In the ever-evolving world of music composition, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Every composer's journey is unique, filled with discoveries, challenges, and triumphs. Recently, I reached out to some talented composers and musicians to ask them a simple yet profound question: "What's one thing about your writing process now that you wish you could tell your past self?"
The responses were enlightening, filled with wisdom and practical advice. Here's a glimpse into the minds of active composers!
Dive In Without Fear: "Don't be afraid to just jump in and give it a go." Fear of failure or judgment can paralyze creativity. Embrace the unknown, experiment, and learn through doing. Remember, every masterpiece starts with the courage to begin.
Separate Writing from Mixing: "Write. Then mix." Trying to perfect the mix while composing can hinder the creative flow. Focus on the composition first, and trust that a great arrangement will naturally lead to a better mix. Separation allows for clarity and efficiency.
Avoid Overthinking: "Don't overthink it & don't spend too much time on mixing during the writing process." Overthinking can lead to stagnation and self-doubt. Trust your instincts and allow your ideas to flow freely. Simplicity often leads to the most profound results.
Embrace Creativity Over Rules: "If it sounds good, it is good. Worry about good ideas, not following the rules." While rules provide structure, they shouldn't confine creativity. Focus on what feels and sounds right to you. Good ideas are the heart of innovation in music.
Record and Subtract: "Record as much raw material as possible and work by subtraction." Having a reservoir of ideas can be a powerful tool against writer's block. It allows for exploration and refinement, turning raw material into polished gems.
Ship Early and Often: "A finished draft cue in a director's hands will progress your score more than continuously tweaking." Collaboration and feedback are vital. Share your work early to align with the vision of the project and make meaningful adjustments.
Persist and Mix Wisely: "Mixing is about not doing extremes, but bringing out the information that's already there." Mixing is not about drastic changes but subtle enhancements. Focus on highlighting the existing beauty in your composition.
Stay Focused: "Stick to the brief / task at hand." It's easy to wander off into endless possibilities. Stay aligned with the immediate goals and requirements of your project. Focus leads to completion and satisfaction.
Finish Your Tracks: Completion is more than an endpoint; it's a skill. Every finished track is a testament to your growth and a stepping stone to future success.
Break Free from Assumed Rules: "Don't hold yourself to rules you assume the people you admire follow." Your path is uniquely yours. What works for others may not work for you. Embrace your individuality and grow at your own pace.
Write Every Day: "Don't get hung up on writing good music, just write every day." Consistency breeds mastery. Even when inspiration seems elusive, the act of writing daily nurtures creativity and skill.
These insights are more than mere tips; they are reflections of real experiences, struggles, and triumphs from composers who have walked the path. Which tips resonate with you most? Maybe you have some of lessons you can share from your own experiences!