G) - V(D) - vi (E) - IV (C)

Ending on I, IV, or V will give you different cadences.  Good Luck.