YOUR CREATIVE CHORD
  • Home
    • Get Inspired Here!
    • ABOUT >
      • TESTIMONIALS
      • Links
      • Looking For Interns!
      • Contact
  • On PIANO
    • Get Piano Tips!
    • Get My Piano Sheet Music!
    • Get My Ebook!
  • CREATIVITY
    • INTERVIEWS WITH CREATORS
    • COMPOSING
  • INSPIRATION
    • PODCAST
    • INTERVIEWS WITH Positivity/Wellness Experts
    • Creative Memorial Planning >
      • CREATIVE MEMORIAL PLANNING WEBINAR
      • CREATIVE MEMORIAL PLANNING Group
      • CMP Checklist
      • Creative Memorial Planning Resources
      • CAREGIVER
      • CMP Blog
  • SHOP
    • Get My Piano Sheet Music!
    • Piano Basics Ebook
    • My Nature-Inspired Designs
    • Music Resources >
      • Piano Basics Ebook
      • Get Piano Tips!
      • PIANO RESOURCES
      • Music-Related For Children
      • LIGHTING
    • Resources
    • Inspiring Books >
      • CREATIVITY & ARTIST LIFE
      • SELF IMPROVEMENT
      • BUDDHISM
      • LIGHTING
    • Self-Care Resources >
      • FOOD & DRINK
      • PERSONAL CARE
      • YOGA SUPPORT
      • CLOTHING/SHOES
    • Pool & Outdoor Resources >
      • How To Set up A Saltwater Pool Pump
      • Saltwater Pool Resources
      • Nature Books For Children

How To Give Effective Composer Feedback

12/22/2018

0 Comments

 
See my recommended Music Resources!
Music composition, offer effective peer composer feedbackHow To Offer Effective Composer Feedback

(This was written for Film Scoring & Orchestration Applied Facebook group, a growing community of composers with 7.2K+ members. See more detail on FSOA here.)

FSOA features weekly admin-approved threads where composers may share original music and exchange positive, constructive feedback with peers. Below are suggestions to offer ideas for how to offer feedback to fellow composers.

WHAT DO YOU WANT
Remember, in Film Scoring & Orchestration Applied group, our united goal is to help each other improve as composers. Think about what you’d want listeners to tell you about your music. It’s nice to hear positive things about our original ideas. But getting a few ‘likes’ and generic comments about how great your music is does not tell you anything useful.

You want to hear what makes it great music, right?  If you get feedback on what's working, you can compose more music, equally as great! Or, if your music needs work, you'll want to know how to get it from ho-hum to legendary status.

THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG
Some people have studied music formally, while others are self-taught. The important thing is to find a way to express your feedback that shows what you know about music, and communicate that naturally. None of us need to be a musical legend to give useful, effective feedback to a composer! We just need to be willing to offer what we know.

Some of my most useful feedback has come from non-musicians, without any use of music vocabulary! We know that experiencing music is completely unique to each individual, so there is no right or wrong about how it’s perceived. And every artist enjoys hearing about someone being affected by their creation.

ONE WAY: DON’T TALK IN MUSICAL TERMS
Don't worry about whether you have enough musical vocabulary or knowledge to offer feedback to your peers! In FSOA, we’re aiming for scoring music for film directors. So, communicating without musical language can be super-helpful!

Think in terms of mood, speed, color, character, scene, and story when commenting on FSOA assignments. Use these words as a basis for describing the music, and compare how the music stands up to those elements.

Ask Questions 
Did it work? Does the music match a character’s personality? Does it show something in the story we don’t see readily? Does it point something out in the story or character that isn’t obvious, or does it make something obvious even bigger? Does the speed of the music fit the emotion, dialogue, and/or action of the scene?

For example, in regard to how music can suit a character, let’s consider Hans Zimmer’s music for Batman. By using only one ominous, spacious, long, low pitch, Hans Zimmer created a musical theme that represented the Joker character. He used one sound, which he elaborated on through electronic manipulation, and later built orchestration as textures around that sound.

Think about words you could use to describe what worked with that or not. For example, you could say, “I always knew to anticipate the Joker’s presence whenever I heard that one low pitch. It signaled evil, and that something unpleasant was about to happen. That music fit the scene, and especially expressed the dark personality of the Joker.”

ANOTHER WAY: USE MUSICAL TERMS
If you know music vocabulary, use specifics! Here are suggestions about what to listen for when preparing a feedback comment to your peers:


  • Describe what instrumentation choices, changes, and ranges are used and why it works or doesn’t work.

For example, if you hear a flute in a range below middle C, make a suggestion that it be a different instrument (such as bass flute) that plays that range in reality so the music sounds more authentic.

