The application of objectives to the teaching of music can be easy enough when the results expected are clearly understood in advance. However, when some of the responsibility for the outcome is placed in the hands of pupils, the formulation of objectives becomes more difficult. This article explores the problem and makes suggestions for the framing of objectives in relation to children's compositional work. In support of the argument, the findings of a short course in composing undertaken with two pupils are described with scores and taped examples serving as evidence. The article ends with suggestions for the assessment of pupils' compositions.