I usually post here with thoughts and questions related to my kids. But I’ve actually been nursing a dream for a long time and I would love thoughts on how I could pursue it. I want to learn to write music. Specifically, I want to learn to write and orchestrate broadway style music and classical orchestral pieces.
I know almost no background but I have an extremely musical ear. I “hear” music in my head all the time and it just feels like such a waste.
This has been my secret dream for years, but I never had the time to devote to it. So…any advice would be great. Where do I start? Do I just pick up a book and teach myself music theory? (I could self study for the music theory AP - lol). Do I start with learning to play an instrument? (I’m a singer, but never was able to take lessons)
If you think Its too late and that I am deluding myself, I wouldn’t mind hearing the truth. But please be kind about it.
I’ll take a stab at this but I’m no expert, so these are just thoughts and opinions. That said, I have a young adult daughter who actually is a songwriter and also composes/writes original musicals professionally. She did not train in this, but she did train as a musical theater performer.
First, I commend you lots on wanting to start something new and pursue a long time dream or goal. However, I think this is going to be hard given you have no music background at all. I don’t think you could go to graduate school, or at least at this point, because you would have to either audition to get in or submit compositions to get in and you have no experience. But the way I think you could start is to do these things:
Take piano lessons. I really think being able to play piano is a step in learning to understand music theory and to be able to compose music. While my kid was never trained in composing, she took piano for ten years prior to college and through that learned tons of music theory (placed out of the required two years of music theory at her college simply by what she learned with her piano teacher…no AP Music Theory at our HS). She also played a second instrument. You need to understand music, read it, be able to write in notation and so on. Then, once you have learned to play piano somewhat decently (don’t; have to become a master pianist), you could possibly either try composing original songs, or maybe see if there is an adult class or workshop in songwriting you could take. Maybe there is even a songwriter who could mentor you. It is important to get feedback from others when it comes to songwriting. I know my kid has monthly gatherings at her apartment for years where songwriters attend and share their music and provide feedback for one another. Anyway, those are some initial steps I suggest. Writing a musical is different than just writing songs. My D does both, but writing a musical score involves storytelling through music and a lot of knowledge about musicals.
My nephew is pretty accomplished teen composer. Yes to piano. From early on he used a variety of software to write music. Maybe do a little research on a trial software or a beginning composing software. See if there are any community classes in music theory. Or sit in and audit a college music theory class. Watch musicals and study written music.
Terminology for “songwriting” is different from “composing.” It sounds like you want to compose.
One of my kids is a PhD composer but wrote music in high school shortly after a music theory class let her know that she COULD write it down. It is possible to very quickly start writing music, once you have the tools.
find a piano teacher who also teaches theory
study some theory somehow but realize you can write music without a huge amount of sophistication in this; at some point you will want other classes, like orchestration
buy some manuscript paper, I really think it is better to start off with paper and pencil
get Finale or Sibelius and transfer the score on paper to the program so you can “hear” it
5)find a composition teacher
get your music played even if you have to pay!!
Check out the continuing education classes if there is a conservatory or school of music near you, or a community college if that school has a good music dept.
You do not have to even touch an instrument to write music, honestly. Singing should be a good training. I assume you read music when you sing.
Go for it! You may not get into top schools or summer programs or win ASCAP or BMI or whatever, but there is no reason you cannot try this and start off locally getting your work played.
CC parents who have empty nests usually encourage worried, soon to be empty nesters to take up things one has always wanted to do in order to fill the space left by the little bird that has flown. Fulfilling a dream seems like great planning ahead to me!
@gallentjill I see this as a great pursuit for one with an empty nest. I am going back to college for my doctoral degree and I really love it. See the parents going back to college thread for others who are life-long learners. Your dream is so wonderful and self-actualizing as it is something to occupy your mind and soul. Fortunately, wise people here know how to go about this but I would probably first audit a class at one of the world class colleges around me or take something through Coursera. If the work invigorates you, it is a worthwhile pursuit.
I once heard a radio story about a woman whose secret dream was to be a singer like Celine Dion. I think she was a scientist or something unrelated. She started completely from scratch. She hired a voice coach and she did it, including some big performances!
If you end up picking a piano teacher, there are many styles and personalities to choose from. There are also piano teachers who will teach you no more than to be a typist, which is probably not what you want. Be sure to interview them, talk to references, etc. Do you want someone to come to your house or go to them? The Suzuki style may suit you since it is a by-ear method, and that is your strength and where you are starting from, but perhaps not as the curriculum is mainly classical pieces.