Or, if instrumentation overwhelms the vocalist in dynamics, range or texture, make suggestions to thin out the instruments or change the range of frequencies used to allow the vocals to be heard.

If the scene requires heroic music, suggest switching out the strings for the French horn section at a particular point. Or, suggest another instrument choice that is known for conveying a heroic mood.


  • What sounds good to your ears about the production quality, mix, pan, or volume?

Give specific tips on how to improve the mix, such as panning instruments to emulate where they sit in a live orchestra.

Explain how production quality may be improved if you boost the volume through compression.

Or, offer a link to a tutorial on the topic that would be useful for the composer.
  • What’s happening in a composition that demonstrates quality, keeps listening interest, shows diversity, beauty, or memorability (catchy).

It may be the harmonic progression, a particular chord or a note that adds an unexpected color to a traditional chord.

It may be a catchy melodic or rhythmic pattern that hooks your interest.


  • What uniqueness, clarity, or level of artistry do the lyrics express? Did the words express something in a way you haven’t heard before? Do they send a clear message that moves you emotionally?
 
  • How do any or all of these add or distract from the mood of the music, or your response to the music?


GIVE PROS AND CONS
Don’t just offer compliments on what works well in the music! The goal is to improve, and we need to know our weaknesses to develop our skills. So offer at least one comment on what didn’t work for you and make a suggestion on what you would do to improve it.

SELF-REFLECT
These are a few suggestions. There are plenty more things you could listen and comment on besides those discussed here. As you receive feedback on your music, ask yourself what you intended to work successfully? Are there things you remain unaware of, or need to learn? Getting feedback in those areas may open up blind spots for you so you could become better as a composer, right?

GIVE BACK
So let’s give something useful to a peer composer; Talk about what you know. Listen for it in the music.
Think critically. Think about how you’d feel if someone gave you constructive criticism that helped you improve your skills. Now, go do that for someone in FSOA Facebook group!

SUMMARY:
  • Think about what you’d want listeners to tell you about your music.
 
  • Be willing to offer what you know.
 
  • Express yourself in a way that’s natural for you.
 
  • Don’t use music words. Instead, describe mood/emotion, speed, story, scene, color, character.
 
  • If you know music vocabulary, offer specifics.



What do YOU listen for in a music composition?

Share your ideas here as a comment!


Thanks for sharing this with others who may benefit from this info! 

Recommended articles:
LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE

​
How To Maintain Body Mind Balance As Fuel For Your Creativity
​

5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care

Believing In The Positive

How I Created The Ocean With Music


Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate
​

How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity

How To Inspire And Drive An Artist’s Creativity
​

Empower Your Creativity & Wellness with This One Thing!
It's ALL Okay-Just Do YOU

Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination?

Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability


You can find more creative content on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!

GET MORE Ways to nurture Creativity & Inspiration!
0 Comments

How I Created The Ocean With Music

11/15/2018

0 Comments

 
This sunset Photo of Siesta Key Beach by Jenny Leigh Hodgins is featured in YCC's 2020 Nature Calendars! Click the Photo for more info! grief, composing music to communicate, music blog, creativity, creative process, piano, power of art, piano music, opening your heartThis Siesta Key Beach Sunset Photo by Jenny Leigh Hodgins is featured in YCC's 2020 Nature Calendars! Click the Photo for more info!
By Jenny Leigh Hodgins

Having grown up in Lexington, Kentucky, I moved to Florida to put myself through college. I worked as a performing vocalist/pianist, public school music educator, and ran a private piano studio in Florida for many years. My parents and other family members visited me in my Florida home, and I took regular trips to Kentucky.

FAMILY LOVE
My father battled cancer in the last years of his life. He called me periodically by phone and asked about my Florida life. He spoke about how proud of me he was and told me he loved me. The fact that he talked to me by phone, and expressed positive feelings toward me was a new and surprising experience for our relationship.

We had not been close. He had not been particularly warm, communicative or expressive to me until his final few years. His gruffness was well-known. This change in our relationship was and still is, one of the greatest treasures of my heart.


One day he made the comment that he’d like to visit Florida one more time. I knew that was not realistic. But we had a dreamy conversation about the peaceful, beautiful ocean and beaches. I described the warmth of the Florida sun, which he coveted, as he was notoriously cold-natured.

He talked about our fishing trips when I was 12. We spoke of my childhood family trips to beach cottages, and how we cooked family dinners from the catch of the day.


My father single-mindedly opened his heart to me, to assure I felt his love for me before he left this world. Whenever I think of this, I’m overcome with gratitude and love for my father’s effort to express himself. Even though that previously had not come naturally within our bond. He was selfless for my sake.

