BEFORE POSTING:

https://youtu.be/trNB9FC2Sow Great music and composers.

I'm not planning to compose a symphony but I'm curious: Do composers always write a short score first then orchestrated? Do some of them just do the full score? Is it very hard to do so?

I've literally just started composing, with the only experience I've had being two arrangements of video game songs. I want to start to create my own music, but I'm having trouble at every step of the way, and I don't know what to do.

I have plenty of ideas and feelings I want to express, but I can't put that into music. I listen to plenty of music in the styles I want to emulate, mainly jazz and studio Ghibli soundtracks, but whenever I try to make something myself I end up being repetitive or boring. Nothing I make sounds good. I've tried with large ensembles and solo, studying scores of music I enjoy. I have a decent understanding of what it is that makes the music I like work but I can't apply that to my own work. Every technique I've come across has lead to more roadblocks.

I'm not sure if this is even an issue that can be solved by reading the right book about how to make music or just an underlying problem I have with myself but I need to vent because I've been so frustrated with everything.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AWp4ShuDAztgEfyVwUUkMRoACzphMAMg/view?usp=sharing

Movement V of a larger work for piano quartet. So far it looks great! I really like the default line weights and font packs. The pedal markings are super easy to use too. Obviously there are some layout issues but I'll adjust those later. The harmonics don't play back correctly but that's a minor issue. I know how they sound.

Any comments and feedback on this setting I wrote of the Marian hymn Alma Redemptoris Mater would be welcome. I first scored it for recorder trio, but it would have been difficult to find the performers for a recording, and so I rewrote it as an organ trio, where two manuals and the pedals are treated as separate, distinct voices throughout. I hope you enjoy it.

Score in PDF

Recording of the piece

https://musescore.com/user/55121109/scores/22676716/s/U7dlfD

Hello, I composed this piece for choir (SATB) and am looking for some feedback as it is my second time composing this kind of piece.

I feel like the harmony and voice leading are not currently my strongest suits, along with engraving.

Edit: Here is a Google Drive link to the score https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Uk04UyOihm2p8IwpYdC2j2K4CJk_koM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR3FhNqVYDA

The 2nd theme will be brought back immediately after this exerpt, so thats why it isn't really expanded upon.

I may be wrong, and of course this is not necessarily a rule, but I could have sworn I read somewhere that with proper instruction and training, anyone could write for the melody instruments (I.e violin, flute etc).

But to write for piano without being a pianists yourself is exponentially more difficult.

Am I tripping or has anyone read similarly elsewhere.

Hi!

I've been cooking up a choral arrangement based on a Mary Oliver poem lately. I have a lot of pride in it and think I'd like to publish it eventually. The poet herself is no longer with us (edit: but this poem does not yet fall under public domain) so I know I'd have to contact her estate, but where do I even start? I've never published any of my works - I mostly do it as assignments and for fun right now, so I know very little about copyright or how to contact these estates/people or what the process is at all. All advice is welcome, thank you!

I wanted to sign up for a subscription of musescore.com because it clearly displayed a 7 day free trial on the screen. I went through the process, it tried to upcharge me about $50 for addons on top of the $50 it cost. Also once I got to the checkout where I entered payment detailed, it worded the 7 day free trial differently all of a sudden and that it was only for one of the related services, but I then clicked cancel only to find out that the payment processed anyways because it processed as soon as the payment info was entered and not on the following screen where I was suppose to click continue. Their clever placement of the words free trial and automatically enabling the highest price options in your carts feel predatory at best. So if you were looking for an actually pretty good service and repertoire of sheet music, I honestly do not think it is worth giving musescore your money since they clearly want to take advantage of you. If you watch Louis Rossmann, you know what I am talking about and it's sad to see a company that I have had this subscription (in its older more honest form) for in the past for organizations and non profits fall down this rabbit hole of taking advantage of consumers. What is your experience with musescore.com, hopefully my experience is an exception?

