I've been working on composing music for several months now. Here are some of what I think are my better compositions so far. Any comments would be nice as I am trying hard to improve my composing skills.

Pieces:
"A Nice Day" in C major
"Snow" in E phrygian
Piano piece in A harmonic minor

-- Nice Day

I did really get the vibe of a video game in some sort of village, and that type of music playing. Although, it had some areas where I was like "huh?" Don't try to take it as OMFG IT SUCKS! just.. I think there's more than the harmony chords could have done. Good try though. ^_^

-- Snow

Eh.. No offence, but just switching the rythum in the left hand got a little.. uhh.. "tiring" if you will. The main right hand melody wasn't very much of a "melodic expierence." It seemed kind of like random notes. I don't know, but I dont think I got the drift of "snow."

-- Harmony in A Minor (I think that's the name :huh: )

Same with this as with the song Snow. Although the left hand did change its notes, they did not sound "together." It seemed almost another piece with random notes. Okay try.


If you would like to continue composing, I suggest you look into Music Theory. It mainly explains the whole basis of music. Shows what fits together, to down to how many notes you skip into a scale.

Also, listening to others people's music to learn how they put in chords, or how to create phrases. Keep trying!

They seem to not flow very much, and they lack structure. Oh, and very random melodies you have there. :\

They need improvement, but, Hey! That's where experience comes in. ;)

I just want to know: is there a thought behind every song having just one chord and playing a scale up and down for melody?.. the humanbeing has a very low bore-limit, you bore me. change! change is needed. progression of some sort is needed.

Sorry, but that music got me really sleepy...

I just want to know: is there a thought behind every song having just one chord and playing a scale up and down for melody?.. the humanbeing has a very low bore-limit, you bore me. change! change is needed. progression of some sort is needed.

Well, the scales going up and down were supposed to represent snow falling at incredible rates. Nonetheless, you have a point. The last two pieces were intended to try out the Phrygian mode and harmonic minor scale respectively, so yeah, they sound like crap.

Any suggestions on what to work on and how to improve (besides the obvious answer of "practice")?

Well, here is a new piece I started on after thinking about your comments. In particular, I was thinking about the lack of structure, which I realized was a very good point. I doubt this one is significantly better, but I would be pleased to receive some comments on whether I did any better this time.

I know the dorian mode are used in medieval music with harmonic intervals of 4th, 5th or octave and has some strong discords but the harmonising is the piece is a little too weird but there is definitely an improvement, there is a melody there. It does sounds a little like the A har minor. Other than practise have you tried sticking to the Baroque-developed major-minor keys first before using modes.

I didn't like melody, or the block chords at the beginning and at other parts. :\

I know the dorian mode are used in medieval music with harmonic intervals of 4th, 5th or octave and has some strong discords but the harmonising is the piece is a little too weird but there is definitely an improvement, there is a melody there. It does sounds a little like the A har minor. Other than practise have you tried sticking to the Baroque-developed major-minor keys first before using modes.

Hmm, good idea on the use of keys. I know what you mean on the harmonizing, though. I had a strong feeling that it was a bad idea, but someone recommended that I try it, so I did.


I didn't like melody, or the block chords at the beginning and at other parts.

So you suggest that I use less block chords and more chords of other types?

Yes, maybe a few broken ones and stuff like that. ^_^

Yeh, the melody isn't too bad, but the lack of interesting counterpoint really makes it hard to completely enjoy. Try to add some rhythmic between the voices not that everthing doesn't move in parallel, more or less. Also, I didn't really mind the less-than-conventional harmonizations, but the parts with the diminished fourths in the left hand sounds fairly iffy to me.

I don't know what exactly it is, but I have an idea why I'm not taking liking to Eddy's music.

My theory is that his left hand chords (or what his left hand does) mainly does the same thing, but in a different rythum. Correct if I'm wrong, but it kind of sounds like the same notes "nagging" at me.

Just my opinion.

My theory is that his left hand chords (or what his left hand does) mainly does the same thing, but in a different rythum. Correct if I'm wrong, but it kind of sounds like the same notes "nagging" at me.

