A Composer’s New Year’s Resolutions
Author: Blogger in Residence, Anna Disley-Simpson
Reflecting on the current year can be very Love Actually and mushy, but I also think it’s super important to acknowledge your achievements and to consider how to make the following 365 days something to be proud of.
This year for me was momentous and involved a lot of growing up! I finished my time at Music College, I moved cities to start my job, I finally wrote some Christmas music that I don’t find excruciatingly cringey and, in general, I hit a fair few composer milestones that a couple of years ago seemed entirely unattainable. So, looking to the future, here are three resolutions in preparation for going into the start of a new decade that I feel are useful for the ‘emerging composer’.
1) Go to more concerts!
This had to be at the top of my list. In a sector under such threat in the current societal climate, it is so important to support the scene where we can. The more we support by turning up, the higher the demand, and the more likely it is that contemporary music will continue to THRIVE and spread like wildfire. Going to see some form of live music also has the power to inspire you as an artist, feeding you with ideas and a motivation to keep creating. So, go to that gig, whether it’s seeing an act you’ve admired for years, supporting your friends, or something with which you are totally unfamiliar, it’s all so valuable.
2) Write for an instrument or ensemble you’ve never written for before.
Doing this can be daunting – the first time I wrote for a harp was disastrous. But the next time I did it, my knowledge and understanding had been enriched and, though it was definitely not perfect, it was a vast improvement. Don’t be afraid of strange combinations of instruments either. Bassoon and Piccolo ensemble? Good. Soprano with solo trombone? Nice. Concerto for Knives and Forks? Excellent. In addition to this, Technology! Try out some electronics if you haven’t already. If you have the access, Logic Pro X and Ableton are great pieces of software, but free programmes such as Audacity and Garageband (for Mac users) are also wonderful.
3) Listen to a new living composer every week.
I’ve seen a lot of musicians attempt to listen to a new piece per day, but if I’m honest that commitment would fall through for me within the first week of January. However, making an effort either to seek out someone new, or to check out that musician’s work you’ve been intending to explore for weeks, is a really nice habit to get into. And if you discover something you love, why not let them know? Tweet them or drop them an email and it will probably make someone’s day.
That’s all from me for now until January! Have a wonderful time with plenty of rest…
Written by Anna Disley-Simpson