Hi guys! I’m someone who has been playing the alto saxophone for a while and wanted to write a song myself and see how it goes. I’m gonna be honest I took a theory class in high school and didn’t do too well so maybe I’m not well versed enough for this but I want to try? I’m also planning to learn piano so I’m wondering if any suggestions would help. I feel like something I struggle with is coming up with a catchy/good melody. I feel like I need to clear my mind and just think about it but yeah. Sorry if this doesn’t seem like a clear post I’m just not sure. Thank you again!

I'm completely new to composition. Any help would be appreciated.

score: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a4EoRvT6yrp_MuQ4DCD_H8AayarsLN5Y/view?usp=sharing

I'm sorry.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13tcR0_LgHUk6VK1GKEjATG5i-fEP8EtZ/view?usp=drive_link

I thought I'd figured out the woodwinds according to the chord names sitting atop the piano sketch, but I started adding the brass (which I had to eliminate the root notes from because they sounded bad for some reason), and I ended up changing the last part to match the piano sketch, because the woodwind chords were just too cheerful and consonant. But I had no idea what to do with the woodwinds, because I don't know what the full chords on the brass are, especially without the root.

I've adjusted them to match the brass on the non-root instruments, but on their own the last two bars are unlistenable, what with the minor seconds. When played together with the brass, they kind of blend in, but I'm still not sure.

Any help?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLfWPHZzJdQ I Can only find small chamber ensemble arrangements, I can't find the full orchestra score

I’m interested in pursuing a doctorate in music, specifically interested in the performance and composition areas. I’m in Canada and are looking for suggestions for schools in the United States. A bit of my background: I have a bachelor’s in performance, and masters in composition, having gone straight into my masters after completing my bachelor’s. The school I went to for those programs was very flexible and open-ended, especially in the masters program. Perfect balance between forcing you outside your comfort zone, but also allowing you to really have your own focus and develop projects you’re interested. It was generally very independent, with faculty members always willing to help when asked. I got to explore different avenues and develop a style I was interested in through my thesis and independent studies.

I am mainly interested in contemporary styles: jazz-fusion, prog, experimental, popular music in general, etc… which was my focus during my masters. Also interested in music for motion media.

After being only a year out of my masters, I am now interested in pursuing a doctorate in music, and am specifically interested in schools in the United States. My motivation is continuing is to further expand my abilities as a musician, continuing to be in a completely musical environment, making new connections, and of course, I am interested in education. A doctorate would open up the possibility to teach once I graduate and have some additional accolades.

So far, the Performer-Composer DMA program at CalArts sounded the most appealing to me, but I unfortunately did not get accepted. I am curious to hear about any other schools that may fit my criteria.

I appreciate any suggestions

I'm really interested in composing jazz songs, but whenever I do, I'm always told my harmony is shaky. Specifically that it's sometimes non-functional or lacks direction. However, I can't seem to hear all the weaknesses people state are present in my songs, and I'm unsure of how I should approach composition.

I'm well aware there are rules or standards when making music (cadences, diatonic, tonality). Growing up I listened to a lot of hip-hop and R&B, which I believe might explain why I sometimes like to go non-functional. Unfortunately, as one person described, it feels as if I'm lost whenever I'm attempting to go down that route.

Is there a method towards implementing non-functional harmony without losing the listener, and are there things I should be considering? And how should I know if my harmonic choices are appropriate even if in my mind they sound good?

Here's one song I have for an example: https://musescore.com/user/32367037/scores/23235553/s/2w6jyK?share=copy_link

https://youtu.be/YkRXbL7AIeQ

https://youtu.be/RuxcHnDTfjQ

This project took quite a lot of effort. I spent around 19 hours orchestrating the piece, which had taken me around 9 hours to compose last year. I can say that I think I'm improving a bit with my orchestration and I'm getting more familiar with each instrument and how an orchestra operates, but I still have so much to learn...

Also I believe this is my most cinematic composition, it reminds me about John William's tone color.

The original piano piece was inspired by this poem:

"When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself, and curse my fate,

Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope, With what I most enjoy contented least;

Yet in these thoughts my self almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;

For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings."

