How does one learn to be a great composer ?

[Underscore]

This is a really frustrating.

I have a great passion for music. I have been learning the guitar for 6 years and it feels like Im only the level of someone whos been playing for 2 years. I think I have hit a dead end. Maybe its because Im self taught and Im basically full of bad habits. I want to get serious about playing and composing music, but I don't know where to start.

I have recently turned to computer music, because then I dont have to worry about recording equipment and studio space, everything is self contained, and only my talent (or lack of) matters. I have been experiementing with instrumental music using sampled orchestra, created a few songs but nothing to write home about.

The thing is, I want to become more professional but I fear I may be too old to start learning. I want to be able to arrange the music that I have floating around in my head without getting distracted, to know technically what is a good melody, phrase or structure to a piece.

Sorry for the long post, but I need some advice.

 

[giovannimusica]

One is never really too old to learn anything. You might want to try studies in music theory, composition and arranging - inquire at a college or university near you. Ask to speak with a professor of composition. Ask yourself if you are ready to commit time, resources, blood, sweat and tears to reach your goal. Of course, there are any number of self-help books in music theory, composition and arranging but unless you are systematised in your thinking those books might not help you terribly much.

There are a few music teachers who can teach you an instrument plus the rudiments of music theory, composition and arranging and they can be of great help in getting you going.

Hope this helps you.


Cheers,

Giovanni

 

[Gareth]

Yeah, I am having trouble too although I have been playing for 7 years, my compositions don't exactly sound good, except for the one that I am working on now. I believe once I complete most of the theory exams where you learn alot about some other instruments, 4 part harmony, candenza's, etc, you would learn to apply those techniques into a composition and make it sound how you want.

Gareth.

 

[AnnaBanana]

I'm at the same point as you Gareth, my school music teacher keeps encouraging me to compose and giving me themes or ideas but they all sound so simple and babyish, except the one I'm doing now.

 

[Gareth]

Hey, yeah, once you get past learning all the beginners books and learn the other ones that at least you recognise, music performing becomes a lot better hey??

 

[giovannimusica]

Hi gareth and anna banana,

"Practice makes perfect"

There once was a young man in New York. He asked an elderly gentleman how does one get to Carnegie Hall to which the gent replied: *practice, practice and practice*.

Cheers,

Giovanni

 

[Gareth]

I will go with what you said, as a little kid parents forcing me to practice, now they can't get me off!!!!

I am a firm believer at that, if you find practice fun, then there is nothing stopping you.

 

[Underscore]

Now this was a real confidence booster.

My mother just walked into the room telling me my music was irritating her. I suppose, I was working on one phrase and kepy repeating it.

Anyway thanks for the tips. Unfortunately I dont have time at the moment to enrol on a music course. So it may have to be self teaching again. Can anyone recommend some books on music theory ?

I think I might give give the guitar a rest and take up the piano. My cousin recommended me to master the guitar before I learn something else. But I really do feel a lot more comfortable using a piano.

What do you guys think ?

 

[Gareth]

Yeah, do what ever you are comfortable with, I was drawn away from the piano by the guitar, I learnt some major and minor chords on it (still remember them). But after a few months, coming to think of it I came back to piano. And suprisingly my music practice took a hike upwards, and now, I am never going to consider giving up piano for guitar again.

The reason why I like piano, is that you can learn to read two staves at once, get the knowledge on how to play music rhythmetically and dynamically as well as chord and scale knowledge, as if you learn piano it would make moving on to other instruments much easier. It is a good beginners instrument.

i don't know of any theory books, as where you live, things are probably different there to here in Oz.

But remember it is your preference.

Gareth:cheers:

 

[Underscore]

Great.

I think I will save up for a digital piano, don't have much room for an upright at my current accomodation.

I have actually had about 3 hours worth of piano lessons. I had to give it up as I was moving away at the time. But my teacher thought I was pretty good for a beginner. It must have been my experience with the guitar that showed itself.

 

[AnnaBanana]

The Associated Board do workbook type things for each grade which are quite useful. I worked through the grade 4 and 5 ones before I did my Grade 5 and I thought they were really good.

 

[Rune Vejby]

Remember, music is not all about science. Compose with your heart.

 

[Gareth]

That is true Rune, music is about your passion for it.

I have just done my Grade 2 theory exam, still far behind, but will work on it harder this year especially, I regret slacking off for two years, you miss so much out of it.

Gareth.

 

[Underscore]

So how exactly do you get your grades ?

Is it possible to self teach the early grades and just go for the exams ?

Are exams expensive ?

 

[Andrew Gemmell]

For what its worth, I gave up Piano lessons at 16. And then only really improved. Maybe its old school, but I found no joy in what I was learning.

Then through circumstance I forced myself to learn a couple of pieces of music by Elton John. THen I discovered a real joy, and began learning how to make my own music, through learning other pieces written by great songwriters. Now after 10 years in film production, I am about to start a new career with a male artist, and part of the process will be writing new tracks... Im not brilliant, but getting better. The answer is to learn off those you enjoy listening to...

Andrew

 

[Underscore]

Yeah I started out doing that with the guitar and then I hit a level where I didnt progress and I couldnt play the songs I wanted because I thought it was too hard.

Now I don't tend to learn new songs, but just pick up the guitar and start making new songs. The thing with this, my skill is not improving at all, im just playing the same old tricks and often play the same chord progressions and play the same arpeggio patterns.

I think im just a bit lazy.