i want to ask a professional composer? what are the steps to being a good composer?what to learn first?

Question

then second then third? right now i am learning major chords. what step should i take ?

thank you

Answer 1

Hi Raouf Z, here is a site that will help you with some of the information you seek:

http://www.dolmetsch.com/ourresources.htm
Click on the music theory-history link. It will take you through a lot of the music theory that you need.

While this will give you a start you will want to follow up with theory and composition studies at a university. In addition to harmony you will need counterpoint, form and analysis and orchestration. Also, the more hands on experience you can get with all the different instruments will give you additional knowledge that you won't get from the orchestration and arranging texts. You will want to also be competent on the piano.

Also the more score study you can do the better. Download some of the scores from such places as :
http://www.sheetmusicfox.com/composers.html
and get a recording of the piece.

At this point you have no need to worry about copyrighting your own music.

Here is a site where you can download a free music writing and printing program called Finale Notepad. It will allow you to do some simple writing and then hear what you have done. Enjoy:
http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/

So go to the Dolmetsch site and get started on your quest.

Musician, published composer, teacher.

Answer 2

I HAVE MET/KNOWN SUCCESSFUL COMPOSERS
ok what do you play what instrument? .... ..keyboards/piano is the most useful instrument to play for a composer from Clementi to Michael Masser (he wrote most of Whitney Houston's biggest hits) they all used some kind of keyboards ...learning the chords is nice but learning how they are structured is better than learning them individually .. learn music theory ...for example a major chord is the root third and fifth ... learn Music theory reading and writing the language of music is important very important even successful composers who don't, wish they had taken the time to really understand music theory (got that from a composer with a few platinum records) if you don't learn the mechanics of music it will slow you down, it really doesn't matter where you want to take your writing learning the language will give you an advantage over the raw very talented composers out there ..... the most important part WRITE WRITE WRITE everyday ... you have to exercise the creative muscle everyday and as much as you can .... you will write good and very bad music this way but it's like learning an instrument like physical exercise with a routine you will get better and save everything never know when even what seems like a bad idea will fit perfectly into something else

Answer 3

Get some degree of competence on an instrument, preferably the piano.

Study music theory, harmony, counterpoint, form and analysis, 20th-21st century techniques and orchestration all together that will take you about 5-6 years.

Listen to music that is well made and designed. that will let out most pop music an give you time to become very familiar with the best of music from 1200 to 2007.

Write every day, even if its drivel. Force yourself to fill up reams of manuscript paper. It will improve your technical skills.

Finally, when you are ready to produce your masterpiece, take out a sheet of blank manuscript paper and stare at it until your forehead bleeds.

When you are done and have your PhD in composition be prepared to be ignored. No one wants new music. The number of composers alive today who earn a living by writing concert music is under two dozen. So your odds of commercial success are 24/6500000000.

Best of Success!

Answer 4

Learn to play instruments - piano is a great start, since it is such a complete instrument. Play in some instrumental ensembles, so you get an idea of what musicians go through when they learn music as a group. Study works from well-known composers. Learn all about classical and modern music theory, form and composition. It helps to get lessons or go through college courses for this. There are many great schools that offer degrees in composition.

Best of luck!

Answer 5

Start composing and getting you works played professionally, possibly recorded, possibly copy-written., To copyright, which is expensive, to tot as a collection, like maybe twenty or thirty pieces under one title, as simple as collection from 2007 number 1, or a regular title, like lyric suite number one.

Answer 6

I would guess lots of successful composers are hanging in here in the middle of the night.

Answer 7

First, be a great listener. Have a great deal of patience, and pay attention to MOTHER EARTH. If that doesn't work, go to Hollywood and become a rock star.

Answer 8

I would guess music is what you learn first!!