THE HEART OF CREATIVITY
As a creative person, I often start a project by searching my heart for what I can give to someone that is meaningful. I started thinking about my father and how positive our relationship grew to be in his later years. One Saturday afternoon, I reminisced about our warm phone chats. I decided to bring the ocean waves to my father through music. I sat at my piano and computer, recalling my father’s loving tone and wishful comments about the ocean.


I opened my digital audio workstation (DAW), Logic Pro X, and selected a piano instrument. I set a beat using a basic drum pattern and let it repetitively loop for 32 measures. I envisioned my father smiling while standing at the sandy shores of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. I visualized him enjoying the gentle ocean waving at him with rich blue and green smooth rolls of water.

CLEAR THE WAY
The first thing I do as a creative when I start any project, is clear the way of any censorship. I have a quick conversation with myself to set it straight; There will be no critique of anything I produce. The mode is create, not edit or review.

​
Once I clear the air of any self-judgments, I turn my attention to the creative process. I focus on what I want to communicate from my heart. That is all I focus on. I leave the rest to randomness and chance. When I allow myself this space, my creativity opens up and flows forward. I get out of my way.

composing music to communicate, music blog, creativity, creative process, piano, power of art, piano music, opening your heartPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins
INTENTION
Setting my intention to not look back, I pushed the record button on my DAW. As my father had done for me, I challenged myself to communicate to him through music.

​I played my piano to capture the mood of my father enjoying our trip to the ocean. I aimed for my music to function as a kind of medium through which my love and appreciation for my dad could flow. 

I focused on that mood, the ocean, what it would mean for him to see it, and the joy of being able to bring his wish to fruition. I played my heart through the piano. I let my fingers settle on whatever keys felt easy, natural, and in sync with the rhythm beating through my headphones. 

USE WHAT YOU KNOW AND INTUITION
I had a music foundation to pull from, though.  I played through a few chords until I discovered a chord progression that matched the mood. Sometimes musical theory knowledge aids my ‘discovery.' Often ideas arise from intuition. 

I used a repeating chord progression to emulate the ebb and flow of ocean waves lapping onto the shore. I improvised piano melodic lines with my right hand. I followed the chosen chord progression with my left, or sometimes, both hands. After I recorded the piano part to the drum groove, I selected a guitar sound and improvised again on my keyboard. This added a new layer of sound to imitate waves on top of waves, rolling in from the sea. 

The mood was relaxing and peaceful. Melodic lines rising and falling like the height of the waves rushing in and falling onto the beach. Next, I thought of the sun setting, and this inspired me to choose a flute to start a new section of music. I played a slower, more soulful melodic line. The flute represents the orangey-pink orb’s graceful, slow descent. The last moments of togetherness with my father, before saying goodbye. 

I added a few ambient sound effects, including the gentle sound of waves crashing on the sandy shore. The ending subtly fades to a quiet stop, much like my father’s final breath months later.

composing music to communicate, music blog, creativity, creative process, piano, power of art, piano music, opening your heartPhoto by Jenny Leigh Hodgins Clearwater, Florida
​
​ART STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIPS

When I listen to this music, it reminds me of how intertwined we are as people, and how art strengthens that relationship. Even through time and space, our memories and what is in our hearts, keeps us bonded. The power of art opens this channel of communication between us. 


I shared this composition at my father’s memorial, as my gift to him. I sense that he hears the ocean waving at him, and feels the warmth of the sand under his feet. We both enjoy how music still connects our hearts beyond this dimension.

Let me know if these suggestions are helpful or share your tips for tapping musical creativity by leaving a comment below! 

Thanks for showing your love of my content with a LIKE or by sharing this blog with others.


Recommended articles:
LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE

​
How To Maintain Body Mind Balance As Fuel For Your Creativity
5 Ways To Use Music & Nature For Self-Care

Believing In The Positive

How I Created The Ocean With Music


Keep Looking For Moments Like These To Celebrate & Appreciate
​

How To Live A Life of Joyful Creativity

How To Inspire And Drive An Artist’s Creativity
​

Empower Your Creativity & Wellness with This One Thing!
It's ALL Okay-Just Do YOU

Why Should You Dream Too Big & Harness Your Powerful Imagination?

Defeat Fear & Doubt with Your Courage & Capability


You can find more creative content on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook!

GET MORE INSPIRING CONTENT!
0 Comments
    In my COMPOSING blogs, you'll find insights and tips for composing, get past musical and mental blocks, explore the creative process through composing at piano, and other composer strategies.
    See My Recommended Resources for Creativity & Music!