-William Shakespeare

https://musescore.com/user/53862321/scores/23223310

I composed piece for piano, with seven "movements" I guess in each mode of the major scale.

I don't play piano so some of these parts might be impossible lol. (ehhhemm, c minor glissando)

music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhJWKFOVMqc&list=OLAK5uy_n-msfdQz60dK5e7oFhzJ6vd-J1q3Er3q4&index=1

Sheet:

https://flat.io/score/67960c50c4c9353846fff687-mohanam?sharingKey=14d54badb5f1c1ff4585b1ab18f2590e4a56075c9d8efa25dde0b4091c3306b1dc01e199e814e1e9b90c93935a9e19fc216b75658692dbb76895021724ba0ec1

https://flat.io/score/67978cdfc442c45eaac5f861-hindolam?sharingKey=ae2705214a6728204f2f03bca439634992d4f31adf1c7e12b29ffb8d4243d8859f3d9106b9d3e3cf3d158973b8da6b80f2b9aa9a8e9eff4b41a1a35b63f0edeb

https://flat.io/score/6798d2124bfa6c4d5bda879b-suddha-saveri?sharingKey=9a95bc4a28a8acc54554751db4e3a72306c8d591b53998d18276da1876cee63bd16fff6be64fc05eff1e4c8c3c7823797f75626dceada1082e6286bdd41ec7c1

https://flat.io/score/6798c736b8cb820a4ebc0bf1-udayaravichandrika?sharingKey=aefcc811e9c1bfda948049edac823e5a50ffa5f381e5d239b6395931e4a236068b250c07c5fb9dadbcac9b1754cf52944b843cb741b54770ded87a8a0af90156

https://flat.io/score/678a5e5f7bfe77bd103d8d23-madyamavati?sharingKey=7f813553807582d06ddf5b015dd0698e75b743058eaa5a6806ee10e7102bfd597085aa1828ba46bcd5a0379b79969e4f34e3ef1b7db06676fbcb52b9a2318c8d

Sheet music: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EliCWpoA2W2nnGzXosCOqXmGwVkO8e2a/view?usp=drivesdk

Audio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xbB6_7BOH-DHvW5OYfhAMupl_EOpkNU3/view?usp=drivesdk

It's time for the 3rd annual Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir Call for Compositions.

Celebrate the beauty, power, and mystery of the natural world through choral music. From the rustle of leaves to the roar of oceans, the vastness of the galaxy to the intimacy of a meadow in bloom, this year we seek works that honor the elements, the environment, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Text of submissions must be secular, focusing on themes inspired by the earth, sky, waters, and beyond. Sacred or liturgical texts will not be considered. We encourage composers to think creatively about the wonders of the natural world and bring these inspirations to life through their music.

The winner of the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir - Call for Compositions 2025 will receive a completely free demo recording of their song and a feature on our YouTube Channel and website.

Deadline: 31 May 2025, Midnight MST

Visit https://www.rockymountainchamberchoir.com/callforcompositions for all the details!

I’m writing a piece for my school band and we are missing a few instruments. We only have one french horn and no oboe. Should I still write an oboe part?

I feel like there isn’t much point to it if I can’t make it important because I won’t be able to hear it when we perform it but I once asked this same question and the answer I got was yes I should.

I was wondering if there are other older established means of indicated an important part (in a polyphonic kind of texture) --aside from the system Schoenberg invented. Anything in previous usage? Otherwise I would wing it and say in English: this part is important.

I am writing this piece for concert band and was looking for some feedback.

I'm not sure if the marimba part will be too difficult or not.

I also do plan to add stuff overtop of the marimba at the end, I'm not finished yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqNtRYz8dAc

I was also wondering what I should name it, "concert band piece" sounds a bit dull.

Is copy pasting just cheating in a composition?

I started putting down the idea of a requiem, but the start use the same rythm as Mozart's in the strings section but with different notes. Is it something inherently bad?

