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Do you pay attention to music theory in your composing?

Archive: 11 posts
2016-07-08 21:33:37 / Author: Tynz21
I used to be terrible at music making until I took up the piano and started studying music theory for my own amusement. Now I can confidently say I can make listenable music, occasionally even enjoyable music! 

However, I know a lot of people had no inclination to music before they realized they were good with the lbp sequencer so I'm just curious,  where do you guys stand?
2016-07-08 21:33:37
Author:
Tynz21
Posts: 89

2016-07-08 22:01:50 / Author: Toastrz
I tried to use the sequencer back when LBP2 came out, but I just don't have the skill of music composition and it doesn't seem like the sequencer unlocked any hidden potential in me. Oh well!

Also, hey Tynz! It's me, TPC_0518. We knew each other for a time in LBP2, if you remember.
2016-07-08 22:01:50
Author:
Toastrz
Posts: 143

2016-07-10 04:52:27 / Author: nerd_dog
well i have absolutely no knowledge of so called "music theory". but my main insight on this is; remember the key word "theory".

do whatever you think sounds right. there is no wrong way to express yourself through art.

that being said, music theory knowledge can be very helpful. but you don't need to consult the rule book when you wanna make sure something fits these rules.
2016-07-10 04:52:27
Author:
nerd_dog
Posts: 1483

2016-07-10 05:26:18 / Author: Sparky-Gaming
I'm a bit of both. 

At first when I started music sequencing, I had no knowledge of music theory. And, of course, since I was starting, it was pretty bad. But, fast forward a years later till now, I have a partial understanding of music theory. I still don't know keys and what not, but I do know what notes make what sounds and what notes make the chord I'm looking for. However, with my low knowledge of music theory, I'm still able to make some pretty good music on LBP. 

If you do go into the actual irl music industry, I do recommend you go in with some knowledge of music theory, but for LittleBigPlanet, I highly encourage if you're interested, pick up the music sequencer and just start messing around with it. It really helps.
2016-07-10 05:26:18
Author:
Sparky-Gaming
Posts: 50

2016-07-10 06:15:19 / Author: mdkd
I have played a school flute. I started with LBP2, where I made some music. It was a chaos. It was always the same. One piece of an instrument, which was repeated the whole time.

Today I am trying to make some music in categories like horror, sadness and something else. I don't think I am good, I think I am OK and it could be better. I cannot get perfect, but at least I can get higher.
2016-07-10 06:15:19
Author:
mdkd
Posts: 1856

2016-07-10 10:02:27 / Author: CuriousSack
I've started to learn playing the piano a few years before I started to play lbp. And so I had already tried some composing in a classical style! The musicsequencer has been an ingenious way to experiment with additional instruments and sounds! My composing is rather intuitive, using some simple patterns of chord sequences and some natural musical sense.
Music theory????...

Many greetings, Jürgen^^
2016-07-10 10:02:27
Author:
CuriousSack
Posts: 865

2016-07-10 20:42:11 / Author: Sound Friction
I have been classical schooled and I started playing piano on my 8th I think. Also Been schooled a little in overall all genres, but nothing too special there. I am currently being schooled in jazz.

But to get back ontopic, I don't always follow the standard rules of 'what makes a (insert genre) song this and that' entirely. I do use enough of chord progressions and scales and all that good stuff that fits said genre from learned theory.
2016-07-10 20:42:11
Author:
Sound Friction
Posts: 437

2016-07-12 22:38:31 / Author: Tynz21
I think it's interesting how much sense it all makes. And how when you're making music there are certain factors governing things even if you aren't aware of them. Like some people just hear it and know what sound they want and what should cone next without realizing that they're very often using notes in this mode of that key and whatever.
2016-07-12 22:38:31
Author:
Tynz21
Posts: 89

2016-07-13 09:18:57 / Author: Sound Friction
The besg example is with the central progression I IV V, where the dominant (V) sounds in a certain way in our ears that you imagine the progression wants to go back to the tonica (I)
2016-07-13 09:18:57
Author:
Sound Friction
Posts: 437

2016-07-14 06:47:22 / Author: nerd_dog
yea that's part of it too. whether people realize it or not, there are queues in music that imply that the progression or note should resolve to the root note of the progression (as well as queues that imply a key or progression change). this is part of what i rely on. and sometimes if the direction of the tune seems to obvious (which can get boring to me), i look for a way to do something unexpected but still sounds right to me... or i just go with it even if it is an obvious change. whether you're trained or not, i guess you have to sort of think the same way.

one thing about not knowing any theory and just sort of going off influence and what "sounds right", is sometimes questioning your choices. like "does this very dissident sounding note work? is it too "off""? in cases like this, it would be extremely helpfull to have a decent knowledge of theory. that being said, there are different types of music theory. for classical theory, there are even different eras of of theory that don't always agree with what is "right". and once you get deep into jazz theory, it gets even more crazy.

idk i've had a lot of conversations with a buddy of mine that is going to college for all that stuff lol

knowledge is power but remember to trust your gut first.. and understand that learning some music theory isn't necessarily a complete guide to how you should approach music .
2016-07-14 06:47:22
Author:
nerd_dog
Posts: 1483

2016-07-14 09:23:09 / Author: Sound Friction
>"knowledge is power but remember to trust your gut first.. and understand that learning some music theory isn't necessarily a complete guide to how you should approach music ."

Agreed
2016-07-14 09:23:09
Author:
Sound Friction
Posts: 437
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