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Writer's pictureShivani Rajput

How to Compose Music - Art of Composing 10 tips to become a songwriter!

Updated: Apr 7, 2022


How to Compose Music

The transformation of a concept or emotion into sound may seem to be a feat of absolute skill. In many respects, it certainly is! With a few pointers and a little bit of effort, you can learn how to write music in no time (okay, a lot of practice). For those of you who are ready to begin writing your own music or attempt songwriting, or even if you simply want to improve your existing abilities, here are some suggestions for getting started to help you compose and also learn music.


1. Pay Attention to the Work of Other Composers

Nobody can write music unless they are inspired to do so. The first step in creating fantastic compositions is to spend time listening to other composers' work.

It is via listening to other artists that you may gain a sense of what you like and, perhaps more crucially, what you do not enjoy. To create your own music, borrow some of the concepts you like (with your own twist, of course) and avoid the ones you don't like.

Make sure to extend your musical horizons by listening to a variety of musical types as you continue your journey to learn music. Listening to a greater variety of music can provide you with a greater number of ideas for your own works.


2. Don’t just learn music, but also learn music theory.

Music theory isn't the most straightforward topic to study, but it may be beneficial to you as a composer.

Some could claim that mastering the "rules" of music will suffocate one's ability to be creative, yet the contrary is true. Understanding how and why music works as you learn music will give you a firm basis on which to build your own works of art. You are aware of how harmonies and melodies work in conjunction with chord progressions, and you can utilise this wealth of knowledge to produce songs that are more complicated and satisfying than before.

You can't construct a home without first laying a foundation, so devote some time to learning music theory and notation as you learn music.



3. Learn music and learn to play a musical instrument

Playing an instrument is an excellent method to get more intimate with the music. It may aid in the training of your hearing as well as the generation of fresh phrasing ideas for your works. On a guitar, for example, certain phrases may flow readily, yet on a keyboard, they may be more difficult to recognise. (music classes online)

It's also an excellent approach to becoming more comfortable with a particular instrument. If you play an instrument, you are familiar with the sounds it can produce and the range of possibilities it has, which will be quite beneficial in your compositions.


4. Get Started With Your Song Writing

Many aspiring composers give up before they even get started. Creating a musical masterpiece from the ground up may seem like a daunting task.


What many first-time composers fail to comprehend is that their next work, or even the one after that, does not have to be a masterpiece in the traditional sense. No matter how bad your writing ends out, the fact that you are writing anything is beneficial to your skill development. So simply sit down and write!

Make a note of a specified time for composition. It might be once a day, once a week, or once a month, depending on your preferences. Whatever timetable you decide on, be sure you stick to it. Even if you're not "in the mood" for writing that day (which occurs all the time), push yourself to put something down on the paper. The more you write, the better your compositions will grow as a result of your efforts.


5. Concentrate on one section at a time.

The most effective method of writing music is to work on each component separately. The melody is usually the first thing that a composer works on while creating a piece of music. What attracts listeners in and causes them to remember your music is the melody you choose. It is in need of the flexibility to wander about without being constrained by chord progressions or having to follow harmonies. Once you have your melody, you may begin working on the other components of the song.

If you construct your work one section at a time, you can be certain that everything will fit together without interfering with your creative process.


6. Become well-versed in all aspects of music software.

While pencil and staff paper are still efficient tools for music composition, the majority of today's music is composed on a computer. If you truly want to make music, you'll most likely need two types of software: one for recording and one for editing.

1) Notation software is used for the creation of sheet music (Finale, MuseScore, etc.)

2) Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) - a software programme used for creating sounds, mixing, editing, and mastering music recordings (ProTools, Audacity, etc.)

Because there are so many software alternatives to pick from, you should take your time to locate the ones that are most suitable for your needs. Once you've done that, make sure you know everything about them.

The more proficient you are at using your music programme, the more smoothly you can write. Don't start working on a tune only to be stopped by the need to Google answers to technical difficulties or learn how to utilise special keyboard shortcuts while you're in the middle of it. Every interruption disrupts your creative flow, making it that much more difficult to compose.

Furthermore, your programme of choice may have unique features that might enhance the quality of your work. If you are not aware that they exist, you will be unable to use them!


7. Make arrangements for songs that already exist and you love.

The process of creating something out of nothing is never simple. If you're having trouble getting started on an entirely unique composition, why not build on what someone else has already accomplished?

Creating arrangements of existing songs is an excellent approach to learning about composition without having to start from the ground up from the beginning. You might take inspiration from the original composer's ideas and develop them further in your own way.

Take, for example, a classical full-orchestra composition that you like and try rewriting it for a four-piece rock band. Alternatively, you may take the opposite approach and develop a single vocal work for a whole ensemble. If you're having trouble with writer's block, this is a fantastic practice to try out.


8. Collaborate with a colleague

While it may be, music creation does not have to be a solitary endeavour in order to be successful. Working with a partner may assist you in developing ideas, revising your work, and even learning new skills. In the end, two heads are always better than one! (music classes online)


There are several resources for finding other artists with whom to collaborate. Online networks and forums are excellent places to meet writing partners. When it comes to finding strong communities of music composers that are willing to listen to your songs and provide constructive feedback, Facebook is an excellent resource. They may also provide composing tasks for you to complete to assist you to improve your composition talents.


9. Locate a Music Teacher

Although learning on your own is beneficial, it might be beneficial to have someone lead you on the correct path every now and then. Finding a composition tutor is a fantastic method to improve your writing abilities, get access to resources, and learn new tactics in the process.

Although a one-on-one learning experience may provide you with more tailored assistance, there are several affordable groups and online workshops that will teach you how to write your own music in no time!


10. Don't take on more than you can chew at one time.

Giving oneself the task of creating a whole Symphony or Concerto is quite a challenge. Begin by setting modest objectives. You know, it's important to learn to walk before you run. Writing a few little preludes is far less intimidating, and it will teach you the abilities you'll need for your final masterpiece later. (music classes online)



Develop into the composer you want to be.

Composing (Indian)music is difficult, and it is not something that can be accomplished immediately. Practice is the most effective technique to improve your abilities in music, just as it is in any other field. Continue to write as you learn music, even if you don't have any solid ideas for what to write about. You never know what will serve as the catalyst for your next creative masterpiece!

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