So I'm starting to compose. Theory???

[chopinlover01]

What theory is needed? I know all the basic stuff, (rhythm, time, key signatures, all that), plagal, half, and deceptive cadences, and some basic chord progressions (I-IV-ii-vi-V7-I, etc), as well as the basic forms for different kinds of music (sonata, rondo, etc). What else do I need to know, and what are some good websites for learning it?
If anyone here lives in Oregon, I'm at an OMTA (Oregon Music Teachers Association) level 6, if that helps.
Also, I know all 12 major and 36 minor scales, as well as dorian and phrygian modes.

[chopinlover01]

Just a quick edit, I know about Authentic cadences as well, forgot to put that in, sorry.
Also, is it common for classical/romantic composers to use arpeggios of chords that go in standard chord progressions?

[m1469]

Remember, you are working within a structure of a certain tonality.  Even music which has reached beyond diatonic scales, as an outgrowth from or reaction to tonality, is still actually reliant upon the system of tonality being in existence (and having been in existence for some time) in order for non-tonality to have the desired effect.  

Everything exists in relation to everything else ... *nods off* zzzzzzz

I am too tired and it feels too hard to try to unwind my thoughts.

[quantum]

Do you know what you want to write?  Do you feel you are able to communicate the ideas in your head?  Do you feel that you can bridge the gap between the idea and a form of codified music, such as a score, improvisation, or performance?  I would suggest these are more pertinent questions to ask oneself when one is getting started. 

Theory enables you to write in a specific style and direct the music to sound in a specific manner, all according to the rules you choose to apply.  Theory does not make music itself.  Theory is a manner of describing common tendencies in a given style of music.  While important, it is not necessary to have a complete grip on theory in order to start creating music. 

I'd suggest you begin working on your flow of ideas.  Start writing music, and do so regardless of its adherence to any particular theoretical camp.  You may find some of it sounds good, while some of it does not. The point is that you are actually creating, and not fussing about technicalities.  One needs to get past the initial anxieties of writing "correct" music, and more importantly start of by just writing music.  As one gains skill in writing, one can then begin to refine one's writing skill. 

[coda_colossale]

Do you know what you want to write?  Do you feel you are able to communicate the ideas in your head?  Do you feel that you can bridge the gap between the idea and a form of codified music, such as a score, improvisation, or performance?  I would suggest these are more pertinent questions to ask oneself when one is getting started. 

Theory enables you to write in a specific style and direct the music to sound in a specific manner, all according to the rules you choose to apply.  Theory does not make music itself.  Theory is a manner of describing common tendencies in a given style of music.  While important, it is not necessary to have a complete grip on theory in order to start creating music. 

I'd suggest you begin working on your flow of ideas.  Start writing music, and do so regardless of its adherence to any particular theoretical camp.  You may find some of it sounds good, while some of it does not. The point is that you are actually creating, and not fussing about technicalities.  One needs to get past the initial anxieties of writing "correct" music, and more importantly start of by just writing music.  As one gains skill in writing, one can then begin to refine one's writing skill. 

This.
And study other's music.

[lelle]

Study the analysis of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatonic_function. I think it's indespensable to learning how composers constructed their music and how the different chord progressions actually work. Knowing this will help you in constructing your own progressions, and also how you can vary them while still making it sound good, rather than just learning a myriad pre-made progressions (though those have their place too, for sure). It can sound a bit boring if it's just basic I-IV-V7-I stuff so knowing how you can vary those is very useful.

[ted]

Excellent reply from quantum, as we have come to expect. Says it all really.

[stillofthenight]

I don't want to hijack this thread but I am sort of in the same situation. I know a lot of basic theory and all I am able to do as of now is compose very short phrases such as 4 bar phrases. I mean it is nothing special but I really enjoy what I come up with. I write my ideas over drum tracks so it sort of is in a popular style. When I get stuck I just leave it alone but worry if I will be able to add to it. Basically I am just recording random phrases as ideas for a whole piece.

[coda_colossale]

I don't want to hijack this thread but I am sort of in the same situation. I know a lot of basic theory and all I am able to do as of now is compose very short phrases such as 4 bar phrases. I mean it is nothing special but I really enjoy what I come up with. I write my ideas over drum tracks so it sort of is in a popular style. When I get stuck I just leave it alone but worry if I will be able to add to it. Basically I am just recording random phrases as ideas for a whole piece.

I'm probably not a better composer than you but I'll tell you what I do:
First of all, 4 bars is not very short. It is VERY difficult to compose a 4 bar single-voice motive that you like. You can make it easier by studying counterpoint, but don't be bound by rules. They are meant to give you freedom, not hinder your creativity.
The most important thing I've learned from my little and incompetent compsing experience is that, that strategy won't work. You'll end up with some kind of a medley, or you're thinking of composing a rather long music, something so pointlessly complicated that, it will be incomprehensible to the listener, or even you. You should have a clear structure. If you already have a planned structure like Introduction-ABACABA-Coda (Symmetrical Rondo), all you have to do is be creative. And if you know about chord progressions and cadences it will be even easier.

[Bob]

You could also find someone writing in a similar style to what you want and study their music.  Then you'll know how things work for what they're doing.  Copy what you want and adjust.

[coda_colossale]

You could also find someone writing in a similar style to what you want and study their music.  Then you'll know how things work for what they're doing.  Copy what you want and adjust.

Everyone starts like that