How to Start Composing Music: Tips and Considerations for Aspiring Composers

Music composition is an art that thrives on creativity, patience, and technical mastery. If you’re just starting out on your musical journey and aspire to compose, here are some insights and steps to guide you along the way.

1. Inspire Yourself: The first step to composition is finding inspiration. This could come from anything around you — your surroundings, people, emotions, other pieces of music, or even life experiences. Be attentive to your surroundings and let your mind wander through various ideas and melodies.

2. Learn the Basics: Understanding the building blocks of music is essential. Start with the basics of music theory: learn about scales, harmony, and the various structures of songs or melodies. Apps like ‘Pro Vocal Training’ or ‘Flowkey’ provide a solid foundation for musical education, enabling you to learn at your own pace.

3. Choose Your Instruments: Decide which instrument you want to compose for. If you play an instrument yourself, that can give you a direct understanding of the music being created. If not, a good knowledge of different instruments and their capabilities is vital. Acquiring a midi keyboard can be a great tool for composing as it provides the interface between your thoughts and the digital audio workstation (DAW) of your choice.

4. Choose Your DAW: A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is a software tool used for recording, editing, and arranging music. Some popular DAWs include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, etc. Choose one that suits your needs and learning style. Remember, it’s not just about the software but also about learning how to effectively use it.

5. Start Simple: Don’t be overwhelmed by the vast possibilities at first. Start with simple melodies and work on them until you feel comfortable with them. Experiment with different techniques like arranging, mixing, and mastering to enhance your compositions. Over time, you’ll develop more confidence and creativity as you add complexity to your music.

6. Collaborate and Learn: Connect with other musicians and composers in your local area or online communities. Share ideas, learn from their experiences, and collaborate on projects together. This will help you expand your horizons and learn new techniques that might inspire your own compositions.

7. Be Patient and Persistent: Composing music is a long process that often requires hours of trial and error. Don’t get discouraged by early failures or struggles — instead, use them as learning opportunities. Be patient with yourself and stay focused on your goals. Remember that every masterpiece was once a first draft.

8. Embrace Your Creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore new musical ideas or techniques. Be open to inspiration from various sources, such as life experiences, different cultures or environments — let this inspire your composition and expression. Each composition should be an expression of your unique voice as a composer.

In conclusion, starting to compose music is a rewarding journey that requires patience, dedication, and creativity. With the right tools and knowledge, you can turn your musical aspirations into beautiful compositions that inspire others too. So start your journey today — inspire yourself and embark on the path of music composition!

Questions:

1. What are some ways to find inspiration for music composition?
2. What are some essential tools for a beginner composer?
3. How important is collaboration in music composition?
4. What are some challenges a beginner composer might face? How should they overcome these challenges?
5. What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their musical skills?