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Studying theories... and ?

Discussion in 'Tips, Tricks & Talk' started by Michel-ange MERINO, Nov 19, 2018.

  1. #1 Michel-ange MERINO, Nov 19, 2018
    Hello !

    I want to share with you a problem i'm facing.
    I'm a composer for media, movies, etc... for 15 Years, i've worked as an arranger on some renowned film, "The Artist" in mind.
    For now i've studied classical harmony, i've studied jazz as well, i've also learned myself different harmony principles.

    So far i've learned :

    Classical harmony
    Schoenberg Theory
    Modern Harmony Principles (Including all types of styles, intervallic, etc...)
    Jazz Theory
    Neo-Riemmanian Theory
    Tintinabulli Theory
    Modal Theory
    I'm diving into atonal and serialism principles now.

    Note that i can't say i totally control those knowledges, that would be pretentious, i'm still working on them.
    I'm in a Big Band composition class too, in an atonal/contemporary composition class, in a modern composition class for several years now, i'm also in a music for film composition class this year (orchestration, arranging) with a top arranger.

    The problem i'm facing is that i'm felling tired with all those class works i must finish every week and i'm realizing that i have studied enough principles to be able to compose music for the rest of my life !
    Beside, i know that, as part of our craft, it's important to keep on learning.
    Also, now every professor i have are telling me that they have no more answers to my questionings, that it's all matter of writing notes on paper and let the ears do the job on what is right and what is wrong.

    To resume, no more theory, instead of that, write, write, write with all those colors and materials and make choice on what material and style fits my sensibility.

    Did you experience the same kind of questionings, did you feel the same way "at a certain point of your studies" and how did you handle those problematics ?

    Sorry for my bad english !
    And thanks for your answers,
    Meaks.
     
  2. #2 Alexander Schiborr, Nov 19, 2018
    :DIs your introductory text like your music? I dont know tf what point your are trying to make. Is it the theory? Is it your job? What is the problem? Your weekly classes? What questions? Post your music then I might tell you whats the problem is maybe...:D
     
  3. #3 Doug Gibson, Nov 19, 2018
    Something is lost in translation here. It's impossible to know exactly what you are asking.

    It sounds like you already know what you want to do, and are looking for someone to tell you it's ok to go do that.

    It's ok.

    The confusion really sounds like it is a product of inner-fear. You want to do something, but something scares you, so you don't take the action you really want and are wondering what if, or what is the point.

    Ironically it sounds like your teachers are also encouraging you to go and stand on your on two feet.

    Fly, fly, ....................fly like the wind.

    or quit. Get a job writing computer code, and make a good living and have a family, and treat music as a hobby. Nothing wrong with that.
     
    Rohann van Rensburg and Aaron Olson like this.
  4. #4 Rohann van Rensburg, Nov 20, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2018
    While you're obviously leagues ahead of where I'm at ability-wise, you might want to have a look at Mike's classes, for his philosophy more than anything. It really doesn't sound like there's any more studying to do, and quite frankly the main thing that was productive in university was being forced to write things on a deadline so that I'd actually see them through. All the great composers studied lots, but many also wrote absolutely massive volumes of music, as you're probably aware. There's apparently evidence that Beethoven would write bad melodies and then spend time improving them into something worthwhile.
     
  5. #5 Michel-ange MERINO, Nov 20, 2018
    Thanks for your answers and sorry if my question was not clear.
    In fact, as Alexander Schiborr said, i realize that there was not a clear question in my post, just my doubts exposed.
    I think it would be better if i go back on writing some music with all that material i learned, and play with !
    Thank you and sorry for that one,
    Michel-ange.
     
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