Composing a Masterpiece: A Beginner’s Journey
As a lifelong music lover, I’ve always been enamored by the magic of musical theater. The soaring melodies, the captivating harmonies, the intricate orchestrations – it’s a form of artistic expression that has the power to transport us to entirely new worlds. But for the longest time, I never dreamed that I could be the one creating that kind of musical magic myself.
You see, I come from a family of non-musicians. My parents could carry a tune, sure, but they were definitely not the types to be composing show-stopping numbers. And growing up, I had dabbled in various instruments – the piano, the guitar, even the recorder (hey, don’t judge!) – but I never quite found that spark, that innate ability, that would make me a natural-born composer.
So for years, I resigned myself to the role of devoted audience member, awestruck by the brilliance of the Sondheims and the Lerner and Loewes of the world. I would sit in the theater, tears streaming down my face as the opening strains of “Somewhere” or “If I Loved You” filled the air, wondering how on earth these geniuses had managed to craft such emotional masterpieces.
But then, a few years ago, something changed. I stumbled upon a website called Art of Composing, and suddenly, the world of musical composition didn’t seem quite so out of reach. The founder, Jon Brantingham, had created a series of courses and resources that demystified the art of composing, breaking it down into digestible, step-by-step lessons.
As I dove into those tutorials, I was amazed to discover that the fundamentals of music theory and composition weren’t nearly as daunting as I had always assumed. In fact, with a little bit of practice and persistence, I found that I could actually start to create my own melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. It was like unlocking a whole new creative universe that had been hiding in plain sight all along.
Unlocking the Secrets of Composition
One of the key things I learned from Jon and the Art of Composing community is that the process of composition is not some mystical, innate talent that only a select few are blessed with. Rather, it’s a craft that can be developed and honed over time, much like any other skill.
As Jon explained, the fastest way to become a competent composer is to start small and focus on mastering the fundamental building blocks of music. Things like scales, chords, and rhythmic patterns – the basic vocabulary that composers use to construct their masterpieces.
Art of Composing‘s free beginners course was an invaluable resource in this regard. It walked me through the process of composing a simple one-note piece, guiding me step-by-step as I learned to harness the power of restrictions and use my imagination to breathe life into that single note.
From there, the lessons progressed, teaching me how to build chords, craft melodies, and combine these elements into cohesive musical structures. It was like learning a new language, but one that spoke directly to the soul.
And you know, the more I dove into these fundamentals, the more I realized that the great composers of musical theater weren’t necessarily operating on some higher plane of existence. They were simply masters of these building blocks, able to manipulate them in ingenious ways to create their timeless works.
Take, for example, the iconic “Somewhere” from West Side Story. On the surface, it’s a hauntingly beautiful melody, soaring over a lush, romantic orchestral backdrop. But when you dig deeper, you see that the underlying chord progression is actually quite simple – just a standard I-VI-IV-V progression, repeated with slight variations.
What makes the song so powerful, then, is not some mystical compositional wizardry, but rather Bernstein’s masterful application of melody, harmony, and form. He takes those basic building blocks and weaves them into a tapestry of emotion and yearning that has captivated audiences for generations.
Embracing the Craft of Composition
As I continued my journey with Art of Composing, I started to realize that the true magic of musical theater composition lies not in some elusive, innate talent, but in the careful, deliberate craft of it all.
Sure, inspiration is important – that spark of an idea that sets the creative wheels in motion. But as Jon emphasized time and time again, composition is ultimately a process of building, refining, and structuring those initial ideas into something cohesive and compelling.
It’s about understanding the role of harmony, melody, and rhythm, and how to balance and interweave them to create a sense of tension and resolution. It’s about mastering the principles of form, whether that’s the classic three-act structure of a musical or the more fluid, episodic nature of a sung-through piece.
And it’s about developing the discipline to see a composition through, no matter how daunting the task may seem. Because as any seasoned composer will tell you, the real secret to success isn’t just coming up with great ideas – it’s having the perseverance to turn those ideas into fully-realized works of art.
I’ll never forget the moment when I completed my first full-length musical theater composition, a little number I had affectionately dubbed “Melody, Magic, and Mastery.” It wasn’t exactly Broadway-caliber, but it was mine – a tangible manifestation of all the lessons I had learned, the skills I had honed, the hours of sweat and struggle I had poured into the creative process.
And as I listened to that final, triumphant chord ring out, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Because in that moment, I realized that the true magic of musical theater composition wasn’t some elusive, unattainable thing. It was simply the product of dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace the craft.
Embracing the Journey
Of course, my journey as a musical theater composer is far from over. There’s still so much for me to learn, so many techniques and styles to explore, so many new creative heights to reach.
But what I’ve come to understand, thanks to the invaluable guidance of Art of Composing and the broader musical theater community, is that the true joy of this pursuit lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself.
It’s in the thrill of uncovering a new harmonic progression that sends a shiver down your spine. It’s in the satisfaction of crafting a melody that perfectly captures the essence of your characters. It’s in the exhilaration of hearing your work brought to life by talented performers, their voices soaring through the air like a siren’s call.
And it’s in the camaraderie and support of fellow composers, each of us sharing our triumphs and struggles, our breakthroughs and breakdowns, as we strive to push the boundaries of this incredible artform.
So if you’re like me – someone who’s always been captivated by the magic of musical theater, but has never quite dared to venture into the realm of composition – I encourage you to take that first step. Explore the resources at Musical Theater Center, dive into the tutorials at Art of Composing, and embrace the journey of unlocking the secrets of musical theater success.
Because trust me, the rewards are more than worth it. The thrill of creating something from nothing, of bringing a story to life through the power of sound – it’s a feeling that simply can’t be matched. And who knows, maybe one day, your name will be up in lights, your melodies echoing through the halls of the greatest stages in the world.
So what are you waiting for? The curtain is about to rise, and the orchestra is ready. It’s time to compose your masterpiece.
