Composing..?

[kentar]

I've been wanting to compose for a great deal of time now but the only thing preventing me from doing so is.. where to start? I have an adequate knowledge of theory though not very extensive. I'm just unsure if there are certain guide lines I need to follow (I am aware of progressions.. Etc). Is composing really as simple as writing on paper what sounds nice..? I imagine that's too simple of answer. If someone could shed some light on this I'd be very appreciative!

[musicluvr49]

Hello,

I recently made a topic like this in the "Anything But Piano" Forum, if you wanna check it out. I think you could find some useful information.

[pianissimo123]

Do you want to know what the secret formula to a pretty decent composition? It's really quite easy.
Qualities of nice compositions~
1.They may have two different keys(complementary scales).. (relative major and relative minor)
2. 1, 3 .5 Chord progressions etc.
3.Catchy melody line
4.Nice reoccuring theme
5.Reassuring denoument and, to tie it together,
6.A nice cadence. (5-1 Chord progressions are always your safest bet. )
*Although you can try and see what works for you.

Now to explain. I'll try to give you an example in the key of C major.
Your main key would be C+. You could begin in this key, then switch to the complementary minor key Which would be A minor, then resolve your song by going back to C+ and so forth.
In a  C scale the 1 chord is C (C,E,G), the 3 chord is E(E,G,B) and the 5 chord is G(G,B,D).
When you write your song, go through both of your scales and find your 1,3, and 5 chords. This will help you in figuring out the left hand. With your melody, try to incorporate patterns and a nice flow of thought. Use reoccuring themes to build on your composition. 
___

*Now this might sound lame, but here's what I do..
I look for new sounds/combinations every where around me. Everytime I find something I like, I write it down ,play it ,or record it. Then I go back and use it to construct a main theme or composition. I go on to edit it like crazy, filling in the gaps gradually. I always write out my compositions on paper with alphabet letters , accompanied by any notes on fingering I need to remember.It certainly helps.
Spontaniety is also very important. Let your ideas flow freely. I find composing is more fun at night as opposed to the day. Try recording any little idea you may have. Then go back and edit it.
And no matter what..don't worry. Don't think that your stuff is silly or dumb...because even if it is a snippet of some little tune, it's still yours.  Your ideas, your fun..your enjoyment....who you are. 
So , sorry about my rambling on and so forth, I hope this helps.
And no matter what happens, don't ever give up. EVER.
All the best....

[scottmcc]

shouldn't it be 1,4,5?  that's the most common/famous chord progression.  of course, to make it more dramatic, you could throw in a little 6minor here and there...but then again, so would everyone else.

for instance....

1  5  6min 4 5 4 1  = let it be by the beatles

[sfkrystal]

Start simple if you don't already have something in your head wanting to get out. Look up the common chord progressions on wikipedia and play with them in different keys - all together, one note at a time starting with the 1st, or the 3rd, or the 5th, etc. Accidents that sound good can turn into songs. In the beginning, don't worry about the forms. Just get used to allowing a tune/melody to come through playing, write what you hear, and add notes to emphasize the chords and movement.

If nothing else, listening to music, analyzing what you like, and emulating it will put your brain into "composing mode," where you'll be open to inspired music (the good, original stuff). Studying music theory and forms (like sonatina, fugue, etc) can be a helpful part of analyzing. Listen, write, and play a lot, and don't expect everything you produce to be exceptional - just get used to the process, and keep at it.