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    A Catchy Melodic Or Rhythmic Pattern
    A Forum For Composers
    And/or Action Of The Scene
    And Story
    A Particular Chord Or A Note That Adds An Unexpected Color
    Boost The Volume Through Compression
    Character
    Color
    Communication
    Communication With Directors
    Composer
    Composers Interested In Practicing The Art Of Film Scoring
    Composing For Film
    Composingforpiano
    Composing To Picture
    Composition
    Connection
    Constructive Feedback
    Create
    Creative
    Creative Process
    Creativity
    Describing Music
    Development As A Composer
    Dialogue
    Director Briefs
    Diverse
    Does The Music Match A Character’s Personality?
    Does The Speed Of The Music Fit The Emotion
    Family
    Film Directors
    Film Scoring
    Film Scoring And Orchestration Applied
    Film Scoring Orchestration
    Film Scoring & Orchestration Applied
    Film Scoring & Orchestration Applied
    Film Scoring Orchestration Applied
    Film Scoring Practice Assignments
    For Composers Everywhere
    Genre-specific
    Giving And Receiving Constructive Criticism
    Grief
    Hans Zimmer’s Music For Batman
    Harmonic Progression
    How Production Quality May Be Improved
    How To Listen To Music
    Improving Their Technology Skills With Mixing
    LEARNING TO BE CREATIVE
    Listening To Music
    Loss
    Mastering
    Mentoring And Mentorship
    Mood
    Music
    Musical
    Musical Language
    Musical Terms
    Music Appreciation Skills
    Music Composition
    Music Critique
    Music Fit The Scene
    Music Peers
    Music Vocabulary
    Ocean
    Online Groups And Forums That Address Film Score Composers
    Only Post Original Music
    Orchestration And Mixing
    Orchestration As Textures
    Peer Feedback
    Piano
    Point Something Out In The Story Or Character That Isn’t Obvious
    Positive Peer Feedback
    Powerofart
    Practicing The Art Of Film Scoring
    Real-life Composer Issues
    Recommended Resources For Creativity
    Relationships
    Resources On Film Scoring
    Scene
    Scene Requires Heroic Music
    Self-promoting Music/video
    Social Media Groups
    Speed
    Talented Composers For Film
    Team-building
    Team Film Scoring Challenge
    Technology Workflow And Problems
    Think Critically
    TV And Corporate Projects
    Using Virtual Instruments And Digital Audio Workstations
    What To Listen For In Music
    Words You Could Use To Describe What Worked
    You Have Enough Musical Vocabulary Or Knowledge
    Yourcreativechord
    Yourcreativechord.com

    RSS Feed

Creative Strategies

Creativity
Interviews with Creators
Composing
Piano
Caregiver
Inspiration
​
Podcast

YourCreativeChord

About

Support

Terms of Use
​Contact
​
Affiliates Disclosure
Privacy Policy

Resources

Pool & Outdoor
Music
Self-Care
Inspiring Books 
​Get My Piano Ebook
​2021Calendars!
AFFILIATES DISCLAIMER YourCreativeChord.com offers links to Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate ad program, and I get a small commission for any purchases you make through these links. I only link to products I have personally used and recommend. For more info, click here.

*Although I'm a proud member of SGI-USA, I'm not an official spokesperson for SGI-USA. Though I base my actions on my personal Buddhist practice as an SGI-USA member, my online business and content associated with YourCreativeChord are not in any way affiliated with SGI-USA.
© COPYRIGHT 2018/2019/2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
    • Get Inspired Here!
    • ABOUT >
      • TESTIMONIALS
      • Links
      • Looking For Interns!
      • Contact
  • On PIANO
    • Get Piano Tips!
    • Get My Piano Sheet Music!
    • Get My Ebook!
  • CREATIVITY
    • INTERVIEWS WITH CREATORS
    • COMPOSING
  • INSPIRATION
    • PODCAST
    • INTERVIEWS WITH Positivity/Wellness Experts
    • Creative Memorial Planning >
      • CREATIVE MEMORIAL PLANNING WEBINAR
      • CREATIVE MEMORIAL PLANNING Group
      • CMP Checklist
      • Creative Memorial Planning Resources
      • CAREGIVER
      • CMP Blog
  • SHOP
    • Get My Piano Sheet Music!
    • Piano Basics Ebook
    • My Nature-Inspired Designs
    • Music Resources >
      • Piano Basics Ebook
      • Get Piano Tips!
      • PIANO RESOURCES
      • Music-Related For Children
      • LIGHTING
    • Resources
    • Inspiring Books >
      • CREATIVITY & ARTIST LIFE
      • SELF IMPROVEMENT
      • BUDDHISM
      • LIGHTING
    • Self-Care Resources >
      • FOOD & DRINK
      • PERSONAL CARE
      • YOGA SUPPORT
      • CLOTHING/SHOES
    • Pool & Outdoor Resources >
      • How To Set up A Saltwater Pool Pump
      • Saltwater Pool Resources
      • Nature Books For Children