AaronCadamSamuels

Yes, I completely agree with the idea that people procrastinate. Of course they do. I am the king of procrastination! One might even argue that I could, instead, right now be working on the aforementioned symphony instead of crafting my latest post here. However, not all diversions are procrastinations, and not all procrastinations can be easily diagnosed. A long term collaborator and I would often get together to "work," and quite often those sessions would begin with an hour our more of discussion. In these discussions, no subject was off the table because any subject could (and usually did) yield not only creative pathways but also the reinforcement of our creative chemistry. Eventually, it was simply acknowledged that these conversations were as integral to our process as playing instruments or pushing buttons on the DAW. Indeed, these conversations were themselves the "work." And this question asked by "Jonas" - albeit 10 years ago now - has yielded (for the most part) what I consider to be a brilliant conversation! My only regret is not joining it earlier - I dearly hope Jonas was not thwarted and has found his way (back) to writing a symphony. I hope he has composed several. If not, I hope he finds his way back to this conversation and finds his inspiration to get started! I say: ask the questions. Then ask more. Then ask someone/somewhere else. Had Jonas not, this conversation wouldn't have happened, and important feedback and resources for answering that question - a procrastination or not - would not have been shared. And yes, if there is a concern that such a question means the asker knows not what a symphony is, let's find out, and let's guide them toward an answer to that question as well (as some have tried to do here). Let's offer our answers based on our education and our opinions, with the intention of creating opportunities for the asker, share the resources we feel are useful, and never pretend that we are the ultimate authority on the subject. I am most certainly not. I say, let's not assume that this question was asked to distract from the task at hand. Let's assume the best of any who ask questions. Let's get to the bottom of their questions, see what else is there. Is it procrastination? Is it an unfounded feeling of inadequacy? If so, bravo for having the courage to ask. And bravo (Jonas) for continuing the conversation even after being challenged for just asking the question - I'm not sure I would have had the fortitude. When I look back on my early indications of being a composer, I dearly wish that I'd asked more questions - even if they were the "wrong" questions. Someone somewhere out there might have had an answer that could have opened up worlds for me that are only just now becoming available. But it's never too late to start asking questions. Indeed, one should never stop asking questions. I haven't. In fact, does anybody have any resources they can share that have been instrumental in their development as a composer - specifically for symphonic works? Also, please share links to your own work - I'm always craving original works for inspiration and enjoyment!

I'm so glad I never waited until I was "ready" to do the things I wanted to do. I never would have accomplished any of the things in my life that really mattered. I say, if you are asking whether or not you should compose a symphony, you are ready! I say, if you want to compose a symphony, do it. I have very little patience for anyone who thinks that music - in any form - is the exclusive domain of the well-informed or the properly-conditioned. Can you call anything you make a symphony? Perhaps not. Should you refer to the giant shoulders upon which you will strive to stand? Yes, absolutely. Should you heed intimidation either from within or from without? Absolutely not! The very worst thing that could happen is you will LEARN so much in your attempt!

Speaking as a teacher, a composer, and a human being, I am disappointed to see people responding to curiosity with "If you have to ask, you're not ready." You might as well say, "If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you." Why would you discourage someone who has the creative urge? There are some good answers here, or at least partially good answers. I got a lot from grazgorilla (Michael Graziano) on YouTube. Indeed, I am rewatching this series AS I attempt my first symphony. If you've had some music theory, have played around with smaller forms, and are willing to fail - perhaps several times - in your journey toward symphonic success, YOU ARE READY.