This month's blog post sounds a little daunting but is really a probing question to ask those of us who write and arrange music. Those of you who have other interests would also be wise to entertain this thought for your artistry.
One time many years ago my Mom asked out loud: "How do people come up with new melodies? I would think there has to be a limit of how many different ideas people can come up with."
That is a great question!
As I've thought of that question over the years, I've realized there really is no end to what one can come up with.
Let's probe the question at the start of this article a little more with some background.
When I was growing up, there was a revolution of new music. One could listen to the Motown sounds like Dianna Ross and the Supremes or the Temptations, hard rock like the Doors or Steppenwolf, Acid Rock like Pink Floyd or the Grateful Dead, Heavy Metal like Deep Purple, Folk music from Peter, Paul, & Mary or John Denver, or New Age from the 5th Dimension. There were also the Pop icons the Beatles and Elton John.
Some of these groups are still performing to this day. Others have even expanded their playing horizons. Look to Elton John who performed with Lady Gaga as an example.
My point in asking this question is: How do you as a composer come up with a tune that you can put to music? Or maybe you could ask: What's your motivation?
The motivation I have is my love for Jesus Christ. He is the reason I compose, arrange, and play the music I do. Without that love from Him, I don't know where I'd be. So what is your motivation and how do you express it?
Let's then talk a minute about tools.
Every musician needs to be familiar with modern day tools that are available through various distribution outlets.
One of the top notation tools that I use is called: MuseScore. MuseScore is by far the best tool that I've seen around and was developed by musicians for musicians. It's also free!
Like any tool, it takes time and effort to get the hang of it. But, if you chip away little-by-little, you can learn it.
Next would be a music recording tool or digital audio workstation (DAW). Of all the tools used for recording these days, the one that I use is Studio One by Presonus.
Studio One version 2, 3, or 4 Professional has A LOT of features and takes a long time to get to know. Once you do though, you will thoroughly enjoy its ease of use. Like all DAWs, you can add on instrumentation or buy plug-ins.
There are other DAWs. One that's very good is from Steinberg and is called CuBase 10.
Disclaimer: These are NOT endorsements; they're merely examples of what I use or am aware of.
The final thing you'll need is a website. You must have a distribution channel to get your music out there.
If you notice above, all of the legacy and modern performers have a website. It's just the way we expose the world to our music. It's the best way to get noticed.
For a better understanding of web hosting, read my blog post titled: Hosting is the mostest from January, 2019. It may not answer all of your questions, but it can provide some food for thought.
Let me know if you have any questions about this or if Gentle Haven Music Web Design can help you.
Blessings,
- Matt
