Guide to music composition

Introduction

What is composition in music?

Composition is one of the key stages in the process of creating a piece of music, complementing production and arrangement. Theoretically, it’s even the first stage, laying the foundations for the piece of music.

But computer music has turned this process on its head, and for the vast majority of modern musical styles, the 3 stages are now carried out almost simultaneously. To create a musical work, you need to master the concepts of melody, harmony and rhythm. These elements form the basis on which a composition is built.

Definition and Constituent Elements

Musical composition is a discipline that revolves around several essential elements. Among them, the motif is fundamental. It is similar to a word in the musical language, representing the smallest set with meaning, whether melodic, rhythmic or both. This basic cell serves as a foundation on which composers build more elaborate works.

In addition, the musical structure is crucial to give coherence to the work. It is composed of elements such as:

• The melody, which establishes the main theme
• The harmony, enriching the melody with chords
• The rhythm, structuring the musical time

The interaction of these elements makes it possible to create captivating and expressive compositions. A concrete example is the use of rhythm to energize a work, as found in Beethoven’s compositions. Composers thus play with these elements to convey emotions and deep messages.

Different Forms of Composition

The forms of musical composition are varied and meet different expressive needs. Among the most common is the binary form, made up of two distinct sections, A and B, often repeated. The ternary form, on the other hand, follows an ABA pattern, allowing a return to the first section after an intermediate variation.

The sonata, very popular in classical music, is broken down into several distinct movements, often three or four. Each movement explores a particular theme, thus offering a richness of expression. The rondo, with its A-B-A-C-A structure, uses a recurring refrain interspersed with contrasting sections.

Free forms such as the fantasy or the impromptu, for example, leave more room for improvisation and the composer’s imagination, thus creating a unique work with each performance. These forms allow artists to express their creativity in an original and expressive way.

How to compose music?

Even if some self-taught people compose with great ease, to start in musical composition, it is preferable to acquire skills in music theory. Music theory allows you to acquire a rich vocabulary and to broaden the fields of possibilities to have the keys to be able to give free rein to your creativity. This knowledge will allow you to better structure your ideas and bring your creations to life. It is also essential to practice regularly in order to develop your own style.

Here are some steps to progress:

Regular practice: devote time each day to experimenting.

Observation of works: analyze existing compositions to understand their structure.

Use of computer music: software such as Ableton or FL Studio can facilitate the arrangement and orchestration of your pieces, notation software such as Musescore will allow you to create professional quality scores.

In addition, participating in workshops or courses can enrich your experience. These sessions allow you to exchange with other composers and refine your skills. Finally, recording your creations will help you assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Composition Methods and Techniques

To compose effectively, explore different methods that stimulate your creativity. Start by improvising on your favorite instrument to generate original ideas. Experiment with chord progression, a technique that lays a solid foundation for developing a captivating melody.

When you’re looking for inspiration, try the loop method: create a repeating chord sequence that serves as a backdrop for your melody. Don’t be afraid to add rhythmic variations to enrich your composition. Here are some approaches to consider:

Jam session for group improvisation, ideal for jazz

Harmonize an existing melody to give it a new dimension

Use a sample to integrate new sounds

These techniques allow you to explore different musical styles and develop your own artistic signature. By practicing regularly, you will refine your style and enrich your creative palette.

Rules of Music Composition

In the field of music composition, several fundamental rules guide composers in creating harmonious and expressive works. These rules include concepts such as harmony, counterpoint, and formal structure.

In harmony, it is essential to respect certain conventions to ensure the fluidity of chord progressions. For example, avoiding consecutive fifths and octaves is crucial to maintaining the independence of the voices. Counterpoint, on the other hand, focuses on the art of superimposing several melodic lines while preserving their coherence. It promotes a dynamic interaction between the voices, thus enriching the musical texture.

Formal structure, such as that of the sonata or rondo, provides a framework within which musical ideas can evolve. It guides the composer in organizing the work, allowing for a logical and captivating progression. Finally, improvisation and the invention of new forms are encouraged to stimulate creativity and explore new musical avenues.

How to start composing?

To begin composing music, start by asking yourself a few questions to clarify the idea you want to develop. Choose an approach that inspires you, whether it’s creating a melody, a bass line, or a chord progression.

Here are some ideas to guide you:

Find a chord progression that resonates with your current emotions.

Improvise on an instrument to explore melodic patterns.

Use computer composition tools to experiment with sounds and structures.

Regular practice is key. Record your attempts to track your progress. This will help you refine your style and discover what works best for you.

Online courses and training for music composition

To master music composition, many online platforms offer courses adapted to different levels and objectives.

Polyphonies, for example, offers modules to acquire skills in writing and arrangement, with personalized monitoring by an experienced composer. Udemy, meanwhile, allows you to learn various styles, whether for film music or the use of composition software.

Among the free options, My Mooc offers a selection of online courses to discover music theory and other essential aspects of composition.

