Hey there. I'm new here, and stumbled across the site about a week ago. ^^U Well, I also just got Finale Notepad a few days ago, and I'm still toying with it a bit. That, and it's been a few years since I last played the piano...Haha...yeah, I'm trying to get back into it.

Anyhow! I made this just as a bit of practice with Finale Notepad (I'll eventually upgrade once I have a bit of money), so my apologies if it isn't that good, heh. It's also my first composition, so I still have much to learn along those lines, too. I called it Autumn Leaves cause I shared it with a friend, and she said it reminds her of falling leaves and the Autumn time.

Your friend is either tone deaf or very generous. Also, I wouldn't save money for upgrades of Finale if I were you, perhaps in a few years... but with the skill you have now in notation and composing it simply doesn't cut it. To put this mildly, I have to say that I detest people like you who put random sequenses of notes into digital paper and call it composition. It's insulting to those composers who give their whole heart into it.

I would advise you, if you really want to compose, to first off learn the basics of music. Then experiment with music, not with Finale. Never, ever, let a notation program do the work for you!

That was harsh :think:

erm... Try doing some theory work ad then go back to the composing. Then Think about what you want to convey in a piece. Then write it. Okay ;)

yeah, but Noir is somewhat right though, it sounds like a bunch of random notes to me ._.
I wonder why some people don't hear or simply ignore this fact about their music.. even when they've just begun writing music it should be obvious.

XD I actually liked the first four bars... Except for the last note of the fourth bar... But yes, Noir was very right, entering random notes is a BIG nono. :O

I agree with Noir, although he does seem to have put it out there rather bluntly. :heh: Anyways, yeah, read up on Music Theory and stuff. I mean, the harmony was really bad, there was no catchy melody, no sort of progression. It really does seem to have been random notes being put in.

Your friend is either tone deaf or very generous. Also, I wouldn't save money for upgrades of Finale if I were you, perhaps in a few years... but with the skill you have now in notation and composing it simply doesn't cut it. To put this mildly, I have to say that I detest people like you who put random sequenses of notes into digital paper and call it composition. It's insulting to those composers who give their whole heart into it.

I would advise you, if you really want to compose, to first off learn the basics of music. Then experiment with music, not with Finale. Never, ever, let a notation program do the work for you!

Look! You do read my mind!

It was random keep working on it. I don't think harsh comments are necessary, only comments to improve, they may only discourage the composer.

I don't think harsh comments are necessary, only comments to improve, they may only discourage the composer.

If the topic-maker were an actual composer, then there would be no harsh comments. If he just types in random notes with a notation program then yes, it was my intention to be discourative.

If the topic-maker were an actual composer, then there would be no harsh comments. If he just types in random notes with a notation program then yes, it was my intention to be discourative.

Oh...

Technology has many downsides...

Your friend is either tone deaf or very generous. Also, I wouldn't save money for upgrades of Finale if I were you, perhaps in a few years... but with the skill you have now in notation and composing it simply doesn't cut it. To put this mildly, I have to say that I detest people like you who put random sequenses of notes into digital paper and call it composition. It's insulting to those composers who give their whole heart into it.

I would advise you, if you really want to compose, to first off learn the basics of music. Then experiment with music, not with Finale. Never, ever, let a notation program do the work for you!

Shame, even if his first composition wasn't the masterpeice you thought it might be doesn't mean you've got to crush him and make him feel like "crap" (excuse me). Alot of people start off with nothing and this music program, yes it isn't really the thing to just throw music notes on it but keep in mind that as he uses this he'll learn techniques and with thoses he'll become better and better. Plus it is his first composition so give him a break. I thought for his first it wasn't that bad and perhaps her freind told him that cause she didnt want to hurt his feelings as you probably just did. I don't mean to attack you Noir i truely respect you it's just I can't just leave him like that broken by what you said sorry.

Actually you guys shouldn't all say that it's really mean, really.

You can call that 'mean', but after all, we're giving him comments, and criticisms, and mind you, comments and criticisms aren't always positive. Plus, if he REALLY has the desire to be a composer, those 'harsh' words won't do anything. But if he couldn't take criticisms, he's just asking for praise, and that's not being a composer.

I know that you're trying to be nice and all here, and I'm sure many members here appreciate it, but like a diamond, if it doesn't go through heavy-duty polishing (complications, problems and whatnot), it will never shine.

I see, well I guess it was only I that was a bit on the defensive side. I'm very sorry to have commented like that. I do mind saying though that it was a bit harsh, but I suppose it was good advice.

Well I suppose I could give my little pinch of salt.

It was alright, not really close to Chopin, lol, but don't give up and I must say that what Noir7 said about not doing it on the computer thing is the thing you should focus on the most. Just play things on your piano or instrument, mae a song and then put it on the program thats how I've heard people doing it the most. Personaly I don't have the patience to put it down on that program but whatever thats only me. Don't give up though, I want to hear more from you aftre you start composing on the instrument.

Yep, compose on your instrument and then notate it using the program. Plain-old clicking in notepad is not a good idea (maybe when you're more experienced, then you'll know how to properly compose without the instrument).

And sheesh why DO you guys have to be so harsh on a beginner @_@ give comments for improvement (erm... nicely), no put-downs here x.x

I hate pansies that say,

"ZOMG DON'T BE SO MEAN!!!!111!!!one!!!!dot dot dot..."

Look, you posted your compositions (first or not) and your going to get feedback on it, how 'harsh' it is was the risk.

Oh yea.. *clears throat*

"It's the Internet"

I hate pansies that say,

"ZOMG DON'T BE SO MEAN!!!!111!!!one!!!!dot dot dot..."

Look, you posted your compositions (first or not) and your going to get feedback on it, how 'harsh' it is was the risk.

Oh yea.. *clears throat*

"It's the Internet"

It's not even your problem if other people think somebody is being mean, it's their opinion and their right to express it. You should focus on taking care of yourself.

Weren't you the one who said that I shouldn't post discouraging posts? Now you're telling someone else to mind their own? Hypocrite.

Weren't you the one who said that I shouldn't post discouraging posts? Now you're telling someone else to mind their own? Hypocrite.

You win.

Though people should take care of themselves really, that including me. One shouldn't get into things that don't concern them.

*Pretends to be a mod*

~~~

Getting back on topic, I think you should just kill this piece and start working on somewhere else. In my opinion, if you have really battered a piece up enough, there's the extent that you can trash it. In this case, trash it. I know I have done it to some of mine.

Oh yea.. *clears throat*

"It's the Internet"

lmfao Mazeppa.

And I think we scared the poor noob away; he's probably throwing his piano out the window as we speak. ;__;

@ the original poster: What Noir said was pretty harsh, but also very true. It definately sounds like you just put a bunch of random notes together because they sounded "ok." Don't feel bad about it; it's something that a lot of beginning composers do. Just remember this for next time: whenever you plan on writing a piece of music, make sure you have something strong to say first. Music is around for people to express themselves - if you have nothing interesting to say, then its better to just keep your mouth shut until you *do.* Anyway, it was alright for a first composition. Good luck, nevermind our harsh crits, and keep trying! I'm sure we're all looking forward to your next piece.

Music is around for people to express themselves - if you have nothing interesting to say, then its better to just keep your mouth shut until you *do.*

Heh, that's a pretty good quote. We should all think about that once in a while :)

@Noir: Hahahaha, its funny you said that, because as I was typing that line I was saying to myself "damn this sounds clever!" X3

Glad someone agrees with me, hehe :)