How to Compose Music
Enroll in a class and take lessons for a beginners instrument if you have not already chosen and are not already playing an instrument., Learn to actually listen to the musical devices and their sound. , Learn the musical scales., It will help to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Enroll in a class and take lessons for a beginners instrument if you have not already chosen and are not already playing an instrument.
You will need to be able to play something at least at a basic level.
Please do not assume piano is the only way to go.
Yes it is conventional, but many composers have begun their compositional careers on instruments such as the guitar, oboe and clarinet. -
Step 2: Learn to actually listen to the musical devices and their sound.
, the most powerful scale tool musicians have is the diatonic modes, which are just scales, starting on different root notes.
You should also understand scales and chords and remember them. , Take a class in high school or college, or even teach yourself via the internet.
You will need the knowledge regardless of how you learn it. , Be creative! ,, Some helpful things to look up for an accompaniment would be chord progressions and scale knowledge.
Remember that music theory was made so each musician wouldn't have to experiment as much when making music. , Know which instruments fit into the category of music (e.g.
String Quartet ~ 2 violins, viola, cello; Brass Quintet: 2 trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba). , Play by ear.
Play things and see if they sound good together.
If you want to be able to play the same thing again later, try using a MIDI keyboard.
It can be hooked up to a computer, and will print your notes onto sheet music for you.
A good computer composing program is Audacity , This takes a lot of practice and dedication, but is a great composing tool. , Write the note combinations that sound good to your ear.
With guitar, write down the chords and guitar lines you play.
It will help you to be familiar with music so you can name the chords and know the notes/scales that should be played along with the chord. , Just like a written composition in English class, music requires multiple revisions before the final piece is ready.
Build off your melody.
The best thing here is to use your imagination.
Don't forget about dynamics, expressions, or articulation. for more ideas. , This is an extremely useful technique that will rapidly improve the sound of your piece. , Try to think where the listener will become bored, and be brutal with your judgments.
Also, read up on musical forms. , Often you will find they are more willing than you assume. , It is a defining feature of common practice era music, and will make your piece sound really amazing. -
Step 3: Learn the musical scales.
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Step 4: It will help to learn all about music theory.
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Step 5: You may want to take easy and well-known pieces and try to switch them around
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Step 6: make your own variation of them
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Step 7: change the key (also known as transposing a key)
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Step 8: and read music charts while even alternating the chords.
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Step 9: Listen to other composers' music to learn techniques through instrument combination or rhythms that get the most out of each emotion.
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Step 10: Understand that after creating the melody
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Step 11: knowledge of harmony and accompaniment is essential.
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Step 12: Know the sounds of each instrument used in your composition.
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Step 13: Sit at the piano or pick up a guitar and have fun.
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Step 14: If you have good ear training try to make a melody in your head
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Step 15: then hum it
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Step 16: and pass it to the guitar or piano.
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Step 17: Have a notebook with the musical staff and pencil handy
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Step 18: if you don't use a MIDI keyboard.
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Step 19: Create a rough draft.
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Step 20: Utilize contrary motion.Contrary motion is the technique of having one line go down while the others go up.
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Step 21: Consider carefully the structure of the piece; if it has sections make them clear
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Step 22: and keep the listener interested.
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Step 23: If you are a student
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Step 24: go to your music teacher and ask him/her for help.
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Step 25: Use counterpoint.
Detailed Guide
You will need to be able to play something at least at a basic level.
Please do not assume piano is the only way to go.
Yes it is conventional, but many composers have begun their compositional careers on instruments such as the guitar, oboe and clarinet.
, the most powerful scale tool musicians have is the diatonic modes, which are just scales, starting on different root notes.
You should also understand scales and chords and remember them. , Take a class in high school or college, or even teach yourself via the internet.
You will need the knowledge regardless of how you learn it. , Be creative! ,, Some helpful things to look up for an accompaniment would be chord progressions and scale knowledge.
Remember that music theory was made so each musician wouldn't have to experiment as much when making music. , Know which instruments fit into the category of music (e.g.
String Quartet ~ 2 violins, viola, cello; Brass Quintet: 2 trumpets, horn, trombone, tuba). , Play by ear.
Play things and see if they sound good together.
If you want to be able to play the same thing again later, try using a MIDI keyboard.
It can be hooked up to a computer, and will print your notes onto sheet music for you.
A good computer composing program is Audacity , This takes a lot of practice and dedication, but is a great composing tool. , Write the note combinations that sound good to your ear.
With guitar, write down the chords and guitar lines you play.
It will help you to be familiar with music so you can name the chords and know the notes/scales that should be played along with the chord. , Just like a written composition in English class, music requires multiple revisions before the final piece is ready.
Build off your melody.
The best thing here is to use your imagination.
Don't forget about dynamics, expressions, or articulation. for more ideas. , This is an extremely useful technique that will rapidly improve the sound of your piece. , Try to think where the listener will become bored, and be brutal with your judgments.
Also, read up on musical forms. , Often you will find they are more willing than you assume. , It is a defining feature of common practice era music, and will make your piece sound really amazing.
About the Author
Emily Walker
Creates helpful guides on cooking to inspire and educate readers.
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