I think that’s great! I’d suggest getting a larger 88 key keyboard rather than a piano.
You can learn piano plus have a full orchestra and background rhythms at your fingertips. With a full array of instruments And you can change pitches (which is great as a singer when you have music that’s not quite in your range and not great at transposing readily).
Higher end keyboards have touch control (for more “piano” feel–difference between manual and electric typewriter), recording capabilities for composing and ability to file save and transfer to computer so it can be put on paper (which requires other programs of course) You can do harmonies separate. Having different instruments/voices like strings, brass etc lets you play with the sound (which is so much fun). Instruments all have different pitch tones–fun to learn the differences. A good keyboard is like a playground for experimentation.
Plus a keyboard is not a space hog. (until you start collecting them…)
My present Yamaha (several years old now) was about 500 bucks (bought it at Sams at Christmas one year) and does all of the above. (Don’t lose sight of the instruction book!) (You can get a much cheaper one --it’s the computer stuff that adds to the cost). Smaller keyboards are fun to learn on because they are so portable but find one with good sound quality (Casio makes good ones).
“Learn to Play Keyboards” by Steve Ashworth is a very user friendly way to start off. I’ve used different books to learn and that is the best one I’ve found especially for a beginner. It’ll take you through the basics of reading music, chords, scales, music theory, rhythms of different types music in a very logical progression in short easy lessons.
Traditional piano teachers are NOT keyboard teachers. I took some lessons years ago when I was first interested in learning to play (I could pick out the notes easily but really wanted to learn chording).
I was able to hire a young music teacher from the local school (who loved keyboard) to come over–that was great. You may also find someone through a local music store.
If you’ve got a good ear it shouldn’t take long to be able to play–many players don’t even read music.
Good luck and have fun!
Also look up classes from Coursera–they have (mostly free but not all) courses in music theory and composition.
I took a songwriting class from College of Berklee once that was terrific (free at the time).
Also look up classes from Coursera–they have (mostly free but not all) courses in music theory and composition.
I took a songwriting class from College of Berklee once that was terrific (free at the time).
Also if you’re a singer, have you heard of Sweet Adelines? Look for a chorus near you. It’s acapella music (mostly barbershop) with great harmonies. You don’t have to read music to join.
Very welcoming organization–you can learn music theory and arranging also. Even as a non-member you can look up and buy educational resources.
Barbershop Harmony Society (men’s organization) also has a ton of educational resources.
Check out videos of the International Sweet Adeline contest (I’m third on the left, second row up…)
“You need to understand music theory very well in order to maximize your composing potential, imo.”
True maybe. if that’s all that matters, The key is to enjoy the learning process. Who knows where it leads?
It’s the journey not the final destination that is most important.
Do you have a music conservatory program near you? Many have community outreach programs for children and adults. The ones we were familiar with had both group and private lessons. I second piano lessons with an instructor who can teach theory. Many times grad students are available through conservatories and are amazing.
I didn’t know middle aged moms were allowed to dream. Actually, I have been considering learning coding or some other tech-related skills. I think I would be really good at it, but I sort of stopped dreaming of anything but retirement in the past few years. I am in a position now where my job leaves me no room for a personal life, and things are happening that indicate it will only get worse. My H wants me to quit, but I am honestly not ready to retire yet (he has another 3 years to work for his full already-decimated auto industry pension). Maybe a new career is in my near future, too, @gallentjill . Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks everyone for the wonderful suggestions! I do read music from singing and I think I will definitely start with learning some key board skills. I think it would be great to take lessons if I can find the right teacher. I’ll keep everyone posted!
Absolutely yes to piano lessons. Much more than with other instruments, the piano shows you music theory, mostly because you can (and do) play multiple notes at the same time.
Good luck! I think it is great you want to pursue this interest.
Actually, I have been considering learning coding or some other tech-related skills. I think I would be really good at it, but I sort of stopped dreaming of anything but retirement in the past few years. I am in a position now where my job leaves me no room for a personal life, and things are happening that indicate it will only get worse. My H wants me to quit, but I am honestly not ready to retire yet (he has another 3 years to work for his full already-decimated auto industry pension). Maybe a new career is in my near future, too,