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Composing music is an art form that dates back hundreds or even thousands of
years. Yet only in the last part of this century have composers had to deal with
substantially different instruments, and computers have only come into
widespread use in the last ten to twenty years. Not only is the rate of change
in music keeping step with changes in technology, one could even argue that
music is changing so fast that technology can barely keep up. I know several
composers, including myself, who often run into situations where they are ready
to do something for which the tools have not yet been invented. Many times in
this situation, they make the tools themselves. Later, when the tools are
finally being designed they already know what works and are able to tell the
tool designers what they need most.
Change at this pace can often overwhelm a composer, leaving little time for
inspiration. The newfound flexibility that computer music affords also can be
confusing. Composing can turn into an unfamiliar process, even though there are
still only twelve notes (in most cases.)
My life in music has been one of change after change. It happens so fast and
so often that I am reticent to declare with any conviction that there is a right
or wrong way to drag inspiration, kicking and screaming, from a mass of new age
confusion. I do feel comfortable explaining how I personally have overcome many
cases of ‘blank page syndrome’ and been happy with the results. The
approaches I use are best thought of as a combination of mental preparedness
followed by technical trickery. The goal of this article is not so much to show
right from wrong as to lead by example. Hopefully by following my thought
process you can adapt some of my methods to your own unique situation. Keep in
mind that although most of these suggestions may be used like aspirin
("only as needed"), other methods are good precautions against
writers’ block that I recommend using all the time.
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