I'm sitting here trying to work on some new music but am at a bit of loss for what exactly to do. So I'm wondering where anyone else might turn to in this situation. Dannthr recommended a few composers to check out, which I will do. Perhaps I need some more music listen as well, perhaps some scores to study. Any other thoughts from anyone?

I stand in a quiet room and close my eyes. I then listen to how I am feeling or how I want to feel. Then I start humming. Along with the hum, I kind of flow around the room trying to get a feel for the music. I find a tune that sticks out and find some way to repeat it over and over.

Then I build from the created tunes/rhythms.

Sometimes I don't have a recording device when I have a great tune come to mind. Be sure to carry one around. You never know.

Hope I helped.

Thanks PCN, I will take that into consideration.

I was, however, thinking along the lines of a more pragmatic solution.

Somehow, I don't think summoning my inner vibrations will do much good at this point. :)

I should probably retract my reply, since I'm not sure i was looking for advice as much as just seeing what other folks do if they find themselves in a similar situation.

apologies if i offended.

Eh. To each his own.
If you were looking for a pragmatic solution, it's not much of an "art" form.

I sometimes will pay close attention to how *everything* in a particular rhythm works together. Studying a few compositions may also give you some ideas.

You may also want to pay attention to your chords. Certain chords have "moods". If you are trying to write a happy piece and the piece is in D minor... it may not be the results you were wanting.

d minor... it's all relative. :)

One approach is to take some existing music, try to discern its key characteristics, and then try and write your own piece using those characteristics. Perhaps you could do this for two styles and then try to mix and match some of the traits.

Or come at it from an even more abstract level - arbitrarily pick an instrument or instruments, a tempo, a chord progression, an interval, a cadence, a time signature, or some/all of the above, and force yourself to create something to fit it. Bonus points if you pick a mood or setting as well and manage to evoke that effectively.

Personally I am quite methodical about composition. I typically set out with a genre I want to work with, which dictates some or all of the instrumentation, tempo, time signature, structure, etc. I may even have a pre-composed melody or harmony I 'need' to incorporate. I then work on ways to use those tools to create and resolve tension and interest while still following the constraints. (Of course, before the track is finished the constraints are often bent or broken, but what's important is that to begin with they help you to get stuff done, like the faint pencil lines on a watercolour before the first splash of paint.)

Sometimes getting away from music (or at least the music you're creating) is the best idea. If you have the time, go watch a film that really inspires you. It is even more helpful if the genre of this film matches what you're trying to write (i.e. epic orchestral score = film with an awesome, epic orchestral score). Other times, I just go running and take my iPod. I may listen to music completely unrelated to my task or just focus on getting some stress out by exercising.

If none of these work, also try the other methods mentioned. Analyzing other music is great. Putting yourself in a silent situation and allowing whatever is inside to begin to come out. Also, just forcing yourself to work through it is another valuable skill. You simply cannot be 100% inspired every time you write music, especially you're doing it frequently (like a full time job or something) so its important to learn how to make progress even if you're not getting goosebumps from your work. For a bit you may not end up with a perfect piece but at least you'll have some foundation to come back to later. I've always amazed at how a piece can so sound different from day to day. One day you may think a piece is amazing, only to change your mind the next day. Or vice versa.

Side note: Never throw away ANYTHING!!! I can't tell you how many times I've gone through my archives and stumbled upon a musical fragment that at the time was kinda "meh" to me but now is a perfect inspiration or starting point for my current project.

If you're just writing for a hobby then be careful with how you're starting this process. If you're listening down and saying "Today I'll write a major symphony!" you may be doing more harm than good. Maybe where you are that day isn't right for that kind of music. Maybe that day would be a better rock or jazz day. My point is allow yourself to be surprised or wander. Often times this is when I come up with some of my coolest stuff. Of course if you're writing for a client and have a time frame, then you'll need better discipline and focus. This comes with practice and time.

There are so many methods. I think the best thing you can do is learn what approaches work best for you and the type of day you're having. There are some days when the best move for me to do is not write music at all. I play video games, read a book, run, watch a movie, etc. Just as an athlete has to learn to listen to his or her body, a composer needs to learn to do the same thing. There are times to push through it. Times to reflect and study other works. Times to rest.

A bit long winded, but there you go. :)

If you have some writers block, I take a serious break, like an hour or something.

I will shower, which often after long writing sessions, is a necessity anyway ;) and the shower is the thinking man's box.

OR

I will take a walk or a hike. Though, I cheat a little, because views like this:
Picture
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Are only a walk or a hike away.

OR

I'll actually take a nap or eat lunch. I often times will go to sleep with a problem and wake with a solution.


Take advantage of the fact that you're not doing this in a cubicle somewhere in an office or something.

Indeed, all good responses.

nsmadsen, perhaps you're right. I've been spending an awful amount of time working on orchestral-ish music and maybe I'm a bit spent in this department; it's time to switch it up a little.

With spring right around the corner, maybe it's time for a trip to the mountains! I wish I could look right out my window and see the same views as you, Dannthr. But the mountains in these these parts, north Georgia, are beautiful too and only an hour's drive. Eh, it could be worse.

It's amazing how much time a person can spend at the computer and neglect such things as cooking a decent meal or getting in a little exercise or reading a book. I'm going to go out on a limb and say I'm not the only one sitting at a computer all day :) and hopefully none of you are in cubicles if you are.

Well, it's time to take a break!