My Approach

Hello there! Clearly, trying to compose a piece when I’m not sure where to even begin is going to be a difficult task. I need to break it down into steps in order to make this the easiest and most concise process as possible. So, what does my plan of action look like?

Step 1: Figure out what kind of piece I want to write.

• I need to decide the instrumentation, as well as if I want to write a solo or an ensemble.
• I’ll try to do a sample of each, but depending on the complexity I’m aiming for

Step 2: Research what software to use as I draft the piece.

• Something free!
• Online, it seems my main options are Note Flight and Muse Score, as well as some programs developed by community contributors.

Step 3: My intention + foundation

• What am I trying to make my audience feel?
• This can come across with my key/key signature. I need to listen to a variety of minor/major keys and decide which one/ones I’ll use.
• I need to pick a time signature as well.
• Another factor is the tempo I want for the piece.

Step 4: Structure

• How will the piece progress?
• What repeating themes/sections will I have?
• Ex: An intro going into the melody, a new section, melody again… etc.

Step 5: Melody

• What’s my main melody/theme?
• What is my piece centered around?

Step 6: Writing

• Keeping the information I learn in mind, I’ll attempt to think up note sequences and lines of technique.
• This will be a process where I create multiple drafts and go chunk by chunk, following the pattern I have decided on.
• I’ll also have to research pieces to see how the notes connect, as well as use them to guide my own writing.

Step 7: Editing

• I’ll use the program to run my piece digitally and look out for obvious errors and awkward sounding sequences
• I’ll change sequences and notes depending on what I think is best

Step 8: Refinement

• This will be the step where I add more nuance to my piece.
• Things like: articulation, dynamics, adjusting phrasing, tempo markings, etc.

Step 9: More Testing

• I’ll run the piece again and see how it sounds.
• I may also play it on my flute to see how it feels underneath my fingers.

This is a rough plan for now, and I might change it as I actually begin to write my piece. Right now, I’ll be focusing on finishing Steps 1-4, perhaps even starting on 5, in the next two weeks or so. I hope to make significant progress and report what discoveries and/or issues I run into on the way.

✿