(I hope this is the right place.)

I need some suggestions. Being a person with little or no knowledge of theory, please try to use lamen's terms.

My problem is, my compositions tend to feel sort of empty as of late. I think my knowledge of music is growing, but my songs are coming out the same, so It doesn't feel like enough.

My songs are typically in the same key throughout, with a few variation on chord progression from time to time, but what is a healthy way to transition from one key into another?

And lastly, I'm having trouble composing in the area of.. how do i put this... building and releasing tension, i suppose? I can't seem to write a proper transition/build up and release.

I'd just like some pointers if anyone has any.

Thanks for your time!

(I hope this is the right place.)

I need some suggestions. Being a person with little or no knowledge of theory, please try to use lamen's terms.

My problem is, my compositions tend to feel sort of empty as of late. I think my knowledge of music is growing, but my songs are coming out the same, so It doesn't feel like enough.

My songs are typically in the same key throughout, with a few variation on chord progression from time to time, but what is a healthy way to transition from one key into another?

And lastly, I'm having trouble composing in the area of.. how do i put this... building and releasing tension, i suppose? I can't seem to write a proper transition/build up and release.

I'd just like some pointers if anyone has any.

Thanks for your time!

Might I emphasize something: there is no substitute for understanding how music works than studying theory. I learned the majority of what I know now through four years of experimentation, but just being in the Music Theory class right now has been extremely beneficial, and only one semester has passed. There are some things that you learn in class that you will not find online at all.

A "healthy transition" from key to key is very relative. My music theory teacher has a book titled something along the lines of 150 Ways to Modulate. The possibilities are endless.

If you want to understand how chords work, grab a theory book. Start from the beginning, and move on from what you know now.

Theory might be important in many ways, especially to name out what you're doing. But as a composer, the most important thing is listening. Listen to sounds you like and try to emulate it. Justify it if you can, but focus on the sound, after all, musical aesthetics are based on sounds. Listen to lots of music and see what you like and what you don't. Listen, listen, listen.

That is very true. I think this is something that's essential to being creative in composing.

Starting out as a composer, it's important to do as much as you an grasp on to, and I'm glad you've recognized that you need 'something' else at this point-- you're dissatisfied, and you know it, and you want to move on.

Already you're a good composer, because you know when you move on.

As mentioned before, music theory is the best thing to really understand music. I would suggest (Robert Ottman) Elementary Harmony: Theory and Practice (http://www.amazon.com/Elementary-Harmony-Theory-Practice-5th/dp/0137755031) as a start. I know it's expensive on there, but try any edition of the elementary harmony books, and used books from Amazon are usually in tip-top shape, and are 80% cheaper than new ones (I've got both my Ottman books used for only $30, total, and they're great).

Sir Dot brought up a good point about listening and emulating. This is something I strong suggest you do, however, I would wait for a while longer until you get more comfortable with theory and, overall, have better understanding of sound and music.

Just follow what's been said (I'm only expanding on what has been said) and you should see improvement overtime. Feel free to ask anything more; we're group of people who want to see people flourish in their love for music.

I hope this is the right place.

Maybe somebody can move this thread? Or merge it?


I'm having trouble composing in the area of.. how do i put this... building and releasing tension, i suppose? I can't seem to write a proper transition/build up and release.

To write a transition, you need to figure out a way to connect part A to part B in a logical manner. You can make the transition gradually or suddenly. You can even use elements/motives of part A and/or part B to make that transition.

To learn how to build and release tension, analyze some music to understand how composers pulled it off. You could add a crescendo, add more instruments/voices, increase the dissonance, manipulate your chord progression, etc. To release the tension, you could do the opposite of what I've just listed, gradually or suddenly.

(I'm having trouble utilization the quoting system)

@clarinetist

I'm actually in my first semester of a Theory class right now, so far it has actually opened my eyes (or ears) to a lot of more logical things in the musical world. I love composing and I'm only going to keep pushing. So thank you for that piece of advice, I know theory is important, but I've been (for lack of a better term), "all heart" on my music and compositions. However, it is good to hear from someone just how important theory knowledge is. It makes me more inclined to learn.

@Mazeppa

Thank you for the link! This book looks very interesting, and useful. Thanks for your encouragement. The positivity really help me out when trying to learn more.

Thanks again to everyone for your input!

I know theory is important, but I've been (for lack of a better term), "all heart" on my music and compositions. However, it is good to hear from someone just how important theory knowledge is. It makes me more inclined to learn.