Writing music for a purpose
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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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!
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