I see what you mean. Looking at my stuff, that certainly is something I need to work on.

Well, I've tried a new style, sort of. This new piece is based on the chorale structure and consists of an organ and choir, though I'm not Christian or anything, so it's not really a chorale.

-Pseudo Chorale

Although I didn't like the main melody, I like how you tried on this arrangement. I can see many parts coming together, and some also falling apart afterwards :sweat: .

I liked how you kind of had a "Bach" kind of sound in there. The main key was a minor one, but I heard some Major outbursts here and there. I really loved that; the major chnages were a plus ;).

Some thing/s I would work on, is finding a proper melody, phrase/s and pitch. Almost what a song is made of (almost, not exactly what it's made up of).

Good job, and try !!

Interesting piece. Like Maestro said, I do like the arrangement and how you've tried to use different moving voices to vary up the melody and countermelody. However, the balance should probably be adjusted (try to limit on voice group to one track, and then pan them out), as a lot of the mid-range movement tends to be masked. If you do it on your sequencer/notator, try making the sustained notes softer than the moving notes, as that will help the melody stand out more as well. Another thing is that some of the more dissonant chords could be resolved/cadenced better, and if you want to follow Bach-ish conventions, get rid of all the parellel movement too. Still, this is certainly an improvement from your earlier pieces - keep it up ;).

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that I'm improving. I was indeed going for a Bach-like sound. I was reading up on music theory and I saw a lot of examples taken from Bach's chorales, so I decided to try a piece similar to that style. I'm glad I managed to convey that sort of quality.

Here is a new piece, more of a light piece. I hope it sounds good.

-Proph Love

Hm.. I didn't-overall-like this piece. The organ didn't fit well, or at all, to what the flute was doing. The repeated notes on the organ got a little off-pace.

The flutes transitions didn't seem to fit all well. Some of the long tones should have a reast so you can have different phrase parts. Just my opinion!

Bach? I don't think so...

´kind of out of tune in some areas.....

Midi. Out-of-tune ^_^ gave me a chuckle.

I'd say it didn't flow at all, and nothing in this piece drew me in. :heh:

I'd say it didn't flow at all, and nothing in this piece drew me in.

So what do you suggest? I'm trying hard to figure out how to improve my composing skills, so any suggestions are helpful.

Hmm.. I guess suggesting other styles of writing music. As in, trying to make phrases some out. Do this by ending some notes with either rests or long notes. Having one continuous music staff, gets kind of boring. You'd need to stop a phrase a bit, then do another. It's very basic, but can make many thing sound professional.

Hmm.. I guess suggesting other styles of writing music. As in, trying to make phrases some out. Do this by ending some notes with either rests or long notes. Having one continuous music staff, gets kind of boring. You'd need to stop a phrase a bit, then do another. It's very basic, but can make many thing sound professional.

I see, thanks. I could use any suggestions you have, though. I can see that I still have a long way to go before I'm even close to any good.

Hey, don't get so down on yourself. There's times where I just want to do something, but I can't... Just wait for something to come to you.

I'm looking for different phrases (a "B" phrase to something I want to write for band.)

But just wait is what I'm saying. Something, surely, should come to you !

It seems like you choose some specific scale for your pieces, then try to create a melody upon some sort of strict chord progression, or a structure-less chord progression. I think you should just put in what the little man in your brain wants, not what your actual brain wants.

Guess this makes no sense... :unsure:

I can see what your saying. The last 2-3 sentences made no sence ! LoL !

I can see what your saying. The last 2-3 sentences made no sence ! LoL !

LoL! XD You did notice my post was 3 sentences, right? XD

Exactly ! See, I know what I'm doing ! LoL !

Eddy, this song that I'm in the middle of composing has a great example for phrases. I have come mroe and more into structure with composing, as you may later. But here it is anyway...