For those who want teaching focused on the practice of MAO, courses are available to learn on your own equipment.

These courses provide the knowledge necessary to progress in music composition, while adapting to your schedule and your learning pace.

The importance of online courses

Online courses offer valuable flexibility for budding musicians, allowing them to learn at their own pace. They offer access to a variety of educational resources, often updated, and sometimes offer personalized follow-up with music professionals.

With varied modules, they cover essential aspects such as musical writing, arrangement and instrumental practice.

Another advantage of online courses is the possibility of benefiting from rapid feedback on work, which accelerates learning.

Finally, access to a network of other students allows for enriching exchanges and stimulates creativity.

These courses are therefore an excellent way to learn or improve the art of musical composition, without geographical constraints.

The best online composition schools

To study musical composition online, several schools stand out for the quality of their teaching and the diversity of their programs. Here are some interesting options:

Polyphonies: This school has been offering writing and composition courses since 1999, with personalized follow-up by experienced composers.

Udemy: It offers a wide range of courses adapted to different musical styles, whether for composing film music or using specialized software.

SAE Institute: Known for its Master’s degree in composition and music production, this school combines technical teaching with a creative approach.

Subsonik Academy: Ideal for those interested in electronic music production, with flexible training courses accessible throughout France.

These schools allow you to acquire solid skills while adapting to your own pace.

Free training in music creation: is it possible?

It is quite possible to follow a free training course in music composition. There are many tutorials, especially on YouTube. Several online platforms also offer resources accessible to all. Here are some interesting options:

MOOC My Mooc: a platform that lists different free courses adapted to your needs in music.

Musiclassroom on YouTube: offers free tutorials and courses to develop your musical skills.

Music composition software

Computer music has become essential in music creation. Music composition software is essential for any modern composer. It offers a variety of tools to help create unique musical works, each with its own unique characteristics.

Free Software Overview

The world of music composition is full of free software that makes it easy to create without the need for an initial investment. Among the free options, Audacity and MuseScore stand out for their accessibility. Audacity, well-known for audio editing, is ideal for beginners looking to record and edit audio tracks. MuseScore, on the other hand, offers advanced features for writing scores.

Here are a few options to consider to enrich your musical journey:

LMMS: Ideal for beginners, this cross-platform software offers a wide range of tools for composing and mixing.

Tracktion Waveform Free: This powerful tool allows you to create songs with advanced features while remaining accessible.

BandLab: Available on many devices, it offers a user-friendly interface for recording, mixing and collaborating online.

MuseScore: Perfect for writing scores, it allows you to create and print your compositions from various operating systems.

These software programs are valuable resources to unleash your creativity and explore different facets of computer-assisted music, whether you are a novice or an experienced composer.

Professional music software: a necessary investment?

For those looking for professional solutions, the offer is plentiful. Ableton Live, appreciated for electronic music, allows great flexibility in mixing and composing in real time. Logic Pro is known for its intuitive handling, as well as for the many virtual instruments and high-quality effects provided with the software. Cubase, Pro Tools

These software thus offer solutions adapted to different musical styles and levels of experience.

Investing in professional software for music composition may seem expensive, but the benefits are significant. This software allows you to significantly improve the quality of your productions, thanks to advanced features and powerful tools. They offer precise control over every aspect of creation, from mixing to arrangement, which is essential for a professional result.

In summary, although the initial investment can be high, professional software is essential for music composers wishing to achieve high standards in their creation.

Books help the composer in training

Books play an essential role in learning to compose music. They offer varied perspectives and practical advice that help develop a personal style. Among the useful works, some stand out for their original and simplified approach.

Here are some examples of recommended books to enrich your skills:

“Read Music in 30 Days”: ideal for beginners, this book makes music theory accessible and fun.

“Musical Composition: Essential Practical Sheets”: a visual toolbox, focused on diagrams and tables.

“Composition for All”: offers a method that combines classical harmony and jazz, facilitating access to musical writing.

These books are valuable resources for exploring complex musical concepts in a fun way. They allow you to understand the foundations of composition while stimulating creativity through concrete examples.

Protecting your musical composition: how and why?

Protecting your musical composition is essential to guarantee the recognition and remuneration of your creations. Several ways exist to ensure this protection:

Deposit with SACEM: By becoming a member, you protect your works and receive royalties on their use.

Soleau envelope from INPI: This deposit allows you to prove the anteriority of your compositions.

Online platforms: Services such as MaPreuve offer digital deposits to guarantee the integrity and anteriority of your creations.

Blockchain: Innovative solutions use blockchain to provide permanent proof of your paternity.

For example, depositing a song with SACEM provides you with legal protection in the event of a dispute. In addition, using a platform such as Musicstart can simplify the process thanks to digital technology, offering you fast and reliable protection. Thus, securing your works allows you to focus on creativity without worrying about the risks of plagiarism.