After playing Whistle for one and a half year now (recorder for over 14) I’ve decided to write my own music.
I’ve started with a waltz and a jig. The last one is quiet good I think but the waltz has to many minor parts I think.
It’s just my point of view and I just wanted to ask you for your opinion.
Maybe it’ just rubbish…
How do you write music and do have an idea what I can do to make it better?
Or maybe you have some examples of tunes you’ve written yourself.
You can post your results here or write about your experiences.
I thought both were very good with ‘Rolling down the hills’ taking first place. I personally prefer slow airs and your tune ‘The Graceful Swan’ appealed to me with its sound and style, I have only one thing to say that put me off voting it number 1, and that is the musicial sections from 28 secs to 1 min and from 1 min 30 to 1 min 58 are a little repetitive. I thought they could be a little shorter to help maintain the interest of the listener. A small criticism I know and it is just a personal preference thing really. Well done on both tunes.
A question, is the Graceful Swan not a slip jig rather than a waltz?? I was listening to it with my bodhran player’s hat on and was thinking that time signature is 9/8 not 3/4
I have written lots and lots of whistle and flute instrumentals as well as many songs with lyrics. For melodies, I sometimes start with something known, or something I might hear and try to duplicate it. That virtually never happens, so what I have then is derivative, and different.
Sometimes I’ll just sit and noodle, and tunes will come to me. I use a voice recorder to get a permanent record before they flutter away. Spending time on the task will increase output, and also tend to increase the quality. Prose writers often schedule time for writing, and that can also work for music writers. Even if nothing comes during the scheduled time, the exercise and repetition gives a person a lot more skill to work with when a really good inspiration does come.
Keep at it. In general, the more you do, the better you will get, and the more inspiration you will find for the great stuff.
I liked them both. What kind of whistle are you playing?
Also. BigDavy I think your right about the 9/8, allthough Im not sure. I’ve always had a hard time identifying 9/8. Certainly doesnt feel like 3/4 though.
And if im not mistaken “Rolling down the hills” is in 4/4. Never heard of a jig in 4/4 before?
Thanks that’s a really good idea. I’ve often had the problem that I lost ideas before I could write it down.
Thanks It’s one of Colin’s Whistles you here there.
But actually it’s a waltz in 3/4 played with a little swing.
And the jig is in 6/8 of course. Here you have the sheetmusic: http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/10428
My bad then. I’ve always had trouble identifying different time signatures, allthough playing tunes in all sorts of time signatures never seems to be a problem.
It’s one of Colin’s Whistles you here there.