Top 9 Best Composing Music Board Games of 2024

Explore the best board games for composing music! From Symphony No.9 to Lords of Rock, discover your next favorite musical adventure.
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DropMix coverSpontuneous coverEncore! cover

Gather ’round, folks! Today, we’re tuning into the wonderful world of board games with a twist – they’re all about composing music! When we picked these gems, we didn’t just throw darts at a list while blindfolded. Nope, we focused on how well they let us dive into music-making fun, whether you’re the next Mozart or can’t tell a treble clef from a bass. From humming hit tunes to crafting operas, these games hit every note. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of leading a band, composing an epic or just love music, this list’s got your back. Ready to play your heart out?

On this list:

9 DropMix

DropMix cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 15-30 mins

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DropMix hits our list with a blast of colors and beats, making composing music not just a game but an experience. We were skeptical at first, seeing all those cards and a digital board. But, boy, mixing tracks from different songs into a new banger was something else. It’s like being a DJ at your own party. Great for folks who wanna dip their toes into music mixing without getting too technical.

8 Spontuneous

Spontuneous cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 4-10
  • Play Time: 30 mins

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Ever played a game and suddenly you’re belting out tunes like there’s no tomorrow? That’s Spontuneous for you. We laughed so much, trying to think of songs with the given word. Not strictly composing, but it’s all about music and quick thinking. Perfect for those game nights where everyone wants to show off their hidden (or not so hidden) vocal talents. Plus, it’s a hoot seeing who’s got a song for everything.

7 Encore!

Encore! cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-9
  • Play Time: 10-60 mins

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Encore! is like a musical challenge wrapped in a board game. We had to sing songs with specific words, and let me tell you, it’s tougher than it looks. Great for those who love a good sing-along and don’t mind stretching their musical knowledge. It’s a game that proves you don’t need to be Mozart to enjoy composing music; you just need a bit of creativity and a love for tunes.

6 Song Saga

Song Saga cover

  • Age Range: 18+
  • Players: 2+
  • Play Time: 30-90 mins

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Song Saga isn’t just a game; it’s a trip down memory lane with a soundtrack. We found ourselves sharing stories about what certain songs meant to us, all while trying to earn points. It’s more about the music that defines us than composing, but it’s a fantastic way to understand the power of music. Plus, it’s hilarious and poignant in equal measures.

5 Composer

Composer cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 45-60 mins

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Now, Composer is where we started feeling like we were actually getting into the nitty-gritty of composing music. Players get to build their own symphony, and it’s fascinating. It’s a bit more complex, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding. Suitable for those who have a bit more patience and an interest in the technical side of music.

4 Vinyl

Vinyl cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 45-75 minutes

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Vinyl is a perfect fit for those who love music but want a break from composing. It focuses on collecting records, diving into music history, and strategy. It’s a hit for music enthusiasts and board game lovers, offering a unique twist by making you a collector hustling through different genres and eras. Unlike composing music, it challenges you to think about music in a different way, still keeping the theme close to what music lovers enjoy.

3 Operatic

Operatic cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 60-120 mins

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Operatic brings the drama and beauty of the opera to the gaming table. We found ourselves completely immersed, trying to create the most successful opera house. It’s a game of strategy, planning, and, of course, a deep appreciation for opera. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing your opera house thrive because of your decisions. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of dramatic flair?

2 Lord of the Chords

Lord of the Chords cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-60 mins

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If you’re into puns and classical music, Lord of the Chords is a masterpiece. We couldn’t stop laughing at the clever wordplay while also marveling at how it actually teaches you music theory. It’s a competitive game where you’re trying to compose using note cards, and the one who best uses their chords and keys wins. Perfect balance of education and fun.

1 Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 60-90 mins

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Taking the top spot, Battle of the Bands makes composing music the heart of the competition. It’s not just about being the best; it’s about creating something memorable with your band cards and hitting the right notes (quite literally) to wow the audience. We spent hours laughing, strategizing, and yes, composing. It’s accessible enough for newbies but brings a depth that keeps you coming back. The perfect blend of creativity, strategy, and music makes it our favorite pick.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.