Composing for Fun

Sometimes you need to mix it up, and composing is just the ticket. You can start with trying to use a new concept from a lesson or maybe something totally new, say a new scale, arpeggio, or some Alberti bass. What a way to engage concepts and sounds from your pieces or studies into something of your own!

I don’t think you have to worry about right or wrong, but for myself I like to try and start with some parameters. Maybe you want to try a chord progression you like, or maybe start with a melody that’s to your liking. If that doesn’t work how about an emotion? Feeling blue or happy? Use this as a benchmark as you get started. You could also choose a rhythm, I suggest starting simple- a steady quarter pulse for instance. Maybe you’d like to try your hand at imitation- one hand plays and the other imitates in return. Remember it doesn’t have to be a symphony or the next hit single. The parameters you start with can grow, but can be helpful getting started.

Here’s a quote from Igor Stravinsky that I pulled from BrainyQuote: “The more constraints one imposes, the more one frees one's self. And the arbitrariness of the constraint serves only to obtain precision of execution.”

I’ve done some composing over the years, and can definitely relate to feeling overwhelmed, or frustrated when the muse has left town. But when the moment is right, or after pushing through that initial block, sometimes I’d like the evening to last a little longer, or that I had an extra battery pack for my own energy level. So next time you feel stuck with your own practicing, or need to mix it up, I’d invite you to give composing a shot. And if nothing happens right away- that’s ok! Maybe give it another try in a day or two.