Music
is a vital universal communication process. I believe it to be the
worlds best source of personal inspiration. Beyond words and thoughts,
music communicates to the hearts and souls of every living being.
Through higher levels of vibration and consciousness, music expresses
life and human experience. Music can on a higher level convey and
express religion-spiritual aspects to heighten the human experience
as well. Ultimately, these are the goals and aims of the composer
which writes music that serves mankind in the best manner. That is
to say, that in order to compose music that affects people on an deep
emotional-psychological level and has meaning for the listener, the
composer themselves, must be sensitive and aware to their environment,
human emotions and states of mind, in order to be able to fully express
these concepts.
To
have abundant and ever-growing creative powers, the composer should
always study and keep an open ear to the elements of Melody, Harmony,
Counterpoint, Rhythm, Bass functions, Form, and Tone-Color. The composer
should never wait for inspiration. They should always have their skills
sharpened, so as to approach any musical situation confidently and
creatively. I believe it was Beethoven who said: "Music is 99
percent perspiration and 1 percent inspiration." This is parallel
to the old adage: Opportunity meets those who work towards it."
Both of these sayings express the true spirit in perseverance of intelligent
music composition. You should strive to compose daily, even more than
one composition at the same time. The more you write,the easier it
becomes and the more easier it is to tap into, mentally, any chosen
area or mood of composition.
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One of the pitfalls of a beginning composer is their persuasion to
overwrite and get too busy. In otherwords, too many notes, and not
enough music. Until you have developed your powers, one should create
simple and solid works which have meaning, instead of creative falsehoods.
There are many, many manners in which composers approach their craft.
You should find a method that works best for your own individual skills,
talents, and mode of expression. As I was once told by one of my teachers:
"It's the result that counts." Stylistically and technically,
it is a very good idea to study other composers works. However, to
develop your own unique style requires complete objectivity and non-mental
programming of sub-conscious or conscious ideas from other composers.
It is even worth to write "in the style of" another composer
for learning purposes. But you will do yourself a grave dishonor and
service, if you follow in the foot-steps of someone else. Believe
in yourself and your own ideas. There will be many times when you
will hear discouraging remarks by those knowledgeable and otherwise.
But if you feel within your heart that you are on the right track,
then, go for it! There are those in this world that sometimes don't
have the vision or insight that they should. Anyway, that's the composer's
job to enlighten others to new perspectives.
Art
has always taken humanity forward. This does not mean that you do
not listen to honest feedback or constructive criticism, but that
you keep your direction clear and steady. Sometimes it may even take
a few years for you to develop a unique direction, as well as for
people to hear and accept it. However, the reward is great and well
worth the wait, which results in powerfully impactive compositions
and an accepting listener audience ear. Please do not jump into current
and passing trends, as they will distract you from your true purpose.
Sure, it is a good idea to keep abreast and current for the sake of
work, income, and evolving techniques and technology. But unless you
really are skilled in that area, you won't excel to your highest potential.
Constantly keep developing your own style, even if you do participate
in other types of music.
Listen and learn from everything. Don't restrict yourself when it
comes to learning, as it will all be to your benefit in the end result.
It cannot be overstated enough, how important it is to always have
in your possession, a pencil and both, blank and music manuscript
paper, or a small cassette tape recorder for those moments of flashing
inspiration, which come at the the least expected and opportune times,
which is when they happen most. This is because we are relaxed and
not consciously thinking about a particular subject. However, this
can be, and is a very important clue to tuning in on creative energies.
Become real relaxed by whatever manner that you respond to. I sometimes
either, just sit up in my bed, or go for a walk. Now, during this
time, I can either, direct my mind, by thinking about the subject
while I am relaxed into several areas of possibilities and see what
comes up. Or, after directing my mind, forget about it until something
emerges which will usually come within about 10-20 minutes. If not,
I will repeat the process several times until I get a likable concept.
This is sort of an directed meditation process which helps you tune
into deeper levels of your conscious and sub-conscious mind levels.
Relaxation and scanning arising possibilities are the focus of the
mind.
Another word of caution should be given here. Always employ the best
performers and musicians of your music, that you can. Good musicians
can bring life and magic to your composition that sometimes supecede
your own expectations. But in the case of mediocre players who haphazardly
and unconsciously undertake your composition, and I mean" undertake"
literally, will bring your composition as well as yourself to levels
of frustration and despair, as to give up music entirely. Be careful
in your choice of musician combinations, as well. There is an certain
magic that emerges with the right combination that does not rear it's
head under just any situation.
Composition is a lonely job, but it's rewards through discipline and
devotion are multifold on a universal humanitarian and personal levels
through your own unique musical contributions to humanity and society.
As well, as an internal, personal, and spiritual growth, attunement
and expansion, that is
unmatched on any other level.
