Create the next big pop hit, bang out a catchy jingle, or write an iconic film score, with music composition skills
Today's composers create music for television, film, commercials, and even video games. Music Composition For Dummies brings you up to speed with the theory and technicality of composing music. With easy-to-understand content that tracks to a typical music composition intro course, this book will teach you how to use music theory to write music in a variety of forms. You'll discover the latest tech tools for composers, including composing software and online streaming services where you can publish your musical creations. And you'll get a rundown on the world of intellectual property, so you can collab and remix fairly, while retaining all the rights to your own creations.
Get a clear introduction to music theory and songwriting concepts
Learn about composition best practices for movies, TV, video games, and beyond
Explore sample music to help you understand both artistic and commercial composition
Launch into the latest technologies to mix and share your creations
Great for music students and aspiring artists, Music Composition For Dummies, is an easy-to-read guide to writing and producing all kinds of tunes.
Introduction 1
Part 1: Basics and Rhythm 5
Chapter 1: Thinking Like a Composer 7
Chapter 2: Tools of the Trade 13
Chapter 3: Musical Scrapbooks: Writing on Paper and Screen 23
Chapter 4: Rhythm and Mood 29
Part 2: Melody and Development 41
Chapter 5: Finding Melodies Where You Least Expect Them 43
Chapter 6: Scales and Modes, Moods and Melodies 55
Chapter 7: Building Melodies Using Motifs and Phrases 67
Chapter 8: Developing Your Melodies 77
Part 3: Harmony and Structure 87
Chapter 9: Harmonizing with Melodies 89
Chapter 10: Putting the Chords Together 99
Chapter 11: Composing from the Void 121
Chapter 12: Songwriting Structure 135
Chapter 13: Understanding Musical Forms 145
Part 4: Orchestration and Arrangement 163
Chapter 14: Composing for the Standard Orchestra 165
Chapter 15: Composing for Rhythm Sections and Small Ensembles 187
Chapter 16: Composing for Multiple Voices 197
Chapter 17: Composing Commercial Music and Songs 209
Chapter 18: Composing Electronic Music 231
Chapter 19: Composing for Other Musicians 241
Part 5: Behind the Scenes 255
Chapter 20: Utilizing AI to Help You Compose 257
Chapter 21: Using Samples, Standards, and Cover Songs 261
Chapter 22: Designing a Pro-Level Music Studio 267
Part 6: The Part of Tens 273
Chapter 23: Ten Career Opportunities for Composers 275
Chapter 24: Ten Platforms for Selling Commercial Music 285
Chapter 25: Ten Platforms for Promoting Your Independent Music 289
Part 7: Appendixes 295
Appendix A: Modes and Chords Reference 297
Appendix B: Glossary 317
Index 323
