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Absolutely - I'm mainly looking for information on classical voice leading. Basically, just a hint of composition technique. Not to directly steal from other composers, but to get some ideas and some practice. I'm looking to write traditional forms - essentially from very late renaissance period to early romantic - essentially Bach through Chopin/Schumann/Liszt. Hope that helps. Edit - for what it's worth, I'd like to be able to write with the tension/release of Chopin, arguably my favorite composer. I'll never get that good, but I'd like to attempt to somewhat mimic his abilities. His Piano Concerto no. 1 - Romance may be my favorite song, although I typically prefer minor keys (Romance does go minor for a bit).

In my crazy opinion? Chopin - to me, music is to be emotive. No other music's tension and release gets me like Chopin's does.

Hi there! I'm new to Young Composers, have been browsing it for a while, but it's time to post. I'm looking for resources for helping me get into music composition. I've 24 now, and have been playing instruments since I was 7. I'm a competent baritone vocalist, pianist, violinist, guitarist, and drummer. I've always wanted, though, to compose classical music. I recently purchased Sibelius 5. I have been mainly trying small piano quartet compositions - piano/violin/viola/cello - so I'm not being overwhelmed by large orchestrations. However, I can't get past about 60 seconds of music. I have little direction, though I'm capable of creating a theme and have it wind between voices and creating nice (at least in my head :P) harmonies. As such, given where I'm at, I have a decent knowledge of music theory, but little compositional theory. Also, I'm familiar with the roles/sounds of stringed instruments, but am pretty lost when it comes to brass/woodwinds. Any suggestions of good books, websites, or other things that may help me get on my feet? Thanks in advance! :thumbsup: