Composition is a large part of my Taiko Journey that I ’ve only recently embarked on. I’ve learned from many teachers what composition is and have gotten into composing myself: on my DAW, Taiko, or for my ensemble Jiten Daiko. Here’s my favorite advice I find myself thinking about a lot.

Just start Link to heading

Don’t be delicate about the composition process. It’s just like writing a diary entry to typing out a sentence. There will be so many half-baked ideas that you will be unable to count them. Find something you like and move on when you’re bored. Stick around and work on ideas when you like them. [Shoji, Kris Bergstrom]

Let it sit. Link to heading

Once you compose, try to go back to it. There’s a lot of things that can be missed and you can only pick them up when you forget about them for a while. It helps to get an outside perspective as well. Ask friends what they think! [Kris Bergstrom]

Be humble Link to heading

You’re not inventing a wheel. Nor is anyone expecting you. Nor does anyone ever really do. Find the ’literature’ and become aware of it. Know what is derivative, know what is not explored, know what is out there to explore. Use song structures that you like, borrow from other genres, explore the possibilities of your instruments. [Isaku]

Have an Intention Link to heading

Have an intention when you compose. Are you trying to teach a group? Are you trying to push their limits or have them practice a particular move? Being aware of the role a piece will play within an ensemble or group can inform decisions musically, choreographically, and more. [Roy Hirabayashi]

Compose Regularly Link to heading

While it’s great to have a million and one ideas, its hard if you are unable to go back on them. Establish an organized way to look back on your ideas that you can trust and maintain.