Rote Work
If you’re looking for more creative ideas in your work, start by doing more rote work.
Composition
What You Sound Like
Writing’s faster if you know what you sound like.
Music is enough for a lifetime
John Williams said it perfectly.
Write Every Permutation
Want to know what to write?
Most Likely Changes
When I’m teaching “off the shelf” arrangements, these are the three things I’m most likely to, um, adjust.
Reapplying Dominant Chords
V-I isn’t the only option.
Melodic Anchor
Some of the most harmonically sophisticated songs share this feature.
Hear My Questions
It doesn’t need to be my voice. But practice hearing my questions in your head.
Arranging Template
Plan your arrangements on one page – before you write a note.
Different Than Me
It’s good to be reminded how different we are.