Finding that spark when all is lost.

As a composer, sometimes I struggle with creating original, creative pieces. This struggle makes it difficult for me write and finish work.  On top of this stress from non musical job and family stress just makes even harder.   However, despite of all this, I can still take time to try write down my ideas.  

Well, it's good to persevere. Does it really matter how original you are? Looking at your profile you have a good range of "favourite" composers.   Would more listening at perhaps a slightly broader range help, noting you like the Impressionists as well as Romantic?

In a way I feel your pain.   I can "do" music, went through species counterpoint and harmony (voice leading), have a good ear (the old "You whistle it and I'll play it joke") College did more harm than good so I turned to a different profession and never took music seriously.  Can also appreciate stresses of work and a smaller extent family.

I've also developed resentment towards cut and paste film music and the ridiculous tinkling of music that's forced on us with every TV documentary and ad.   I'm sure much of it is composed by computer but having done a couple of commercial things find it too easy to throw together a few minutes' dross.

None of this helps with serious composition.

But let's keep on trying. Here and there something good comes of it. All the best with your endeavours.

I feel like I never lose sparks on composing because I never consider myself a composer at all haha.

6 hours ago, Henry Ng Tsz Kiu said:

I feel like I never lose sparks on composing because I never consider myself a composer at all haha.

Now, THAT is interesting, Henry! 

There's an irony to that!