WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO LEARN
When most people think of a composer, they imagine someone sitting in a dusty attic with a grand piano, big white wig, and the year is 1800.
Here is a list of some of the topics we will cover:
- My background, and listen to some of my music
- What you need to know
- Myths of the composer
- Tools of the trade: Software
- Tools of the trade: Pencils and fine paper
- How do you start?
- The process
- Program music and metaphors
- Character sketches
- Writing through canon
- Form
- Starting with a plan
- Graphic form representations
- Film Music and Tension Cues
- Composing for Films and Games
- Any much, much, more!
01
Introduction & Welcome
free
Welcome to Music Composition 101!
Introduction & Welcome
My Background
Let’s talk frankly about music composition
02
What You Need To Know
There are a lot of myths about what skills it takes to be a composer. Let’s talk about the key stills you need to know to start writing music successfully.
Music Theory
Music Notation
Music Software and Technology
An Example of Music Technology
Music History
03
Misconceptions
You might be nervous to start a career in composition because you can’t “hear music in your head” or some other myth. Let’s talk through some of these in this section.
“I Can’t Hear Music in My Head”
“I Can’t Write Down What I Hear”
“What if I Run Out of Ideas?”
Writers Block
04
What Comes First?
The first note of a composition is always the hardest. In this section I’ll walk through some of my favorite techniques for getting started.
Some Excerpts from My Other Classes
What Comes First?
F Sharp!
Program Music and Metaphore
Download: Symphony Fantastique
Character Sketches
Free Writing
Canon
Good Composers Borrow…
05
Form
When students are just getting started in music composition, they often leave the form of a piece as an overlooked element. Starting a piece with an idea for the Form can set the piece up for success.
What is Form?
Different Forms
Start With a Plan
Graphic Representations of Form
06
The Business of Composing
Let’s talk about getting gigs, making money, and finding a living in the music composition industry.
General Thoughts
Getting Gigs
Building a Portfolio
Find Film Makers
Don’t Be Afraid of Free
More You Can Do
07
Wrap Up
Some parting works before we wrap up!
What’s Next?
We’ve Only Scratched The Surface!
But Wait! There’s More!
Certificate of Completion
Dr. J. Anthony Allen
Music PhD, Producer, Composer, Instructor, Professor, Author, & Ableton Certified Trainer.
ABOUT
Dr. Allen is a professional musician, top-rated online instructor, and university professor. In 2017 the Star Tribune featured him as a “Mover and a Shaker,” and he is recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes. He currently teaches at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, Slam Academy, and Punkademic Courses.
