Where to start?

Hello composers!

I'm quite lost with composing, I don't know where to start. I played piano for 3 years so I know how to read sheets and I know how to play piano, but composing is somethin that I have never really trained. So could enyone give me some advise where to start?

Start composition lessons. If it's not possible, buy composition theory books.

Try just writing down ideas you have and seeing if you can combine them at all.

Make up some random crappy songs. Keep doing this, constantly improving on the things that didnt work well in your last piece. With the experience in music that you have it shouldnt be to tough. Thats all I did. I NEVER took a composition class or bought any form of literature (I did study theory like MAD though....I'm one of very few people who actually enjoy studying theory ;)) And feel free to post any songs that you just cant figure out whats wrong and plenty of us will be able to help you out I'm sure.

Also, feel free to ask any theory questions that you might have. SOMEONE here is bound to know it, or at least know where you could find out.

1) Listen to a lot of music, very different genres, and try to discover what it is that you like about them.

2) Study theory...harmony/counterpoint/form/orchestration...

3) Read as many scores as you can!

4) Get a teacher who knows your limitations and respects your dislikes and understands your needs and dreams. And don't hesitate to ask any 'foolish' (as it may seem to you) question.

5) Keep writing...

6) Buy loads of coffee and manuscript paper. Yeah, loads of them.

7) Stick around!

:)