Easiest/most efficient way to write a piece

[cuberdrift]

Hello there! I'm an intermediate/advanced piano player and I've recently been inspired to write an original composition.

I actually have tampered with this field before, but so far I've only completed one whole original piece - using Sibelius software (known as the 'Carpal Tunnel rag', a 4-minute technically demanding ragtime-based solo piano piece).

Now, however, I think it's better if I actually sat in front of the piano and used the instrument itself for my ideas. However, I'm thinking of creating the final score using Sibelius. I find that the easiest way to create a melodic sequence would be to hum it in one's head - and then transmit it to the instrument. I find trying to create melodies using a piano harder and I'm quite prone to doodling around without really settling for a main melodic sequence/phrase.

So the question is - what would be the most efficient way to be able to preserve my ideas? I know I could just memorize what I'm creating, but I just feel the need to make it permanent on paper. I'm not very good and not very experienced at writing scores on paper and it takes a lot of time to do it - what I would have composed in an hour would take three hours to write on paper as well.

I would also want to know maybe your suggestions on what form I should take - should I first start off with simple songs? I'm planning now to write a rather long 'Ballade' - inspired by Chopin's 1st Ballade in G Minor, where it starts off with a 3/4 rhythm and then launches into a "tango-like" rhythmic sequence to give off that "Spanish" feel I'm craving for, with lots of Lisztian elements/techniques in the process. It's all going to be extremely dramatic. 

What would be your suggestions? Thanks in advance.  

[stevensk]

1) Record it
2) Learn how to write a score!

3) Resist any attempt to write a  "Lisztian elements/techniques" piece if you are new in composition. It will just sound bombastic and dull.

[cuberdrift]

1) Record it
2) Learn how to write a score!

3) Resist any attempt to write a  "Lisztian elements/techniques" piece if you are new in composition. It will just sound bombastic and dull.

But I often improvise in a "Lisztian" way. Do you think it will sound dull if I actually composed one with them?

[awesom_o]

I would also want to know maybe your suggestions on what form I should take - should I first start off with simple songs?

Yes! Start simply, but make a serious attempt to design a musical structure that is both intricate and concise despite it using only simple materials.

Don't try and compose a long piece for solo piano at first. Start with short pieces. Three minutes is a lot of time to fill with original ideas, even if it doesn't seem like much compared to great Sonatas and Symphonies.

Don't try and finish your musical ideas right away. Record them by writing them down. Build your collection of written material substantially. Think of your finished compositions as being essays, and your sketchbook/collection of ideas as being your source material!

[stevensk]

But I often improvise in a "Lisztian" way. Do you think it will sound dull if I actually composed one with them?

Ok..if you improvise in that way, go for it, but as what "awesome" said, start with short pieces

[kaystephaniex]

I prefer to form the melody first and then decorate it.