I'm new and wanting to learn.

I'm nearly 18, and have always had a passion for every type of music. I've been making hip hop beats with FL Studio, if you're familiar with it, for around two years, although not exactly "composing" I've learned a lot about as far as notes and chords and things go. I've also been working on independent music within the program, with piano and drums and things, and it's taught me even more than what I thought I wanted to know. I'm self teaching myself in my past time piano, and being I'm a percussionist, I don't know much about chords, keys and things of that nature, that I wish I did know.

Up until a few weeks/months ago, I've been wanting to pursue a career in Graphic Design, and I have discovered that all along, my real love has been in music, and thought not to try and force myself into a more "business" career, but to embrace what I have a natural yearning for, and make the best of it. I have also discovered the program Finale, which was something I didn't know existed, and didn't know I really wanted until I saw it, via a band director.

So that's my situation. I'm really just wondering what would be the best for me, as far as schooling after graduation, and what kind of tips or tricks that I could do to just better myself in the musical field. After looking at this forum, I've seen there are many well educated and smart people, so I figured this would be good place for me to come to.

Sorry for the long read, but thanks!:D

Hi,

Welcome to YC! I'm also new here, so don't listen to much to what I'm saying ;)

Anyway, I never did, and still don't know a lot about chords, keys etc... but I've found a good way is to try things. See what set of notes sound good together on a keyboard.

Choose a song you like (preferably popular) and find the guitar chords online. Print them off and see if you can match the chord "G" to the keyboard. They're usually triads (3 notes). Then add a bass line, most times the bass note of the chord itself. It's a good way to learn the chords, I think.

There are also lessons within the forums. Check those out, see what they're offering.

Try composing in different styles as well, just try different things, see what happens. Then you can upload your attempts to the forums, and people will help you, give you advice on what you can improve on, whats good, and how to add to it.

There are some amazing composers on this forum, as an online resource, you can't get much better than YC.

Up until a few weeks/months ago, I've been wanting to pursue a career in Graphic Design, and I have discovered that all along, my real love has been in music, and thought not to try and force myself into a more "business" career, but to embrace what I have a natural yearning for, and make the best of it. I have also discovered the program Finale, which was something I didn't know existed, and didn't know I really wanted until I saw it, via a band director.

Well, you can always treat composing as a hobby. No need to go pro with it. ;)