Hi. I know this question has been asked before here

Me, in short, I started "late" or I roughly started to learn to play guitar at age 10, then began learning violin at 12. I studied engineering in unvieristy, but took elective courses in music which was a great learning experience. 30 something now. I have a disorganized mess of hand written compositions, orig songs, saved composition files on hardrive & flash, as well as random recordings.

Anyway, I made goals for this year to record myself, organize my old stuff more, as well as compose more & improve or learn to compose better this year. I made a list of other books & resources I want to study with more depth. I will pick 1 to 3 and try to focus on it this year such as Ted Greeene, Bill Evans, Debussey or Ravel, "Twentieth Century Harmony" by Vincent Persicheti, and/or perhaps improve at writing counterpoint.

I already have a DAW I am semi-familiar with, an audio interface, microphone, notation software, my instruments, etc. what I may need is a MIDI keyboard controller.

Q1: Would I be missing out or holding myself back if I never learned to play piano better? Or does it Not matter so much (Hector Berlioz was a guitarist, right? Tchaikovsky & some others were not known as great pianists, no? who else?)

Q2: Is learning to play piano better worth it in the long term? ex: I am not 40 yet, if I buy a digital piano now & practice various things by age 50 I may be 'OK' at piano. (sounds funny to thing of 40 as young, but why not?)

Q3a: What is your primary instrument? You're a composer, but what do you perform on if or when you perform?

Q3b: Any guitarist composers out there? Violinist composers? Do you find how you think of harmony on your primary instrument is helpful, limiting, or useful in your composing?

Q4: If you’re primarily a pianist as well as composer do you own a hammer weighted digital piano / midi controller for your composing process? If not, what do you use?

Q5: As a non-pianist should I just buy a used 32 mini key or 25 key to start? Less commitent to start. Semi-weighted 49 M-Audio Oxygen?

My hesitations in improving at piano &/or picking a MIDI keyboard now are the following:

Size, weight, & Cost $$ of a 88 key weighted action digital piano. I like the feel of weighted keys so much more than semi-weighted or synth action, but it's a bigger investment & I rent so I may have to move the piano in 9 months. Well, a digital piano is a lot less heavy than a real acoustic one.

Focus & Time: I already focus on improving at the violin, soloing, improvising, transcribing, etc. that I feel I do not have enough Time to study the piano enough. Also, I like my guitar as well.

Transposing: violinist & other string players have it easier playing in all the keys over pianists, saxophonist, etc. because of the left hand 'shapes' &/or symmetrical tuning. I fear I would never get good at playing piano in all keys. Though, I can already sit at a piano, look at a lead sheet, and play simple 2 or 3 note left hand voicings.

Anyway, this post is getting long enough. Thanks inadvance.

EDIT: thank you all for the useful advice, anecdotes of personal experience, & opinions.

I recently moved to a new place. I am waiting on a desk as well as table to be delivered here. The table has an adjustable height so I think it will work well for playing the midi keyboard I buy. I will buy the keyboard today so it delivers close to when the table arrives. I will tell you how it goes.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hoFzD92a5a7v5TN-7Zqr1fEM3RPQjOef

So last year I wrote this piano piece on a traditional rhythm of my country Colombia called Danza. I haven't composed a lot, this is my second or third attempt writing music really but started this project motivated by my piano teacher who was giving me some piano accompaniment excercises with this rhythm and came up with the idea of me writing a piece with it in order to not only practice my piano but give it some spice and work on creativity. I would really appreciate if you could give me your opinion about it since the only one that have listened this pice is my piano teacher.

Thanks!

Edit: I would also love some guidance in how to improve and continue my composition journey. Thanks once again.

https://youtu.be/MPxbu7Rqg3E?si=Cw1K27-VD9OEbya7

After a hiatus, I finally picked up the computer again and started writing. I started this back in Jan 2024, finished it. And shelved it until now

After attending Space Nights at the local observatory in 2023, I started to research more about space and wanted to write, using facts about it

So with Mercury, we have the god of communication - the Messenger of the Gods. In constant movement, a piano ostinato, themes overlapping as he quickly moves about

It takes Mercury 88 days to orbit, so there are 88 measures to represent this