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Pianoscapes Newsletter  Offering Tips, Perspective, and Solutions For Making Your own Music at the Piano This Weeks Article:  You Can Compose Your Own Music!  by Edward Weiss I'll never forget the first time I tried to "compose" something. It was for classical guitar. I tried to create something original and it took me 2 hours just to write out 4-bars of melody. Of course, I didn't know what I was doing. There has to be some kind of method that works for you. Now, the method I use today has been very easy to work with because it gives me the freedom to compose AND improvise at the same time. I "compose" using 8-bar phrases. To do this all one has to do is write out 8-bars on a sheet of paper. Any paper will do. It doesn't have to be music paper or manuscript. In fact, I just use a spiral bound journal with ruled lines on it. Actually, 'On the Trail' is just an 8-bar phrase repeated twice! Whenever I want to memorialize an idea, I draw out 8-bars very quickly. I then improvise and allow myself the freedom to play anything that comes out of me. If I try and think something up, the music will usually wind up sounding forced or contrived - qualities that music is better off not having. Once the idea (either melodic or textural) appears, I write out the first 2-bars so I remember what it is and use chords to quickly fill in the 8-bar section. After this is completed, I may draw another 8-bars and see what else comes. If nothing more is coming at this particular point, I put the journal away and come back to it later on. This method has served me well over the years and is an excellent starting method for beginning composers. Until next week, Edward Weiss Quiescence Music Learn The Art of New Age Piano Easily, Stress-Free, and Online with Me, Edward Weiss for One Low Price! Plus, get a FREE Workbook: "New Age Piano Made Easy!"   Join pianist/composer Edward Weiss online as he gives you the tools and techniques you need to create your own beautiful New Age piano music. Start playing piano the way you always wanted... flowing, creative, beautiful! Learn from the comfort of home at your own pace for one low price! Satisfaction guaranteed. More info... Newest Lesson Posted - Lesson 129: "Bobcat in Snow!" In this lesson you learn how to use just 3 chords to create a lighthearted 'wintry' mood!" QM members may access this lesson now by clicking here. Not a member yet? Sign up now and get instant access to "Bobcat in Snow" and over 100 more exciting lessons now for one low price! Plus, get a FREE workbook! Sneak peek.  Online Piano Lessons a Low Cost Win-Win for Students and their Teacher! Here's an article about this course on Yahoo Shine! It’s tough trying to maintain an active lifestyle and wanting to learn piano at the same time. Not only that, but piano lessons with good teachers are expensive and it’s often really... Click here to read the rest! I've been teaching piano online for 10 years now. Here's a story about it on Yahoo Shine!    Edward Weiss's New Book Now Available on Amazon.com! Yes ... you heard right! My new book - "Free to be Creative at the Piano" is now live and for sale at Amazon.com. But you can get a free copy! Click here. I'm honored that pianist David Lanz has endorsed my course. Read the story... Click here. Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 15 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Click the above link now and get a FREE piano lesson!