What can be taught in composition?

[Classicala]

Hello again,

I haven't been here a while because of exams and other work. But I'm thinking of studying composition externally. I'm not sure how well I would do - I think I'm quite serious - but don't think I can commit to a full time college course.

My question is - what can actually be taught? Traditional theory is obviously necessary and the little I know has been a great help with harmonising tunes. Is aural development important? Improvisation? I haven't thought about orchestration yet but can it be taught or should I pick it up from studying orchestra pieces? Is computer software essentual (I use music score paper at present).

I know that a few popular songwriter-performers 'got away' knowing almost nothing but I would like to be more adventurous.

I've seen a few composers here so their views would be appreciated. With an idea of what should be taught rather than learning myself I can look through some of the part time/evening courses available.

thanks,
c .

[reith]

I'm moving this to the Composing section so people will be more aware of it, hoping that's ok with you??

I'm a "part time" composer and hope to comment later. Basically I don't think composition can be taught. The technicalities and a few tools can be taught and a good inner ear is important - these will help you more than any books on composition. If tempted to buy such a book, consider the alternative of studying a few works and see how they got put together. A college will suggest a suitable textbook for theory.

As for computers... I think them a necessary evil these days. You don't need them but everyone around insists you do!! They're useful to publish stuff and run up try-outs using selections of instruments. Point is, don't get too far into the habit of using pen and paper - that gives you unbounded freedom such as you'll never get on notation software. Hope to talk more about this later.

Incidentally, have you taken any of the Associated Boards theory exams?

cheers,
Reith.

[ttw]

Lots of techincal things can be taught. Melody, harmony, counterpoint (how to write a good bass-melody combination), structure. I've found that when I write something which sounds poor in some places, that I will have failed to follow some principle of "theory." Usually parallel fifths or octaves (making things sound "thin") or maybe too many parallel thirds of sixths (making things sound "weak" over a longer scale) or too much repitition or to little (making things boring or jumbled.)

[chckn8r]

I take the view that there is always something you can learn from someone else. I guess it's a question of figuring out what you'd like to focus on.

Composition courses can focus on a number of different things - different styles, different theoretical approaches, different methods of enhancing your "muse"...

I guess it really depends on what you feel you're "deficient" in and trying to find a curriculum that addresses those.

I have to partially disagree with reith's statement - I think composition can be taught - at least the technical parts of it - but what I think he's getting at is that imaginative, fresh and well-crafted composition is something that comes from the individual's experiences, passion and practice.

Yes, I think a computer is probably a necessary tool for a composer in this day and age. You're no longer going to get away with being able to scribble things down on a staff, hand it off to an orchestrator or copyist and have it performed and recorded for you. You'll need to start to learn to wear a lot of different hats - orchestrator, arranger, audio engineer, producer, performer... The more skills you have under your belt, the better your creations will sound. And having a computer and software to help you hone those skills will go a long way.

Cheers, D

[stevel]

Originally Posted by chckn8r

I take the view that there is always something you can learn from someone else. I guess it's a question of figuring out what you'd like to focus on.

Composition courses can focus on a number of different things - different styles, different theoretical approaches, different methods of enhancing your "muse"...

I guess it really depends on what you feel you're "deficient" in and trying to find a curriculum that addresses those.

I have to partially disagree with reith's statement - I think composition can be taught - at least the technical parts of it - but what I think he's getting at is that imaginative, fresh and well-crafted composition is something that comes from the individual's experiences, passion and practice.

Yes, I think a computer is probably a necessary tool for a composer in this day and age. You're no longer going to get away with being able to scribble things down on a staff, hand it off to an orchestrator or copyist and have it performed and recorded for you. You'll need to start to learn to wear a lot of different hats - orchestrator, arranger, audio engineer, producer, performer... The more skills you have under your belt, the better your creations will sound. And having a computer and software to help you hone those skills will go a long way.

Cheers, D

This is some of the best advice I've seen in a long time. Well put chiken8r!

I want to expand on the "curriculum" aspect of TTW's statement - I think one of the worst traps one can fall into with any type of lesson, but especially composition, is to not find a teacher that will tailor the lessons to your needs and desires.

Classicala, please try to find a teacher that doesn't just want to "force" their style upon you. You should look at a teacher as a "resource" and a "guide" - you're really drawing on their experiences and then making your own decisions from there. YOu need to find someone you can trust and respect as well.

Good Luck,
Steve

[Thorolf]

An additional advice is of course, study the music you like yourself, because the skills you need to express what is important to you, is buried somewhere in the works you know. If you can see all the reasons that some work you admire is crafted exactly the way it is, you will more than probably be able to use this knowledge setting a quality level that you should try to approach yourself.

Don't be lazy: Strive for real quality. Not necessarily the qualities you learn in schools, but the qualities that are important to you.

If you after years of trying can't get the hang of it, well, maybe you just aren't a composer. You could always settle for a lesser speciality, like being an acrobat, a surgeon or even judge at the supreme court. It may just happen that that is considerably easier for you than being a composer.
:tongue:

Regards

[reith]

Ha! Seems that very few agree with me about computers! I suppose much depends on how much travelling around you do. What happens if that wonderful idea strikes you while you're on public transport or halfway through the Channel Tunnel when you have only 10 minutes' battery power left on your laptop? So I think it's worth developing some kind of musical "shorthand" to jot down whatever comes to mind.

It may take a while before you can exactly notate what's in your mind but it's a skill that comes surprisingly quickly when it starts. You outline a melody as a shape or something, maybe with some narrative notes, and fill it in later on or off the computer.

[ttw]

I have found that a few quick strokes on a memo pad (or napkin or paper towel or blank space on a newspaper) make a nice staff. I mostly notate the rhythm and overall shape of the melody. Then later, I can usually reconstruct the earworm.

[Classicala]

Well, thank you all.

Reith, I think it'll be some time before I can write out what's in my mind unaided but I take the point about being on the move. Yes, composing comes from the heart and that's why I am compelled to try. As for computers I have tried with note pad but I need something more flexible.

You've all helped me decide. Getting some kind of guidance seems necessary. Helps focus and keeping going. When I've got more confidence I'll post something here. I feel I'm in the right place.

thanks.