I picked up composition again in the last 2 weeks. Last time I touched a program that had to do with composing was last year for a project...

Hope you enjoy!
They're kinda short, I know. I want to know how to extend songs without making it sound awkward....

*P.S
Can anyone that uses Finale often please help me out with the program? I have a few questions that need to be answered. You can email me at kanaji_hirosama@hotmail.com. Thanks much. : )

I like your music!

I'll leave the Criticism to the Profressionals here, Because i dont have much to say

These three sniplets of yours do show that you have a good compositional nature. They all had interesting development, and the only problem is the weak presentation. MIDIs usually cause this, but you should consider using more dynamics and stuff.

As for your 'question' how to extend songs without making them awkward; I'd say try to break your current chord pattern with a modulation. It works very well if you manage to pull it off nicely.

Thanks for the compliments and pointers. : )
Excuse my level of musical knowledge, but what do you mean by a modulation?
o_o;

The changing of key signature within a passage.

Ohhhh,
are there special rules I should be following for that?
Or perhaps ways to enter a key change?
I guess I should be looking around the forum before asking. ^^;

http://www.smu.edu/totw/modulate.htm

It is suggested that modulations be started gradually, rather then sudden.

Bull.crap.

^ I agree with Noir7, as I can see sudden 'modulation' changes happening sometimes in songs too.

So no general rules?

Nevermind, read some of the material..
Thanks guys. :D

Another way to extend your compositions is to have an idea of why you're composing it. For example, if you're setting a story/poem/picture to music, it's easier to see where the music is going. For example, the story of a man cheating on his wife. Wife gets angry when she figures out the truth. Plots revenge. Etc. The music could start off mysterious, as the husband tries not to get caught. Then the music can become furious and fast-paced as the wife finds out.

In any case, you can start off with simple structures, like A-B-A patterns. A-B-A is one of the easiest, as you have two contrasting sections, and the B section begs to return to the A section, thus having a sense of fulfilment and conclusion.