Why Compositions Stall After Eight Bars, and the Training That Fixes It
Every self-taught composer eventually asks the same question: why do my pieces stall after the opening, and what would actually fix it? The honest an…
Posts
Sonata Form Only Works When You Can Hear It: Audiation and Structure
Sonata form is the most important large-scale structure in classical music, and the composers who use it well share one trait: they can hear the arch…
The Power of Audiation-Based Composition Instruction
Audiation, the ability to hear and understand music in your mind, is a transformative skill for composers. It allows you to internalize and realize y…
Dynamics Do the Storytelling: Loud and Soft as Structure
Dynamics play a crucial role in music composition, adding depth, emotion, and contrast to a piece. They help convey the intensity and mood of the mus…
Minimalism Made Repetition the Subject
Minimalism is a fascinating and influential movement in music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by simplicity, repetition, an…
Why Claude Debussy Never Cared About Music Theory
Claude Debussy was born on August 22, 1862, so writing a post to celebrate seemed appropriate. Debussy was a revolutionary composer who challenged th…
The Hazards of Pedantic Teaching
The ultimate goal of any composer is to create music that moves the listener. However, many students face the challenge of learning from composers wh…