Music Composition For Dummies

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