Post by Lala on Nov 1, 2010 23:48:59 GMT -5
People have always asked me how I produce the work that I do. Honestly, it comes naturally to me. But music means a lot to me, and I will be the first to admit that I am obsessed with it. However, these are some hints that may prove helpful to you as you are sitting there wanting to make an original composition. I am no master, but I enjoy what I do, and hopefully I can share the fun with you! Feel free to comment and express what you agree and disagree with.
Note: Please excuse any typing errors I make in this, this was all done on an iPod touch.
What do I need to bring to the table?
*A good attitude
>Emotions can pour out of you and into anything you produce. My belief is that a person produces their best work when they can concentrate on it and pour their heart and soul into it.
*Time
>Set aside an ENTIRE DAY for whenever you work. This allows you time to think it through, and not be pressured. You run the show. Give yourself room to walk away from the notes, let them sit, and come back to them later.
*Creativity and Personality
>No amount of tutorials can possibly tell you how to think or act. Your music is YOURS. Let it be YOU that shines through. I am not discouraging inspiration from other sources, but plagiarism is never the way to go.
*Theory
>A little music theory helps, as you become a little more comfortable with breaking down chord structures and analyzing chord types. You will be able to incorporate some different musical techniques into your pieces. Theory is not absolutely necessary though! Don't worry if you are a little dull on your theory, you will pick up a lot as you go.
Okay, I have all of the above, now what?
*Decide HOW you will make your song.
>Are you going to start with a melody? Will laying out the chords be the most efficient way to make the piece? What about the baseline? Consider these. Remember, you run the show. Do what feels right. Totally clueless? It happens to me a lot! Just start clicking and creating random notes. You might find that you have made somethin that sounds cool.
*Take the first step!
>Yay! The first note! Don't stop now! Make the second and third notes! Go go go! Keep going! Remember that perfection doesn't exist, and if something sounds funky to you, get rid of it, or utilize it. Your choice.
I have something that sounds cool, but I can't seem to go anywhere with it. What now?
*Listen to it OVER and OVER
>Yes, it helps.
*Break time!
>Already? Yeah! Its well earned! Let it sit. If you still like it, keep it! If not, revise.
*Slowly add more. SLOWLY.
>You are in control, remember? Go at your own pace.
AT THIS POINT, FEEL FREE TO REPEAT THE STEPS IN THIS SECTION IN THE LISTED ORDER.
I think I am done! Now what?
Almost there!
*Preview!
>Listen for how the piece delivers the message you are trying to send. Not trying to send a message? Look for how it sounds. Change anything that you don't like. You don't have to settle.
*Still not convinced? Get others to preview it for you!
>Yup. People are nice like that. Just ask and you shall receive.
*Name it!!!
>Name time. You choose. No clue? It's okay, listen to it a few times and name it whatever 1 word that comes to you.
*Publish!!!
>Time for the big stage! Publish to wherever you want. Publish it here on the forum, and a panel of highly trained raccoons will evaluate and assess your creation. No, not really, but the forum will take a look and give you some praise and feedback!
And WHAM-O!!! You have yourself one spicy original composition sandwich!!!!
And BAM! You have yourself a spicy ORIGINAL COMPOSITION SANDWHICH!
I hope that this helps you guys out! Message me if you have any questions, and post them here too!
Note: Please excuse any typing errors I make in this, this was all done on an iPod touch.
What do I need to bring to the table?
*A good attitude
>Emotions can pour out of you and into anything you produce. My belief is that a person produces their best work when they can concentrate on it and pour their heart and soul into it.
*Time
>Set aside an ENTIRE DAY for whenever you work. This allows you time to think it through, and not be pressured. You run the show. Give yourself room to walk away from the notes, let them sit, and come back to them later.
*Creativity and Personality
>No amount of tutorials can possibly tell you how to think or act. Your music is YOURS. Let it be YOU that shines through. I am not discouraging inspiration from other sources, but plagiarism is never the way to go.
*Theory
>A little music theory helps, as you become a little more comfortable with breaking down chord structures and analyzing chord types. You will be able to incorporate some different musical techniques into your pieces. Theory is not absolutely necessary though! Don't worry if you are a little dull on your theory, you will pick up a lot as you go.
Okay, I have all of the above, now what?
*Decide HOW you will make your song.
>Are you going to start with a melody? Will laying out the chords be the most efficient way to make the piece? What about the baseline? Consider these. Remember, you run the show. Do what feels right. Totally clueless? It happens to me a lot! Just start clicking and creating random notes. You might find that you have made somethin that sounds cool.
*Take the first step!
>Yay! The first note! Don't stop now! Make the second and third notes! Go go go! Keep going! Remember that perfection doesn't exist, and if something sounds funky to you, get rid of it, or utilize it. Your choice.
I have something that sounds cool, but I can't seem to go anywhere with it. What now?
*Listen to it OVER and OVER
>Yes, it helps.
*Break time!
>Already? Yeah! Its well earned! Let it sit. If you still like it, keep it! If not, revise.
*Slowly add more. SLOWLY.
>You are in control, remember? Go at your own pace.
AT THIS POINT, FEEL FREE TO REPEAT THE STEPS IN THIS SECTION IN THE LISTED ORDER.
I think I am done! Now what?
Almost there!
*Preview!
>Listen for how the piece delivers the message you are trying to send. Not trying to send a message? Look for how it sounds. Change anything that you don't like. You don't have to settle.
*Still not convinced? Get others to preview it for you!
>Yup. People are nice like that. Just ask and you shall receive.
*Name it!!!
>Name time. You choose. No clue? It's okay, listen to it a few times and name it whatever 1 word that comes to you.
*Publish!!!
>Time for the big stage! Publish to wherever you want. Publish it here on the forum, and a panel of highly trained raccoons will evaluate and assess your creation. No, not really, but the forum will take a look and give you some praise and feedback!
And WHAM-O!!! You have yourself one spicy original composition sandwich!!!!
And BAM! You have yourself a spicy ORIGINAL COMPOSITION SANDWHICH!
I hope that this helps you guys out! Message me if you have any questions, and post them here too!