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Hi. I'm looking forward to sharing a love of the piano and also looking for help and advice. Because of age issues I can no longer memorize music. And realistically, my playing ability and technique aren't going to improve much, if at all. So I've decided to change my expectations and goals, rather than lower them. I would like to learn how to write my own compositions and arrangements at a level that I can play and that sound good to me. I include improvisation here also, but at my own level which is early intermediate at best.

Recently someone posted a link to a song (on another web site) asking if anyone could I.D. it. No one could, but I liked it so much I transcribed it so I could play it.
Here's a link to my playing of my transcription of this simple piece:
Unidentified Tune

If anyone else likes this music it would be great if we could discuss what it is, exactly, that we like about it. That would give me ideas about how to write similar music. I've already started a chord analysis of it. Would anyone like to join me in a thorough analysis?

Is anyone else dealing with similar issues? The options seem to be composition (including improvisation) and arranging or becoming whiz bang sight readers. But sight reading requires quick thinking also and that ability, like memory, diminishes over time.

SF

Hi Sunny welcome to the Forum - it may help you to post in the Composers Forum.

Follow you dreams, play a tune or two, compose and all those good things. Let us know how it goes.

Welcome to the forum, SunnyFriday! I like the idea of changing your aspirations to the one that matters the most in the long run: Playing the kind of music that gives you the most pleasure. I know that is what I aim for in my piano journey. I don't care in the least if I can't play the classical repertoire or do trills etc. But I enjoy what I'm doing, and it sounds like you are, too.

Welcome SunnyFriday

Welcome sunnyfriday. That was nicely played. Keep up the good work doing what you love.

Welcome SunnyFriday! I love the way you have reframed your goals. Look forward to chatting with you on the forum

Welcome Sunny...
Liked your piece.
Liked your post. I am sort of along the same lines as yourself. I wish to compose someday. I know I'll never become any John Williams. Simpler pieces are for me. To get and record the basis of the song. Only voice and piano. Something that could easily be expanded upon.
My only problem is that I'm learning so much right now. My teacher has me wrapped up in much understanding. Then throwing me in the deep end of the pool at the end of the lesson. Leaves me going through my theory books. Trying out things on the keyboard. Learning how to play my piano. I'm only a one year student so far. He also don't let up on playing well. Basically.... I'm having to stay focused on what my teacher gives me. There isn't any of me left over for focusing on anything else.
I hope some others might chime in who are into improv and composing.

EDIT: I'd like to also suggest the composers lounge. Lots of improv and study of things there. Lots of learning going on.

Thanks everyone for the kind welcome. I think this forum may be a good place to develop and articulate one's goals and gain inspiration and ideas from member's posts and submissions. I'm happy to be here.

Rnaple, it looks like you're having fun. And if your teacher wants you to play well, why that sounds like a very good idea When you start writing your own music I hope you share with us.

I am a composer, arranger, and improviser. Please feel free to message me if you want to talk.

Polyphonist, that is very kind and generous of you. Because of the advice I've received here I've been going through the Composer's Lounge. Your music is wonderful. Everyone here probably already knows this, but in case not, make a bee line over to the Composer's Lounge and listen to Polyphonist's Tarantella, Prelude in B Flat, and Impromptu in B Major. That's as far as I've gotten so far. That Impromptu - well, what a delight that is. We're really fortunate that we can hear some of this new art music written by serious composers. Thank you PianoWorld.

I'd be happy to. Would you send me your score so I can take a look?

Welcome Sunny. Nice playing. Have you looked into any of the computer software that prints music as you play it on the keyboard?

Thanks very much Dave. No, I haven't looked at anything like that. Do you recommend something?

Polyphonist has been working with me. His penetrating questions have got me really looking at the music.