Composition Myths

(T or F): “Music theory codifies what makes great music.” *TrueFalse

The answer is FALSE!

Music theory explains only what’s normal for a given repertoire. Hence, it makes no distinction between great, average, and bad pieces. Its observations are useful—but only to the extent you want your music to sound like that repertoire.

In contrast, musical magic relies heavily on the specifics of individual pieces. Belonging to a given repertoire (i.e., following certain theory rules) is often incidental to what makes a piece great.

(T or F): “If you want to develop your artistic voice, then you must have your own ‘unique style or sound.’” *TrueFalse

The answer is FALSE!

Although your artistic voice might involve “having a unique style or sound,” it is not necessary. Your artistic voice consists of more factors than your music’s style. These include your experiences, your values, your creative process, and, most importantly, your relationships.

(T or F): “Music magic creates goosebumps, takes your breath away, (etc.) by hijacking your body’s fight/flight/freeze systems.” *TrueFalse

The answer is TRUE!

In his book Sweet Anticipation, Prof. David Huron explains how “nature’s knee-jerk pessimism provides the engine for much of music’s emotional power—including feelings of joy and elation.”

(T or F): “To write great music, you must break rules and push boundaries.” *TrueFalse

The answer is FALSE!

Although some great music does break rules and boundaries, most great music simply elaborates on others’ innovations and common conventions.

(T or F): “Goosebump-inducing music often includes tropes, conventions, and lots of repetition.” *TrueFalse

The answer is TRUE!

According to Prof. Huron, music creates goosebumps (etc.) through repetition, tension, and surprise. He further explains that “the more a musical work departs from schematic conventions, the greater the importance of repetition and self-similarity” (if the composer’s goal is musical magic).

(T or F): “Writing music—and creativity generally—is normally stressful.” *TrueFalse

The answer is FALSE!

Creativity isn’t stressful for children—and it doesn’t have to be that way for adults either. Though writing music may occasionally be stressful, good creative habits can ensure that composing will more commonly be reliable and fun.

(T or F): “It takes a lot of craft and effort to become a skilled composer.” *TrueFalse

The answer is TRUE!

Learning to write music proficiently usually takes years. Composing not only requires that you master many different skills (e.g., melody writing, orchestration), it also requires that you understand how these skills work together.

Furthermore, not all skills are necessary for every composer (e.g., counterpoint, beat-making), so it also takes time and guidance to discern what skills you personally need.

(T or F): “Most classically trained performers are not creative enough to write music.” *TrueFalse

The answer is FALSE!

Musical creativity isn’t just for self-professed composers. Conservatory-trained, professional musicians have most of the skills required to be composers. Often, they just don’t realize it because they’ve been intimidated by all the myths that surround composing.

(T or F): “Composers with a wide range of technical proficiency can have very successful careers.” *TrueFalse

The answer is TRUE!

You don’t need to have Beethoven-ian levels of technique to write powerful music that influences many people. Sure, it doesn’t hurt—but it’s also not necessary.

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