First Time Composition

Before we get to the actual piece, let me just say a little bit about myself. I am just finishing my high school career, and I am certainly enjoying concert band and marching band. The thing is, I didn't play an instrument until sophomore year. I never played an instrument in middle school, and in the middle of my freshman year I decided to try out for winter percussion. (I figured this would give me the skills to get into marching band, since most of my friends were in the band anyways.) I played bass drum my freshman year in the indoor percussion ensemble, and then my sophomore year I marched bass drum. During the summer between sophomore and junior year, I essentially learned how to play the baritone/euphonium by stealing one of the instruments from school and teaching myself with the Accent on Achievement Book 1. Junior and senior years I played baritone in the marching band and concert bands. (Our director was incredibly lax and didn't mind me switching as we only had 1 other baritone.) Right now, I can play a grade 2 piece with relative ease, but on the upper grade 3's and grade 4's, I tend to start getting into trouble with sight reading. So, I am probably playing on a ninth grade level rhythmically. Tonally and technically I am fine. It seems that I was able to master the art of playing the instrument quite easily, I just haven't been able to master the art of reading music. In any event, I hope to do some work in music in college, but I realize that I will have to rapidly accelerate my understanding in order to keep up with the worst music majors at the university. (I mean, it isn't a conservatory or anything, but I don't think there will be too many horrible players.) So, I decided to read a theory book on my own and compose this little piece. It is a chamber piece I suppose for trumpet in B-Flat and Baritone Horn. (Although I have only composed the baritone bass portion for the first third of the song. ) It sounds rather scottish to me for some odd reason. In any event, listen, look, and tell me what you think. The runs sound to me like I could tweak them somewhat, but I am really concerned about whether or not my bass line is alright. Most of it is just a third up from the melody, so it wasn't terribly hard to devise. The file is a Finale 2004 file.

Song_1.MUS

Song_1.MID

No offense, but can you space out your post some? It's kinda intimidating for me to read. :ninja:

I will get around to it eventually. I am working on an arrangement of some traditional scottish bagpipe tunes for orchestra, which is why I have just realized that the above piece is quite bad. Then again I did compose it in about 10 minutes, so I didn't have much time to flesh it out.

That piece isnt that good. I have been playing trumpet for 4 years and the last part would be pratically imposible for me to play. Also, this song doesnt have any structure. I doubt you followed a chord progression, rather you probaly just placed notes randomly around the place. Also, if it is the end of a phrase where the bass instrument stops, then it doesnt sound finish. I hope this information will help you.

Well the piece was definately a first "Attempt" and i give you credit for trying. I agree with Aaron about how it is impossible, though i have people at my school who are really good, they might be able to do that so keep up the work but it is just too random.

Here is some simple advice. I Suggest you study basic harmony first. Learn the ability of the instruments you write for and put some real thought into your music.

I cannot say it is a good first attempt. It was like a improve sessions gone bad. Just start out simple. Figure out a chord progression or use the harmonic progression

I IV viio III vi ii V I If you don't know what that means, I suggest you learn about roman numerals and chords.

You should really spend a lot of your time studying music if you plan to be a music major. I'm one right now and I literally lack free time. Also the music theory is tough if you have as little experience as you have as long with the ear training. Unless you are really ready to work and work hard you should pick a different major.

Also working on a piece for 10 minutes doesn't cut it. You cannot use that as an excuse for why it is bad. It just states that you carried so little for the music you were writing that you didn't think it was worth much of your time.