Music Creation

Musique concrète.  Pointallism.  Klangfarbenmelodie.  Aleatory music.  Metric modulation.  Dodecaphonic.  Planing.  Coloristic chord succession.  Dominant +7.  So, the last few chapters of my theory book reviewed a bunch of concepts I hadn't thought about for awhile.  I am so glad that most of it is recalled very quickly.  I have been worried that I won't do well on the theory examine (imagine that... me, worried?), but it is a bit comforting to remember that theory was always something that came easily.  I will continue to review theory, but today I look forward to starting history review.  I have not decided if I will just start reading a history textbook and taking notes or if I will give myself time to read things I am interested in- such as my Brahms book or even Wikipedia.  

Theory is a bit crazy at times.  It is so orderly and logical.  But the problem is when everybody tries to start breaking the composition "rules."  Suddenly, there are limitless possibilities of what could happened with specific rules that may or may not have common progressions but all have exceptions.  I love that about music.  I also love that it is up to your ear to decide.

Music is so much about interpretation.  I didn't understand that when I was younger.  I was a passive listener, although I enjoyed it.  It didn't occur to me that I could be the creator and shaper of music.  I didn't learn that until... well, when did I learn that?  Later.  Even throughout most of college I was so focused on teaching that I didn't think about creating.  But yet, I had wanted to.

In fact, I think most people want to create music.  Who hasn't written their own songs?  I did on the piano and guitar in middle school.  I tried to compose and arrange in college.  Even when I was little, I would make up my own melodies.  I bet many people hum melodies they make up on the spot.  That's music creation.