Composing Rules?

[Ruro]

Hey all, I have finaly begun piano lessons! Infact I had my second one today... and my teacher has asked I try composing in the book little book I got.

I never attempted this, because I got the idea there are specific structures to writing, especially likes Chords and stuff... but if she is asking this of me (and she knows I don't know this chord stuff)... how do I do this?

On the other hand, I could be completely wrong, and the great composers that we love so much actually just sat around tinkling on the piano non stop hitting "close to random" sets of keys. I say close to random because I presume you get an ear for note combinations in the end ~_~

Overall, I don't know :/ She asked for simple melody on the right hand, and the most basic accompanient on the left... but I can play some more difficult pieces now, and not sure how far to go without defying the laws of music Unless I shouldn't be worrying about it at this stage...? Nice to get it right and make an impression though

[happyface94]

Most composers did not just sit there. They most likely already had the full melody and set of notes in their head. I know exactly how I want a certain note to sound in my head before I actually write it down.

Composers finished their huge piece in less than a few days, don't tell me they spent it any  hours hitting random keys.

[Nightscape]

Actually, I bet that most of the composers did play around with random notes on the piano, either as children or for experimentation.  Even Mozart was said to have had fun with thirds and sixths as a child.

If you're talking about improvisation, it is a vital part to any composer.  Few composers (even the greats) could just "write" thier pieces in full in a few days.  Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, Wagner, Debussy, Ravel, and Bartok are all examples of composers who labored endlessly over thier pieces, revising and revising until the end product was perfect.  The piano can often act as a guide to composition - to make sure the ideas in your head sound the same in real life, and also to make sure that what you're writing is pianistic (although as I understand some composers chose not to use this option...).   But a constant reliance on improvisation and the piano will lead you to write often what your fingers are used to, and not what your mind can create.

[gorbee natcase]

forget any bolloks you think you know if you think you can write a tune then write it. it is your duty.

[Etude]

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[Ruro]

Heya people, perhaps this time the Forum will let me reply to my topic!!

First off, sorry happyface94 if I hit a nerve, it wasn't my intention >_< *pleads for forgiveness!*

And to the rest of you... besides the Concert fellow, dunno why people do that I thank you too ^_^ I have actually just got back from my keyboard to have composed my first ever piece >_< I wonder if it's Ironic that I can't play it perfectly already? I generally got it though

Thanks people, I will take your advice, which I summerize to: Don't hesitate to compose! ^_^

[happyface94]

It is normal that your first piece is hard to play. I cannot play the 1rst piece that I have started (only got 3 minutes so far).  I have also composed other easier pieces but that 1rst piece is near impossible, my cousin agrees that the pros could probably not either.