11:58 AM
You know, this music composition thing is taking its sweet time just getting started.
Is it just me? Am I the only one who goes through these pains getting my ducks in a row?
The good news is that, no, it’s not just me.
I like reading about how other creative types work, not just composers. I especially like commercial writers and designers, people who have to be very creative so that their work may compete effectively in a media-crazy world. And they have to do it under tight deadlines and demanding clients. I respect them. They are great models of creativity.
So I was reading this book about copywriters called “The Copywriter’s Bible.” and here’s a little quote from it that felt really good to read.
“I make it a practice to never do anything until I know everything. [...] NEVER go “Ready, Fire, Aim.” If you do, you’ll always shoot yourself in the foot.”
“Consider the familiar cycle of “Ready, Aim Fire.” “Ready” takes a second, “Fire” takes a fraction of a second, but it’s the “Aim” part that’s the most crucial, that can seem interminable, what with the squinting, focusing, steadying, and just when you think you’ve drawn the exact right bead, you waver and have to begin all over again.”
- Ed McCabe, copywriter.
So that’s why I am learning my drum rudiments by heart by playing them daily, why I spent a little too much time reading through Khatchaturian’s "Ten pieces for Children" this morning, dissecting his melodic and harmonic language, and why I am still fine-tuning my composition process. I need to be ready for this project.
And now, I am getting ready to shoot at a few ideas, we’ll see how it goes.
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