I love the opening to the Gradus by Johann Fux. Josephus: I come to you, venerable master, in order to be introduced to the rules and principles of music. Aloysius: You want, then, to learn the …
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Humility
This is taken from Mademoiselle, a book about Nadia Boulanger. She is actually quoting Henri Bergson. [tweetherder text="One looks for praise in the exact proportion that one is unsure of …
Identifying Creative Blockages
What is it that is getting in the way of your creativity? Is it something insurmountable, or is it really your bad habits and composing process? In this article, we are going to examine writer's …
The Importance of Having a Composing Sanctuary
Are you having trouble finishing your compositions? Do you get a few bars in, and then an hour later realize you haven't really accomplished anything? You may have a problem. You may be suffering …
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New Page: Free Classical Music
Just wanted to let everyone know, I added a new page to the site. It is a compilation of free classical music resources online. Check it out when you get a chance. Don't worry, it's all legal. Free …
Making Your Music Playable
Who are you composing for? Are you writing for virtuosos? Is Lang Lang in your sites? I am going to make a recommendation. You should be composing with only one performer in mind. That is the person …
I Will Find Something Good in Every Composition I Listen To (Don’t Be a Music Snob)
I spent far too much time growing up, excluding music. If someone asked what music I listen to, I would say jazz and classical. I didn't listen to rock, pop, country, rap (well maybe a little rap), …
I Will Not Bask in the Glory of My Finished Composition
Have you ever finished a composition, and felt proud of yourself? That's great. I know I have. Now let me tell you a little secret. No one cares that you finished a composition. You are a composer …
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I Will Finish Every Composition I Start
Everyday, each one of us faces about 10,375,238 things to do. You have to exercise, feed the cat, make breakfast, shower, brush your teeth, go to work, take the car to the shop, buy a new pair of …
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A Composer’s Manifesto
I will finish every composition that I start (except the 9th Symphony. In fact, just stop at the 8th). I will not bask in the glory of my finished composition - that is what amateurs do. I am a …
April 2012 Compositions
I thought I'd post about my own composing activities, which is something that I haven't done a whole lot. Composing is a funny thing sometimes, because what you plan out, isn't always what you end up …
The 5 Steps to Creating the Composing Habit
Composing shouldn't just be something you do, it should be a habit. What do I mean by habit? Habits don't have to be just bad, they can and are good things. You just need to know what makes them work, …
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Becoming a Professional Composer
Recently I have been having a change of mindset towards the way I approach life in general. This is really stemming from two books that I am reading. The first book, The War of Art by Steven …
Resistance is Stopping You From Achieving Your Goals
So recently I have not been posting much. Hopefully you have noticed this, as that means you are a regular visitor. None the less, I would like to talk about it because I think there are ways to …
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March 2012 Compositions
Here are a few new compositions I've done this month. Last month, I was out of the loop, so I am trying to get back into it with a passion. …