The best moments happen when students begin to realize how much power they have and use that power to create. Composing as they master different instrumental stages helps students make composition and performance a natural step in learning. A step-by-step process (rhythm notation, add pitches, copy to a five-line staff, check work, and play) keeps the work attainable and eases frustration. Repeating the exercise often allows students to make simple steps into more complicated structures (scales, major to minor, etc.) Students play their pieces for and with each other, then for others outside the music room, making performance attainable and easy. When our students leave us, we want them to be fully fluent in our musical language. The children are empowered by what they create, what they perform, and by becoming composers.