Is it #metal that the psychedelic doom metal festival I'm attending tonight is on the premises of Stockholm's most well-known #gay club, on a boat? I asked Rob Halford, and as he donned a sailor's cap he told me, "Yes, my son. It is metal."
From Metalhead to Maestro: 7 Essential Skills for Symphonic Composition
1/7
Craft melodic lines with chord tones.
• Start with simple chord tones.
• Use passing and neighbor tones.
• Analyze melodies from symphonic metal.
• Practice writing short, memorable phrases.
From Metalhead to Maestro: 7 Essential Skills for Symphonic Composition
3/7 Understand musical forms and structures:
• Learn about common forms like binary and ternary.
• Break down symphonic metal pieces.
• Write your own musical sentences.
• Experiment with different structures.
#TheMetalDogToots
From Metalhead to Maestro: 7 Essential Skills for Symphonic Composition
4/7 Integrate dynamic rhythms:
• Vary note lengths and rests.
• Syncopate rhythms for interest.
• Study rhythmic patterns in symphonic metal.
• Practice creating rhythm-only compositions.
#TheMetalDogToots
From Metalhead to Maestro: 7 Essential Skills for Symphonic Composition
5/7 Study symphonic metal hits:
• Analyze compositions from your favorite bands.
• Note their use of melody, harmony, and form.
• Try to recreate sections by ear.
• Learn from their orchestration techniques.
#TheMetalDogToots
From Metalhead to Maestro: 7 Essential Skills for Symphonic Composition
6/7 Combine scale and chord lines:
• Write scale-based melodies.
• Harmonize scales with chord tones.
• Practice integrating both in your compositions.
• Create exercises combining both elements.
#TheMetalDogToots
From Metalhead to Maestro: 7 Essential Skills for Symphonic Composition
Special Bonus Tip #8
8/7 Have a sweet hat:
• Choose a hat that reflects your style.
• Wear it while composing to get into the zone.
• Make it part of your signature look.
• Rock it with confidence.
Sometimes, a sweet hat is all the inspiration you need!
John Philip Sousa is an important name in my family. He recruited my great grandfather to play clarinet in his world famous band. This Memorial Day I am remembering his daughter, my grandmother, who died last year. She was tremendously proud of her Italian heritage and her father's journey in life.