When one composes for solo instrument that is not a keyboard instrument... you are learning and doing more things than writing a monophonic work. You have to think of the various nuances of each instrument and utilize them in a way that makes the piece interesting to the listener. Just writing a piece that has a melody will not cut it. I have been composing for 15 years now - been through college and am now at the start of my career. I know my stuff. Thanks!
Ouch. Just because I have them start with basic and intermediate compositional skills first and NOT extended and advanced first? I think to have a pupil start with composing a work for solo flute FIRST is very, very bad teaching. I mean, come on, you have many nuances you have to pay attention to. And a beginner student will not take all of them into account.
My first lessons in composition dealt with melody - but it was never designed to exclusively deal with one instrument. We talked not only about solo melodies, but also compound melodies that exist in counterpoint. In fact, it was my counterpoint classes that taught me about solo writing, more than any solo-instrument class did.
Yes, melody construction is one of the most important first lessons any student of composition should take. Regardless of your aesthetic or background - a firm foundation will serve any student well!
I would never have my pupils start with a composition for solo instrument unless it were piano or another keyboard. They would learn a lot from a solo instrument exercise, sure, BUT I would want them to first grasp the basics of form and development. Then they can focus there little hearts content on developing a good knowledge of writing for solo instrument (extended performance technique, etc.)
Start with composing for one instrument??? Where are you getting this stuff at? No, you don't start by composing for solo instruments. You start with a firm understanding of music theory. Note values, chords (both basic and advanced), melodic construction, harmony, atonal/tonal differences, etc. Then you compose for small ensembles of 2 - 3 instruments or piano solo. A beginning composer should NEVER write a piece for solo flute or other non-keyboard instrument first!
@TekinOzbekMusic There is no tried and true method for composition. It is one of those weird topics that can't truly be *learnt* by specific methods (unlike piano playing or calculus). Composition requires creative talent and theory. But apart from that, its very open-ended.
BTW, that symphony was written over the course of three years when I was 15-18. I have learned much since then; it is not an accurate depiction of my current skills, and neither is this improvisation.
I agree, his symphony is lacking - but he will never learn the craft if he doesn't compose. And an improvisation is solely that... an improvisation. And criticism is a good thing - when done correctly.
Hmm... and who knows about composition? Obviously, you're replying solely out of anger at another post by Justin and not in regards to this improvisation. This work may not be representative of Justin's style.. BUT.. it does have some positive attributes. The work is very atmospheric - which I think was what he was going for. So, compositionally... he did a good job with this.
@TekinOzbekMusic Tekin, which option? Are you mentally retarded or do you classify yourself as stupid?
wagnerviolist 2 months ago
When one composes for solo instrument that is not a keyboard instrument... you are learning and doing more things than writing a monophonic work. You have to think of the various nuances of each instrument and utilize them in a way that makes the piece interesting to the listener. Just writing a piece that has a melody will not cut it. I have been composing for 15 years now - been through college and am now at the start of my career. I know my stuff. Thanks!
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
Writing for one solo instrument is not going to teach someone monophony. *facepalm*
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
Ouch. Just because I have them start with basic and intermediate compositional skills first and NOT extended and advanced first? I think to have a pupil start with composing a work for solo flute FIRST is very, very bad teaching. I mean, come on, you have many nuances you have to pay attention to. And a beginner student will not take all of them into account.
jawoodruff123 2 years ago 2
My first lessons in composition dealt with melody - but it was never designed to exclusively deal with one instrument. We talked not only about solo melodies, but also compound melodies that exist in counterpoint. In fact, it was my counterpoint classes that taught me about solo writing, more than any solo-instrument class did.
mermaidopera 2 years ago
Yes, melody construction is one of the most important first lessons any student of composition should take. Regardless of your aesthetic or background - a firm foundation will serve any student well!
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
@TekinOzbekMusic European education IS western education.
Was your first composition for solo something BTW?
Tokkemon 2 years ago
I would also like to hear some of your compositions, Mr. Özbek.
mermaidopera 2 years ago
I would never have my pupils start with a composition for solo instrument unless it were piano or another keyboard. They would learn a lot from a solo instrument exercise, sure, BUT I would want them to first grasp the basics of form and development. Then they can focus there little hearts content on developing a good knowledge of writing for solo instrument (extended performance technique, etc.)
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
Start with composing for one instrument??? Where are you getting this stuff at? No, you don't start by composing for solo instruments. You start with a firm understanding of music theory. Note values, chords (both basic and advanced), melodic construction, harmony, atonal/tonal differences, etc. Then you compose for small ensembles of 2 - 3 instruments or piano solo. A beginning composer should NEVER write a piece for solo flute or other non-keyboard instrument first!
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
@TekinOzbekMusic There is no tried and true method for composition. It is one of those weird topics that can't truly be *learnt* by specific methods (unlike piano playing or calculus). Composition requires creative talent and theory. But apart from that, its very open-ended.
BTW, that symphony was written over the course of three years when I was 15-18. I have learned much since then; it is not an accurate depiction of my current skills, and neither is this improvisation.
Tokkemon 2 years ago
I agree, his symphony is lacking - but he will never learn the craft if he doesn't compose. And an improvisation is solely that... an improvisation. And criticism is a good thing - when done correctly.
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
Hmm... and who knows about composition? Obviously, you're replying solely out of anger at another post by Justin and not in regards to this improvisation. This work may not be representative of Justin's style.. BUT.. it does have some positive attributes. The work is very atmospheric - which I think was what he was going for. So, compositionally... he did a good job with this.
jawoodruff123 2 years ago
@TekinOzbekMusic :-)
Tokkemon 2 years ago
Awesome job! Could listen to this all day. :)
I love that "soundtrack" patch, it my favorite patch on my D-50.
Great composition.:) TSF
TheSynthFreq 2 years ago