January 2016 - Composer's Toolbox

Call for Collaboration

DanLisMusic Posted on January 23, 2016

Hi All, As I work to expand this blog, I am looking for collaborators: Do you have a great idea you want to share? Is there a topic you’re itching to discuss? Are you looking to write about composition, or publish a first draft of research? If you answered yes to any of these questions […]

Issues Opinion Psychology of Music Tools for Composers

What makes “good” music? Here’s another thought.

DanLisMusic Posted on January 18, 2016

In my continuing quest to define what “good” music is, here is another thought: good music is radical, at least in some small way. Good music doesn’t simply rehash old music, old ideas, old tropes. Good music does not toe the party line. Good music is not content with the status quo; it is revolutionary […]

Engraving Rhythm Theory Tools for Composers

Tool #44: Beaming Complex Rhythms

DanLisMusic Posted on January 12, 2016

Anyone who has worked with live performers knows that notational accuracy and clarity are incredibly important. If your notation is unclear, or even not crystal clear (even when indicating indeterminate elements of a composition), valuable rehearsal time is lost and performer morale is lowered. If you don’t take the time to notate specifically and clearly, […]

Professional Development Tools for Composers

Time Management – “I don’t have time to make music” (Tool #43)

DanLisMusic Posted on January 5, 2016

This post is applicable to many fields, and its focus is actually a skill that I honed when I became more involved in arts administration at The Hartt School Community Division. The issue at hand is that we all are busy. We balance a million spinning plates and still manage to keep almost all of […]

Announcements

Composer’s Toolbox is back!

DanLisMusic Posted on January 4, 2016

Hi All, I firstly want to apologize for dropping off the face of the planet. I took a long time away from my massive use of the internet to focus on my craft. Consider it a spiritual journey to the heart of my art — like a meditative voyage or sojourn. In that time, I […]