Lessons With Martha Luci

Greetings. Let us get started. What would you like to start with?

Greetings maestrowick, thank you for your time first of all. I appreciate it.

To be honest I'm not sure where to start from. As you might know I don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to theory. I know some basics from music lessons I took years ago (piano), but a lot of important subjects were skipped, that I'm learning today.

Some subjects of my interest that I like to start with are chord progressions, harmony, structures (the basics), composition in general, and also I don't write down my music, I installed Sibelius recently though, because I want to, some day I would like to play along with a string quartet or something, and I would like to be able to write down everything for them, so, I'm also interested in basic orchestration.

I think it's better if you judge for yourself what guidance I require first, so here's an example of my current way to make music

http://www.youngcomposers.com/?app=downloads&module=downloads&controller=view&id=1314

For lesson with me, music must be notated. As a teacher, it provides the best teaching method to explain the compositional process.

I did enjoy your music, esp http://www.youngcomposers.com/music/1313/rain/. Maybe we can start with notating that composition and discuss how to develop that one?

Makes sense what you say about notation.

Okay, I will notate that composition and then upload it here. Thanks!

After a lot of struggle with Sibelius (never used it before and never notate a song before) here it is. Sorry if it's a bit messy heh. Rain.pdf

There are several ways one can approach this. Let's do some listening. This piece reminds of me of "gymnopedie no. 1

Audio

Sheet Music

http://216.129.110.22/files/imglnks/usimg/7/75/IMSLP03213-Satie-GymnopediesOrEd.pdf

Tell me your thoughts after you listen and look. Make sure you look with the sheet music!

I listened and looked at the sheet. I think what makes this piece special is how subtle it introduces you to the atmosphere. The beats in the F clef that even though are almost the same in the whole song, don't feel boring at all because of the way the chords change following the melody. And as well as the melody, the beats don't change much but everything develops just as it has to, with the variations and the right divisions of each passage, giving enough time for the listener to grasp it, especially the main part of the piece.

It's really a good reference for me, because most of what I noticed here are elements that my music require...

EXCELLENT point! So now, look at your music. What can you do to add to your composition? Give your thoughts and I'll then give mine.

Well, first of all, I think I should make it sounds less monotonous and better organized somehow, play different notes in the two note ostinato at some point, creating a melody, also give the song enough time to progress, with a proper measure, and then make a change in the rhythm perhaps, not harsh but subtle, as a variation. And I think it can be developed from those same two chords it already has, not sure about that though.

So now, take what you have and add that approach to your composition!