Writing music for a purpose

July 25, 2010 in Church Music Ministry,General with 2 Comments

People often ask me how I have time to write music and keep my day job. (I don’t think I write all that much music; but I guess some people think I do.) It’s true: you make time for what you enjoy. And I enjoy writing music. Truthfully, it’s my No. 1 hobby.

The main thing that keeps me excited about writing music is the fact that I often get to see it be used in a specific way. Whether it’s being sung by our choir or an ensemble, or being played by our instrumental ensemble, or even as a solo, it’s just enjoyable to write something you know is going to be used in a tangible way.

Occasionally I will write a song for a specific publisher, or for a specific project that may never involve me actually using the piece. But my most inspiring music usually comes when I’m creating for the groups and ensembles that I serve with on a regular basis.

If you have the bug for writing music, I’d encourage you to write music for whatever groups you have the opportunity to be a part of. Use them as your “guinea pigs.” Make it an enjoyable experience. Encourage feedback and suggestions. You never know how helpful it might be. (I once completely changed a section of a song based on a random suggestion from a friend.)

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  • Jonathan Simmons

    I know this post is a year old that I am commenting on, but I had question about a topic. I am a teen that has recently gotten interested in composing, so I took a piece I was working on my the church pianist, and she said what I needed was more music theory, especially for my chord progressions. Would you know of any good courses (preferably free) that would teach well. I have already taken a year of music theory, covering up to secondary dominants and such. Thanks!

  • James

    Jonathan, glad you are interested in composing. I’ve had some great teachers, but they weren’t free. You can get a head start at my friend, Greg Howlett’s, website — http://greghowlett.com/default.aspx . I know he has quite a bit of free material that he offers, in addition to his courses for purchase.

    All the best in your pursuit!
    James