Its called: La Lumière de ciel pour J.K. (Heaven's Light for J.K. - JK Is meaning my grandmother)

How it's played: Légèrement, céleste, avec l'expression et la connexion (Light, heavenly, expression and connected)

Here is a new piece I've been working on. I've been experimenting with some different rhythmic ideas and what have you.

A lot more imporvement I see Eddy. Still some things that I won't say for you to work on. You should see your own faults.. that's the true key.

I expected a better melody, but like Maestro said, you're improving. ^_^

I like it and I didn't. It was good but it seemed repetitive and after a bit I got bored. Meh...Not like I can do any better!

Here is basic melody and chords for a piece I'm working on. I wanted some opinions before I went further on it. Keep in mind that this is just a basic start that I plan to build on later.

Wow! Eddy, you're now learning phrases finally! :lol: Anyway, I like that you actually change the chord progression a little bit. I think on the second repeat, you add some movement to the left hand, and make some tiny chords in the the right.

But wow, I am amazed what you just started on Eddy, it's very different from your "past expierences."

Oh, yes, that's a nice melody. It has potential. However, in my humble opinion, it does not belong anywhere in the intro. I know that this is just a fragment of the song, so this is just a suggestion to where to put it while you're composing the rest. I can sense some sort of power that is waiting in those few measures which, with the proper surroundings, can be made into a beautiful peice. Use the good ol' building up, perhaps suggesting a cell here or there in the intro. I would start the intro in the lower register, in a minor key, and then build up into the climax, which is, from what I'm imagining, what you have right there. I'd definitely put the full strength of an orchestra behind that melody, too.

I don't quite agree with the block chords or the title.

It sounds too happy to have to do with an abyss, and the block chords, I think, made it somewhat boring. :heh:

I don't quite agree with the block chords or the title.

It sounds too happy to have to do with an abyss, and the block chords, I think, made it somewhat boring.

Well, it is just a starting point, so the block chords will probably go. The title refers to the end of the journey, rather than the abyss itself, and the idea is that it is the feeling of tranquility after overcoming fear and danger.

I'll keep the orchestra idea in mind, though I'm not quite sure I'm ready for that just yet. I had more of a tranquil, lullaby-like quality in mind.

Wow, that compared to your first songs, you've definately improved a lot! Good job.^_^

Here is the first draft of my newest piece, built on the theme I already posted earlier. Comments are welcome as I'm aware that it probably has many problems.

I don't know that you really added on to the theme, just repeated most of the time. And the violin just sound horrid in the piece. I'd keep it a piano solo until now. It's just the MIDI makes it sound so cliche'.

Anyway, I'd take off the 40th repeat, until you actual do a Development Section or so.

I don't know that you really added on to the theme, just repeated most of the time. And the violin just sound horrid in the piece. I'd keep it a piano solo until now. It's just the MIDI makes it sound so cliche'.

Same here.

Well, I'm glad to hear that I might have some hope. I've often considered giving up, but then I remember how boy bands manage to get by:lol: Still, given the immensely superior quality of almost all of the compositions I've seen here, even by beginners, I have to wonder if there is any point in trying.

Well, I'm glad to hear that I might have some hope. I've often considered giving up, but then I remember how boy bands manage to get by:lol: Still, given the immensely superior quality of almost all of the compositions I've seen here, even by beginners, I have to wonder if there is any point in trying.

You just need to find out what instruments sound good as MIDI. The quality's not your fault.

You just need to find out what instruments sound good as MIDI. The quality's not your fault.

True, midi is convenient, but it has a lot of problems like that.

Ok, here is an attempt at a first movement of a sonata. The themes I used are themes I already had around, but decided to rework into the sonata. I am aware that there are a lot of problems. The piano accompaniment is rather thin, I'm afraid, and I'm not so sure about the transitions. I know it sucks, but the only way I can improve is through constructive criticism.

Yeah, I know, on closer inspection, I see that it is indeed pure crap and I intend to start over completely. In fact, I'm not quite sure what I was thinking posting it so soon.

Yes, it seemed to just keep on going forever.

That piano has to die. It's one of the biggest "bleh" habbit you have in your compositions. I mean, if a chord sounds good, then the notes that could make a rythum with them would be nice.

