I am a new composer. I have recently contacted one of my former college professors from my old college (BGSU in northwestern OH) who is also a composer. He is taking me on as a student via e-mail and wants me to learn about primordial melodic line and "form". I have never taken one single class of actual composition, however know a great deal about music theory. While I was in college, I studied and graduated with a degree in music (choral/vocal) education. I graduated over 10 years ago, and the best of my knowledge have not learned about "primordial melodic line" or "form" (with a lowercase "f")... My professor told me to also make a list of things to remember before starting a composition.. So far, I know that the primordial melodic line always descends, however, I don't know exactly what a primordial melodic line is, and how to find it. He also stated something about the STRUCTURAL melodic line, and I am having a difficult time finding that, too. My music is NOT contemporary - in fact, he said it is post-romantic in nature, so I don't know the first thing about writing 21st century music.. I know, I have a lot of questions, but any help on ANY of these would be soooooo greatly appreciated!!!
*Summary*
1) What is primordial melodic line?
2) How do I find it?
3) What is "form" with a lowercase "f"
4) What is a good "checklist" of things to remember before composing music?
5) What is a STRUCTURAL melodic line - and how do I find it?
6) What is the "secret" of writing more contemporary music rather than "19th century" music?
ANY help would surely make my day!.. I have researched on the internet about a few of these things, and found a few things of musical "Form" which I already have a good grasp on, however, "form" with a lowercase "f" (meaning some "pattern"?) is unavailable. Also, I tried looking primordial melodic line by Schenker and it is in the Oxford library and I have to enter my credit card # (which I don't have one) to purchase the book.. I know his method is fairly recently considered, so I don't know how to go about finding out the information being as I am in dire financial straights..
I am a VERY beginning (pre-first year) level of composition, so if you give answers, try explaining it as if you were explaining it to a 5 year old... =) Thank you all for your time and help!!!
-Rhea C.
