CuppoJava

I agree completely. First the rules must be learned. Then they can be broken. I've taken a few composition courses before and they've never emphasized the fundamentals enough. "Composition can't be taught, just be creative!". I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Awesome country! So as a general guideline. How much of learning to compose depends on the teacher and how much on blood,sweat,and tears? -Cuppo

Has anyone ever had this happen to them? I find this is the most frequent cause of writer's block for me. You have a spark of inspiration and a beautiful melody pours out of your fingertips. It's good. Very good. And you know it. But now you have to follow it up with something. and now the spark's gone out. And everything you come up with just isn't worthy to be put in the same piece as the original melody. So, you fret over it. And hammer out an acceptable melody after a few hours/days/weeks. You think it might be good...you're not sure. You're unsure whether the melody is actually good, or whether you just played it so many times that it's stuck in your head. The fact that you wish for it to be good doesn't help your objective ear either. So for everyone else that's suffered through the same thing. How have you overcome it?

Hi, I'm a wanna-be composer and I'm looking to improve my basic harmony/counter-point skills. I'm a classically trained pianist for 15 years, and up to now, composing has so far comprised of creating nice melodies on the piano. But I find my technical skills are really limiting me. For those people that have obtained a solid foundation. Would you please recommend some ways for me to develop it as well? I'm attempting to study famous classical pieces, but i'm unsure how to "study". Is a good teacher important to have? Thanks for all your help. -Cuppo