A question about composing for an academic purpose.

I've gotten used to writing something with no boundaries.

I've had some lessons where I need to write pieces in the style of other composers but I'm struggling with how much I should focus on just following the techniques word-for-word and getting the elements crammed in, or whether I even really need to worry about whether or not it is "good." I spent the first week writing a piano piece in the style of Anton Webern (Nico is probably rolling over in his plane seat to Italy) but despite my effort to make it "good", whatever that means, I got feedback along the lines of "doesn't have enough minor ninths and major sevenths," "use more range," etc. I'm not sure what to focus on, incorporating the elements of the lesson or making it sound...good?

I just realized how stupid I sound. I'm supposed to be doing both, that's the whole point.

Well, I'll post this anyway since I already wrote it. In case you have anything to comment with regards to it.

Practice, practice, practice.

Oh, and let's see if Nico can roll more. I LOVE ANTON WEBERN!