Blowyourbrassoff
81 posts
Apr 09, 2014
2:13 PM
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I've really had a strong desire lately to learn more about music composition and songwriting. I've been reading a couple of books that I really like and just wondered what you all thought about the subject and any books that you've read on the subject.
I'm currently reading the complete idiots guide to music composition which is really good and the songwriters sourcebook which focuses mainly on using chord progressions as the basis for songwriting.
Anyway just wondered what others thought about the subject.
Chris
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STME58
745 posts
Apr 09, 2014
2:33 PM
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Once you have an idea, I have found the Finale software useful for writing it down. It's like a word processor for music, you can transpose, cut and paste listen to what you have written. It takes a bit of getting used to the interface but it is a lot easier to edit than writing on paper. It will keep the lyrics lined up properly also. If you are writing for various instruments it will warn you if you write a note out of range. Someone needs to write a diatonic harmonica segment for it so it will warn you if you write a F# for a C harp. This would not be for harmonic players but to give non harp players the confidence to write a harp part.
I used the free version for a while and upgraded to the full version when the sent me a promotional offer at a deep discount.
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Blowyourbrassoff
83 posts
Apr 09, 2014
3:23 PM
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I did create a page on my site where folks could download staff paper that I've saved in pdf format.
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Chris
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Last Edited by Blowyourbrassoff on Apr 09, 2014 3:24 PM
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walterharp
1364 posts
Apr 09, 2014
3:33 PM
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band in a box helped me...
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rosco1
37 posts
Apr 09, 2014
5:37 PM
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It's not a simple answer, but if you want to write songs and you don't already play a chord instrument, take the time to learn. I may be wrong, but I'm not sure software will be completely satisfactory without real world experience. You don't ever have to be a good pianist or guitar player, but just learning all the major and minor chords is enough. Then you can put songs together, and pitch them to other musicians.
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jnorem
153 posts
Apr 09, 2014
5:42 PM
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"It's not a simple answer, but if you want to write songs and you don't already play a chord instrument, take the time to learn."
rosco1 couldn't be more right. I think you should learn the basics, just the basics, on the piano, the major and minor chords all around the circle. I think all musicians should be able to functionally play the piano.
It's actually not that big a deal to do, but you do need access to a keyboard.
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Last Edited by jnorem on Apr 09, 2014 5:44 PM
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Blowyourbrassoff
84 posts
Apr 09, 2014
5:56 PM
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Guitar has been my primary instrument since age 12 and I've played various instruments over the years. While harmonica is probably the first instrument I ever played the guitar has been my main instrument for years. I did take piano lessons as a kid though I never got that good, but having a keyboard in my music room does allow me to use it to work out parts and I can form chords though some of the extended chords may take a bit to work out. I have a pretty good understanding of theory due to my being in band in school as well as the other instruments I've played, not a vast understanding, but a decent one.
I do have band in a box, and I do love messing around with it. But I really haven't done much with it beyond putting in some chords and clicking the melodist and soloist buttons. Which, and I really really hope I don't offend anyone here, but clicking a button and having the computer create parts to me isn't writing or composing. Man I hope that doesn't make anyone mad.
Chris
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STME58
750 posts
Apr 09, 2014
6:02 PM
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A keyboard is a helpful tool for composing. I don't really play but I can pick out scales and chords and compose single line melodies on a keyboard. Finale has a MIDI input option and the is a pretty good way to get the notes into the software. It does tell you how bad your timing is when what you meant to play was 4 quarter notes and it gives you a bunch of 16th and 32 notes tied together that approximate what you actually played.
Last Edited by STME58 on Apr 09, 2014 6:02 PM
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Blowyourbrassoff
86 posts
Apr 09, 2014
6:10 PM
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LOL yeah I've noticed that with other software as well. Always nice to be reminded of how bad you are. LOL
Chris
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Diggsblues
1321 posts
Apr 10, 2014
11:24 AM
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I suggest http://www.secretcomposer.com/.
It's only 39.95 and I thinks it's more than worth it.
A composition teacher is worth the money because they can direct you to different composers to learn from.
Also, Orchestration and arranging are important skills.
This is the last big stuff that I wrote. Some of the influences are: Debussy, Scriabin, Quincy Jones,
Steve Reich and Philip Glass.
Enjoy
Diggs
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Blowyourbrassoff
90 posts
Apr 10, 2014
1:56 PM
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Diggs that's awesome! Thank you for the link. I'll definitely be getting it. I went to the website and checked out the demo.
Awesome work man
Chris
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Diggsblues
1322 posts
Apr 10, 2014
5:53 PM
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Glad you like the music and the website.
This was all done in Finale.
Great software lets you get feedback instantly.
Emile
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walterharp
1365 posts
Apr 10, 2014
6:11 PM
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band in a box can be controlled, pretty much every part written out from drums, to chords to solos, but it is a pretty steep learning curve. but I would listen to Diggs, he is way deeper into it than me for sure!
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Blowyourbrassoff
94 posts
Apr 11, 2014
1:05 PM
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Yeah I've found that out. I've had it since 2009 and honestly didn't get to spend much time using it. I've found as I'm going back and using it that it does have a LOT of functionality, but the time it takes to figure everything out is quite involved. Still though I can't think of anything easier when it comes to whipping up a backing track to practice with.
Chris
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Blowyourbrassoff
95 posts
Apr 12, 2014
1:58 PM
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I went through the demo at secret composer.com and I was really impressed. Definitely on my to get list.
Chris
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Diggsblues
1323 posts
Apr 13, 2014
5:27 AM
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I would say write what you know best first.
There is Band in a Box light as part of Finale.
All the backing was written in Finale and ported to
Digital Performer to record the harmonica.
You can save Finale a number of different ways, I
chose the digital sound file and used the Finale sounds.
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Blowyourbrassoff
98 posts
Apr 14, 2014
3:19 PM
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I appreciate the advice and I have definitely made up my mind on the secretcomposer.com program. Soundtracks are some of my favorite music so that seems to be a perfect fit. I'm just in the middle of trying to get the website back up and running. I'm trying to decide whether to move it to a new hosting service or not.
Chris
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Blowyourbrassoff
113 posts
Apr 18, 2014
9:54 AM
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Hey Diggs,
Thanks again for pointing me to that website. I purchased it the other day and I'm amazed how thorough it is. It's a ton of info to work through.
Chris
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Blowyourbrassoff
120 posts
May 02, 2014
9:30 AM
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So last night I upgraded my Band In A Box to the 2014 version. I was afraid to go to much longer without upgrading for fear that I would get to a point where I'd have to buy the program at full price all over again. Looks like the new version has some nice changes to it but I'm afraid my level of knowledge and experience at using the program to it's full extent is still sorely lacking.
Chris
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