Foreground
Not every piece has the same musical element in the foreground.
Arranging
What They End Up Singing
Maybe what they’re singing is more right than what’s written.
Longer, Shorter
So many of the composers I admire are exploring longer works.
Having A Name For What You Write
Early music theory study focuses on having names for things. But that’s not the end goal.
Bad Melody/Good Setting
I’ve arranged a lot of beautiful melodies.
Composing and Notating
Don’t mix up the two. Composing and notating are different skills.
Clever Courtesy
I caught a clever courtesy accidental in a score yesterday.
Arranging As Painting
Of all forms of musical writing, a cappella might be the closest to painting in sound. But don’t take my word for it.
Trashing Yesterday’s Work
Trashing yesterday’s work is part of the gig.
What Was Hard/What Is Hard
Being creative is always hard. But what makes it hard can change over time.