Try finding out a few some time.

That piano has to die. It's one of the biggest "bleh" habbit you have in your compositions. I mean, if a chord sounds good, then the notes that could make a rythum with them would be nice.

Try finding out a few some time.

I know, I've tried so hard to come up with a good accompaniment, but I just can't seem to come up with anything. I've tried block chords, arpeggios, and Alberti bass chords, but they don't work and I just can't think of anything else.

Some parts seemed a little random in this new one... :unsure:

But it was "O.K." other than that. ;)

I know, I've tried so hard to come up with a good accompaniment, but I just can't seem to come up with anything. I've tried block chords, arpeggios, and Alberti bass chords, but they don't work and I just can't think of anything else.

Then maybe I could start you off with a "base" and you can work it out from there then. Now, this won't be my top priority, but if I have 10 mins, Ill try something then...

I think for now, it would be a good idea to go back to the drawing board. I've realized that I've got a lot to work on, such as accompaniment, emotional expression, etc. as well as more on the sonata form, which I'm still not all that clear on, particularly the development stage.

Look up "Sonata-Allegro Form" on the internet then.

Look up "Sonata-Allegro Form" on the internet then.

Hmm, thanks for the suggestion. It's helping, though there are a lot of things I still don't quite get. I'm not sure what they mean when they say the development stage of the sonata movement is a free fantasia, in particular.

? Uhh... who is "they" lol?

Ok my definifition of this is mainly:

Exposition: The Exposition starts off with a little introduction, or if chosen no intro. The main definition of the Exposition si where the themes or theme is given at the beginning of a piece. They can be repeated over again (for composing) or to just go into the Development Section. * The Exposition is also called 'E' * + Key signatures (I think) CAN be changed.

Development: The Development is obviously the second part in the Sonata-Allegro Form ("EDR"). It's main duty is to takes the "main" theme or themes and play around with the melodies (In Rock, the Refrain is the main melody, and the Lyrical "Verses" is what CAN be referred to Development/s. Now, this is just a little example I'm not stating that what Rock music usually does is this form-they do Rondo lol).
* As you said, it can be a free fantasia. Uh? No, you have the basic type of the melody and the of use the rythums in the Exposition. Key signatures (I think) CAN be changed. *

Rehipiculation: Mainly, a repeat of the Exposition, and themes. But one thing. You can't CAN'T CANNOT change the key signature in any way. You must find how you do it without need of accidentalls or litterally (Ex): Bb Minor to F Minor. Uh, no can't do that. heh.

Well. hope this will help at least a petit bit.

Here is my first attempt at orchestration. I've taking a theme and arranged it for a very small orchestra. The midi limitations are a problem for the strings, which sound like crap.

Ooh... Good job! :P

Hmm, good start. When your working on it more, keep it to that simplistic waltz.

I definitely sense an improvement - the material flows well and sounds pretty interesting too. One little suggestion though - when the basses come in, move it down an octave; it's usually more common for basses to double cellos an octave down, and also it fills more of the dynamic range that way.

I definitely sense an improvement - the material flows well and sounds pretty interesting too. One little suggestion though - when the basses come in, move it down an octave; it's usually more common for basses to double cellos an octave down, and also it fills more of the dynamic range that way.

:P

I think I'm giving up. I just don't have the talent for composing and few people listen to classical music, anymore, anyway. It's just too much work for something that will never pay off. I just don't have the music gene and no amount of work will ever change that. The more I look at things, the more I see that it's all pointless.

Uh, why quit composing? It's only your decidion though, from me, I would encourage you to keep composing but also know that you aren not meant to be a "composer" but a person who can write and make music.

Please see the difference. :cry: ;)

Yeah, I simply don't have the composing gene. All the real classical composers could hear the music in their heads and write it down as though they were writing a letter. I can't even come close to doing that (indeed, I can't even come up with more than a few measures of melody at any one time). I can get pretty far with the help of music theory and such, but I just can't compose authentically.