Klarinet Archive - Posting 000561.txt from 1997/06

From: apod@-----.uk (Audrey Podmore)
Subj: Re: Seeking: Composer /performers
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 17:41:50 -0400

Dear Mel,
I heard have both Diana Burrell and Michael Finnissey, two of our leading UK
composers, giving introductory workshops for would-be composers and, in each
case, their first piece of advice was the same as Elisabeth's - you must feel
strongly enough about something to need to explore it in composition. It might
be a powerful reaction to something you have read or seen, or it might be
someone, or something, that is really important to you. You have to be excited
by something if you are to excite your audience.

The second thing is structure. You have to know the basic shape of the piece so
that you can achieve some sort of balance. Without a basic map, your work will
tend to become rambling and incoherent.

Diana also recommended having one little musical idea that is special to that
particular piece. It may not be developed, in an obvious way, but it will unify
the piece in your own mind.

Two books that you may find helpful, in respect of popular music are:

The Billboard Book of Song-writing, by Peter Pickow and Amy Appleby
Pub.Billboard Publications ISBN 0 8230 7539 7

Rock, Jazz and Pop Arranging, by Daryl Runswick
Pub. Faber ISBN 0 571 51108 2

Both these books are aimed at the beginner.

Hope this is of some use to you. Happy composing!

Audrey

Audrey Podmore
freelance teacher/ facilitator, LINK-IT Consultant National Council for
Educational Technology

email: apod@-----.uk

You wrote:
>Dear Elisabeth,
>>
>>I know this wasn't the reply you expected. I don't compose, but I
>have a
>>million songs in my head for clarinet and band that I would love to
>>write. However, I don't quite know how to get started. Could you
>help
>>me?
>>
>>Mel
>>hlandry@-----.com
>
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