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I think this question comes from the wrong place philosophically. When one asks the question "How do I compose faster?" one is really treating themselves like a machine, the assumption being that the more trial and error, the more one learns. Take this anecdote: While this anecdote addresses the concept of craft, it doesn't really get at inspiration. I believe that the question any artist or composer should really be asking themselves is "How do I enjoy music more?" or "How do I enjoy writing/creating more?". Without addressing this question one is quickly going to crash into a wall called "burnout". The pattern behind one's creative output is likely to become something akin to this: 1) Overexertion 2) Exhaustion 3) Creative stagnation 4) Increased self-doubt 5) Repetition. Asking the question "How can I enjoy music more?" will lead the composer towards music that they want to emulate, setting up a pattern of: 1) Discovery 2) Epiphany 3) New utility 4) Integration (or Refinement) 5) Sharing 6) Repetition (I won't lie, I partially used Google Gemini to help me come up with more healthy creative habit steps)

Nostalgic vibe there. Do you think of the harmony first or melody?

piano orchs.mp3 um (1).pdf

@PeterthePapercomPoser I acted as if I was real judge in official competition. Entries have to meet the core requirements before passing onto the next round. So that is what I did first. I check to see if they meet the core requirements of the competition. If they failed, at least, I could look over the score help them. But it would go further than. If entries pass the first round, then, I come back and do score check and playability. Once that is done, I look at different textures, harmonies, and such. I notice the entries used a modern harmony: clusters, chords built on seconds, atonality, ect. I loved it. In the 20th century, traditional forms, we all used to, is throw out the window. So we have to be more creative with time, form, and structure. I have a feeling with next one: entries will be tonal. Hahaha

In competitions (formal or informal) judges will have template to use score entries. That is just a matter of fact.

Thanks for checking this out! Depends on the idea, I don't have a formula. This time it was just about adding voices to an unchanging melody while keeping it very simple. Other times I build everything off of a harmonic progression. Sometimes a rhythmic cell is really interesting and it starts from there. But most importantly, I wish I had a better answer lol

1. Use a faster writing pen! 2. Use a faster computer/laptop. 3. Think faster. For some more serious advice: 1. Dedicate the time for composition. 2. Don't force yourself to compose. Let the inspiration come and you will compose. At least that's the way I approach it. I have heard others advise that you have to start composing and the inspiration will follow. But for me, it isn't like that. 3. For inspiration: a) Listen to other composers' music. b) Check for calls for scores and competitions. These will give you ideas for composition.

I think it's a pretty good piece of music, so I'm satisfied with the result... 😄 It seems that blatantly copying someone's style is not my real superpower at all... Thanks again!