Hello,

Can you please comment on what I have composed so far? Any suggestions on how to improve them are welcomed.

http://mariam.ae/composing/music1.mp3
http://mariam.ae/composing/music2.mp3

Completed versions can be found inside the thread. Please, have a listen to the completed versions[/b]

Sounds like a good start for compositions.

But it sounds like your holding down the sustain pedal thru chord changes.

Thanks jw7480 for your comment.

Other comments! No?

Miriam, I'm just a beginner in this arena and don't have a lot of suggestions. However, two thoughts:

1. I may be totally off base but the chord progressions of both these samples seem very similar. (even though they're in different keys, obviously). Also, they seem to kinda go where you'd "expect" them to go, if you know what I mean. Maybe as you fill it out and make them longer you might try taking them in different directions; play around with putting a different chord in place of the ones that "seem" the first, most likely place to go. (I hope you understand what I mean by that). So, for example in the first one, instead of C# minor to A to B to C# minor (I think that was it), maybe just for kicks try C# minor to A# (1st inversion so just move the c# and e down a step), then move those two lower notes down another step keeping the g# still on the top (I guess that's g# dim. 1st inversion), then F#. I admit, this sounds a bit cliche, just trying to give one example of some alternate ways to change chords and mix it up a bit. Of course your melody wouldn't be the same with that progression.

2. The rolling bass line sounds lovely for awhile, esp. on a nice full sound like you have, but can get repetitious..as you extend these samples maybe play around more with how you use the left hand.

Keep on going with these! They are pretty

The melody and the chord progressions are nice enough, but I'm puzzled by the meter. It seems random. I don't mind a changing or complicated metrical structure, but I can't really make heads or tails of what's going on in the first piece.

Is there a metric plan?

I agree with Kreisler.. The first piece is hard to follow due to changing meter, however both song chord progressions are lovely.. The possibilities of bridge melodies are endless, so have some fun..let these songs really "open up"..

I'd love to hear the completed versions! Thanks for sharing!

musiccr8r [/b] It seems that I am in the wrong place! I could not understand most of your post; simply because I don't know anything about reading piano scores, similarly for the other posts. All what I picked up is that I need to make a variation in my melodies.. What is the "metric plan", btw?

Miriam, don't worry about it. Metric plan, in this case, I think would refer to how many beats you have per measure or how the beats are organized. (sorry to put words in your mouth Kreisler if that is incorrect) So, for example, where do you tap your toes when you listen? After reading that post I listened again and you kinda played two or three beats before your melody started in the right hand, then you had what seemed like three beats as it did the descending line, but when you got to the part where the melody holds a longer note, it seemed like there were 4 beats after that, then three again, ... it got a touch random. There's no reason why you can't do 3 and then 4 in a pattern (7/4 or whatever), just that it was hard to follow because it didn't always have a precisely repeating "pulse".

As for my post, forget the chord stuff and think of it this way: to my ear (and others may disagree) the harmonies/chords you chose (primarily determined by your left hand) seemed like they were ...I guess "predictable" is the only word I can think of. Almost like, oh, I've heard that before. Maybe if you are familiar with "Les MIserables", you might think the first song's chords would remind you a lot of "Empty chairs and empty tables" or whatever that song is called. If it makes you feel any better that's the #1 frustration I have when I try to write!!! "Oh, gee, this sounds just like ______". Makes it hard to feel original. So I was just encouraging you to play around with your chords (again, thinking left hand, for the most part) and try something totally unexpected! I just posted some music too...one of my favorites in the set I posted is "lion tamer" but it wasn't until much later that it hit me...this has a LOT in common with the parade (I think it's called) in Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals. But hey, whattya gonna do, it's written, I didn't intend to rip off poor Camille, so I kept it.

It's hard work isn't it?

PS if you get these filled out and complete but don't know how to notate you could post them again and I'd notate them for you if you like. If I can determine the "metric plan", that is! ha

Miriam, your second example is definitely 4/4 time. The first example was probably intended as 4/4 also. I think your playing on the first one was kind of ad-lib (whether intentional or not) - which makes it difficult to decipher the meter.

Pretty music, though predictable - which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

You have the theme established; now it needs to be developed - which is where it has the opportunity to leave the predictability stage.

Best, John

Thanks musiccr8r[/b], I think I understood what is the metric plan, but not sure if I could follow it when it comes to composing. Is it necessary to have a specific metric plan?

My knowledge in music theory field is al most zero, but now -at least- I know what is the "metric plan" BTW, can you please tell the name of any melody that has a random pattern, if any of course?

And thanks for clarifying your previous post

I will do my best, and post them again.

1) Listen to more than just Chopin and Lizst

2) Be original and use the piano to it's fullest potential.

3) Try composing by ear first. I think what's happening is your sitting at the piano to compose, so you'll always start from the same place and your brain will continue to make similar musical moves. Always challenge your writing.

4) Work out how new harmonies can be created. Try to compose without using arpeggios.

5) Melody is not as important as you think. Trust me. Think about tone colour, rhythm, tonal balance and structure.

I'm a beginner myself, so take this with a grain of salt... I really like the first piece; I think it has a lot of potential. I would love to hear the whole thing when you get it finished. As was mentioned, the possibilities of a bridge here are endless. That will change it up. Also, it really does sound like something I've heard before, so make sure that you "mix it up" with your additions. Overall, I really like the melody and I think you're off to a good start.

dave

Hello everybody,

I worked on my compositions the few months ago and ended with the following complete versions:

For music1
Final version:
http://mariam.ae/composing/lastwords.mp3

For music2
Final version1:
http://mariam.ae/composing/jasmine-shadow.mp3
Final version2:
http://mariam.ae/composing/comp4a.mp3

I know that there is some issues with pedaling techniques (sustain pedal), but I am a beginner and try doing my best. My background in music theory is still zero. Please have a listen to my attempts and let me know your comments.

Miriam

Miriam, great improvement! Starting to sound good.

Your music 1 final version is beautiful. I like the chord progressions.

Thanks Joe! I am really happy to hear this.

No other comments?

I thought music 1 was really good, and strong. I really liked it alot. The other two sound like variations on the theme, the theme being the chord progressions. In a different key, of course. But, if you can write 3 peices and get 1 keeper out of them, you're doing great! I'll write ten and throw away every one! Haha. Good job.

Thanks for your comment, I was little bit desperate since I received only one response for music one (Last words ...). What you said about music 2 and its variations is absolutely right.

Well, the word "write" is not accurate for my situation, even though, I'd like to be able to write my compositions. I just play them as I wanted them to be (of course, not exactly). If you could help on notating my composition, then just let me know.

Again, thanks a lot for spending few minutes listening to my compositions.

Miriam