Hi
ive been making my own music (piano) and started to write it all down (im probably a couple of grades away from doing that sort of thing, but its the only way to easily remember ).Its only in 4/4 time but parts of the music is very hard to write down to add up to the time sig.Sometimes you feel as if you want to give up.
Eg.Im there playing quavers with the left hand but as im playing them at 147 speed i keep thinking they are semiquavers !
How does everyone else cope apart from being very very patient !!

Yorkie

Just practice really! That's the only answer, but it's worth it as it does wonders for sight-reading and theory. There's no magic way, but it does get easier the more you do it. Have you tried transcribing pieces of music from recordings because that's another good way of getting practice.

David

Hi Yorkie

This answer might not be a good one because I'm even more of a beginner than you are, but maybe because of that I can relate to what you're saying. I've tried writing some music and had the same problem you've got. Three things worked for me when I first wrote something - I had a lesson with a teacher to set me on the right lines, I changed the time signature to one that fitted better, and I tapped the beat (as slowly as necessary) rather than played it - this last suggestion might work for you in working out your rhythm. It took forever and a day to write it, so yes I felt like giving up as well and you do need masses of patience!

It's a pity you don't live in Yorkshire because the college I go to is going to start running a weekly evening class in composition from September. They're also holding a one/two day course in August - if you're interested, have a look at The Yorkshire College of Music & Drama web site and click the link for the Composing & Arranging course.

Hope you get some advice from people who are more qualified than me to give it


PS. Have you got any books on composition to help you?

If the piece is rhythmically complex, then it may be easier to simply write out the notes and rhythms, but divide it into time signatures later.

David

thanks for the replies.Im coming along with it but it will take a while.Reason why its 4/4 is the rythmn has got a wicked beat to it (accented on every group of quavers).Only thing is the piece is 43 bars long ! Ive been told to write lyrics for it but im more into the playing side of it


Thanks-i wish i still did live in Yorkshire ! we left 23 yrs ago !

It could be worth having a tape recorder available, if you don't already - so that you don't forget bits of your pieces whilst trying to transcribe it.

Whatever you do, DO NOT LOSE YOUR WORK!!!!!!!!!!!



















Yes, I've just done that

I thought that might be the case from your username



Is it your teacher who has told you to write lyrics or is it just a friendly suggestion? It might be more difficult to write the lyrics after the music as normally the words are the most important element of a song (I think ), with the music echoing the sentiments expressed in the words. But I might be completely wrong, and you might find it easier the other way round, and hey I'm new to all of this myself anyway Perhaps somebody who knows more about it will pass by

I know how you feel

i started composing before i had formal piano lessons and after a year or so of learning i tried to write it down but found it nearly impossible because rythmically my compositions were strange. I would say just try to keep the music in your head or better yet just write or draw the structure of your pieces down to remind you.

Good luck

That's a very good suggestion. If you haven't already got a recorder, you could ask on here for advice as to what to get. I've got an Edirol R-09 but I know others have got alternative machines that they're very happy with.

*envy*

Even something quite cheap will "do" for composing as you are wanting to be reminded of the shape of the melody, the harmony, etc, and as long as you can hear what's going on then it doesn't matter so much if the quality is a bit shabby. But if you can afford an Edirol or similar they have lovely sound quality! and can be used for other things where you DO care about the quality of recording!

Try working extended hours - that way you don't lose what you have in your head. I have that problem of notating as well, pErhaps try using one of those electronic notation softwares on the com that way you can get it to play it back to you. I have the same problem but I've notice it gets easier the more you compose. Stick with it

it was actualy both one of my mates andhis step-father who is a local music historian and knows most of the local groups/bands

This might be a bit off topic, but one of the best lessons I've learned is not to over-react to other people's suggestions or opinions. I used to rush off and alter stuff because of offhand remarks that people made. One of my teachers made such negative remarks that I had composer's block for nearly three years.

Now I always listen with interest to remarks from audience and players, and consider them; I have a few people who I really trust, and their views I take very seriously. But I don't rate anyone's opinion higher than my own. If one is really honest, one knows where the weaknesses in one's own pieces are - and you don't need anyone to tell you.

If your mate's step-father wants to write a song with lyrics - then let him!

I dunno about any of you, but I compose on Sibelius 4. It's a great program.

I do a lot of string and wind composing on there, but I haven't ventured into piano writing as of yet.

Hmm, i suggest you practice more. Try to get familiar on how music were composed. Know the basic of composing or basic theory for music may help (i think). Do you have this book, the AB guide to music theory? I find it very interesting and helpful.

Hope this will help you...

Thanks for the replies.
Yes i do have the AB book but ofcourse you need a PHD to understand most of it ! otherwise i wouldn't still be on Grade 5 music after all these years !!!

Some things can be more simply explained by a good teacher, or at least explained in different ways to help you to understand.
Discovering the links with the practical can help too.