arrange • compose • conduct
Posts discussing creativity, both in and outside of music
I taught myself to use a new notation software today, and I did it by being almost completely uncreative. I use notation software throughout my creative process – to complete scores, but also as I am composing and arranging. It is a creative tool. But when you’re using a new […]
Creative work isn’t more fun or easier than less creative work. Indeed, our busy, conscious brains seem to do everything in their power to keep us from taking the risks that let us be creative. There is, though, a powerful switch that lets us sidestep consciousness. It’s the switch of […]
There are at least four different mindsets around the universal human urge to make art. I want to make art, so I make art. I want to make art, so I ask for help and learn. I want to make art, but I don’t want to fail, so I wait […]
Your best work is only 10% of your collected works. This is true no matter how good your work is – the best is the best. It’s true for you, it was true for Frank Lloyd Wright, Joni Mitchell, and Ludwig von Beethoven. It’s true for Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stevie Wonder, […]
A significant part of any creator’s life falls into the category of “Not Being Creative.” Responsibilities in the home, family, or community are in that category, but so are the many non-creative aspects of any creative project. Billing, email, promotion, negotiations, “networking“. I admit to feeling guilty when I let […]
It’s a common lament that the proliferation of LEGO sets, and especially branded LEGO sets (Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc.) is a sign of the times – that we are systematically destroying creativity in the play of our children. I argue the opposite. For most LEGO kids, yes, LEGO instructions […]
Accomplished musicians are keen appreciators of good design. Musical design elements, of course. Form. Harmonic movement. Thematic development. Phrasing. Melodic framework. Orchestration. Visual elements are important to musicians–elements such as staff layout on the page, page turns, clarity of notation. Not to mention such design elements as programming, stage design, […]
I’ll never forget the day I was showed how to color properly. It took years to overcome the unspoken lesson. It was on a bring your child to work day – I was in a staff lounge with my sister while my dad was checking on patients. A friendly nurse […]
A lot of it is just, knuckling under and, what’s the right analogy? Man, you just gotta dig harder and slow it down. Slowing stuff down is the biggest thing. You can see kind of a recurring theme here. My desire to create works of quality at a certain rate […]
It’s understandable – it’s admirable! – to aim for perfection with every project. We all want every project to be the best possible version when we finish it. But I know that I have fallen victim to projects that may be perfect but not repeatable. I’ve devised elaborate weekly rehearsal […]