creativity Archives - Composer's Toolbox

Accepting Rejection: A Look at Successful Failure

David Pennise Posted on April 20, 2020April 18, 2020

We all know that rejection stings. It tests us. It hits us. It makes us feel rotten. But it is necessary to become a success.

How to compose Psychology of Music

Writer’s Block – One Way to Overcome It

DanLisMusic Posted on February 19, 2019February 16, 2019

Writer’s block is very common when you are being creative. Here is one way to overcome it, based on a powerful psychological approach.

Listen to this Opinion Reviews

"Skeme Goes All City" – Àbáse

DanLisMusic Posted on September 24, 2018

Celebrating self-expression in Hip Hop culture, “Skeme Goes All City” takes us to the roots of modern American music while bringing us a to-date account of the state of creativity. Enjoy.

Advocacy Issues Opinion Tools for Composers

Creativity is a muscle

DanLisMusic Posted on May 10, 2018

Creativity is not a gift that is given to you; it is a gift that you get for yourself.

Advocacy Issues Mental Illness Opinion Psychology of Music

Mental Illness as a Musician, Part 4

DanLisMusic Posted on September 11, 2017October 17, 2018

We tend to think that, as humans, we get addicted to physical things: drugs, sex, gambling, money, fighting, etc. Yet, I haven’t heard anyone talking about addiction to thought–addiction to thinking.

Opinion Tools for Composers

Discipline: Can Art Be Rushed? (Tool #39)

DanLisMusic Posted on September 11, 2012

This is a topic that sometimes comes up in collaborative efforts where one party in the collaboration lags behind, sometimes holding up the other parties: Can you “rush” art? Here’s my answer: Art requires time. It requires alone time, thinking time, warm-up time, creation time, and even cool-down time. It’s like going for a really […]