How to Write Music - Developing an Idea

[@chrismeyers7487]

Guy, I can not thank you enough for all of your time and effort you go in to sharing this priceless info. By far my favorite channel on KZbin! Your channel makes "Masterclass" a joke!! I wish you and your family an abundance of health, wealth, and happiness! Cheers!

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Very kind - thank you!

[@Sesaon3]

Beautifully put Chris. Inspirational as always Guy and I never fail to smile ... You make music fun :-)

[@JohannesNielsen]

ThinkSpace Education I am studying a Diploma of Electronic Music Production and your a far better Teacher than anybody in the Faculty

[@harlanchristian5769]

you probably dont care but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@wolfblaide]

I love how honest you are with your writing. All those thoughts and struggles and how you work your way through them, match up the instruments, where the tracks go, etc... it's wonderful.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you! That's my daily musical life right there

[@craigberry4051]

I agree! It’s so helpful that you share your internal dialogue of the creative process with us.

[@guitargod6997]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation Guy, how long did it take for you to become so adept at working with your DAW? Just masterful what you do!

[@DaveWelschBassist]

Without exception, one of the most informative and entertaining channels dealing with scoring. Guy is incredibly knowledgeable, uniquely honest, hysterically funny and a treasure.

[@quietwaterslife7065]

Guy, your channel has made me present my soundtrack compositions (for the past year) have just gotten radio play and charted in top 50 under ELECTRONIC and INDIE charts, today! Thank you for your instruction and direction! And I did it this past month in my living room, and didn’t even need a car wash!

[@em-dashman4404]

Link? I’d like to have a listen...

[@iRemainNameless]

@@em-dashman4404 same id love to hear it

[@AlistairMelville]

Guy I just love your passion and approach to composing it makes it so accessible and easy to follow. Thank you so much for all these wonderful videos.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you!

[@Qomplex]

😃 I do that !!! Hum an idea into my phone then create the idea when I get to my computer. Wrote some good music that way.

[@roogrey]

NOT the thing to be watching in one's lunch break with still many hours to go before one can fire up the DAW! How quickly you put these demonstrations together has all your years of experience and expertise shining through. I feel inspired... yet again! Okay, back to work...

[@johanvandervorst]

To get this result in about half an hour is pretty damn good Guy. I will keep on practising!

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you :)

[@GrahamCaseyMus]

Keep up the great work Guy!

[@tepteemedia]

Your "episodes" might just be my main inspiration when it comes to music creation! Thank you so much for sharing all that you do. It keeps me motivated to continue to create music and not just record it. So glad I found you!

[@Moi-io7yi]

I chose the one at 1:56 too in terms of songwriting. Just hypnotized by the way Guy's hands introduce his mind to the piano keys to create connecting music in seconds 🤗🎵

[@averagealice8877]

I’m going to have to sit down and binge watch your videos. Thanks for putting all this out! So many issues raised.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Ha! Little and often!

[@marcusdekker]

9:52 Loving this...im completely with you in this creative process...its weard, its like im sitting next to you thinking along, playing along. Good stuff , ty.

[@giraffeapproved]

Guy, the amount of information you're proving to people watching your channel is insane! I've learned more with composing than any other videos iv'e watched. Also, I thought I was the only one who struggles to shift parts in a song etc. It's comforting to know that you just have to be patient, and you end up with something awesome. You gave me a huge boost thank you!

[@flipletape9706]

Sounded like an epic christmas commercial. Sounded quite nice. Really fun to watch.

[@inPhasenextPhase]

Just wanted to say a big thank you for your videos! It is so refreshing to see a REAL creative process with all the ups and downs. It comforts me in my own creative process to see that I work a lot like you. I'm just an aspiring composer at 50 and to see you in action (and all the fantastic videos you share with us) is a great, great help. In this KZbin age, we too often watch picture (and sound!) perfect videos of when it's all finished and polished, with the errors and stumbles all removed. So real people like you makes my day! Keep up the great work!

[@menacerisamir198]

it is never too much to see your videos , that help a lot , thank you so much

[@BILLY-px3hw]

it is refreshing how quickly you bang out track after track without second-guessing it, the rhythm at which you write at is an integral part of the music itself, it is as if you have a metronome that keeps you moving without a chance to ponder just create you become part of the composition

[@guitargod6997]

There are words to describe Guy Michelmore - witty, charming, creative, captivating, inspirational....did I mention "Brilliant!"? Thank you for the insights and wit you bring to bear. "... so it sounds like some sort of epic football crowd combined with a barber shop quartet!"

[@MiloPaulus]

"You gotta bring Choir in carefully at the right moment. If you bring a choir in too early, you've peaked, and might as well go home on bar 4" HAHAHA, amazing! Fantastic tips as always Guy

[@Aussie.Owlcoholic]

Yes, it's very true in most cases! There's certainly exceptions though, like 'The Prophecy' by Howard Shore from the Lord of the Rings

[@MiloPaulus]

@@Aussie.Owlcoholic Yes, of course choral music, or where the choir is the main musical concept, are exceptions!

[@TheUnderscore_]

I thought I was weird for singing into my phone whenever I got an idea! Thank you for giving me confidence haha

[@Obosii]

As a beginner I’m so glad I found this channel. So helpful in terms of workflow and getting my ideas into the daw.

[@lennon224]

youtube just recomended me your channel and im in awe

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you youtube!

[@-thetapestream-channel1808]

what a marvellous person you are ..... deep and clever but simple !

[@TheStudioFreq]

Guy, you are brilliant. This is exactly what we do. I love seeing your process and hearing your decisions in realtime. You are very skilled in letting everything evolve out to its best option. Beautiful by the way.

[@turtleCalledCalmie]

I said this once, Ill say it twice - most entertaining and helpful. Also, really nice wizard voice :) I could really imagine the princess

[@robertshamansky1912]

The course is totally awesome. The best $25 I’ve spent on anything concerning music.

[@rahl1233]

So enjoyable to watch and listen too. Brilliant.... thankyou

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you!

[@abelgeorge4953]

As a beginner 18 year old composer this video is worth its time in gold to me! It's a pity i cant give like to this video more than once

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

You're very kind - good luck with your musical adventure

[@abelgeorge4953]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation have you considered the roli seaboard as a midi keyboard.... You can get some really good articulations with that

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

@@abelgeorge4953 Yes Ive played with a couple of them and they're fun but I cant quite get into them properly

[@roywinston3061]

Guy, I always enjoy your videos. I think however with this one you have honed into one of the most vital areas of composing and it is tremendously instructive and helpful to composing with samples. Thank you so much and please do continue to create more videos along these lines. best regards.

[@jeremysmith9696]

Just found your channel. I just ordered a NI S49 and watched your review of the S88. Now I watched this.. and now I'm hooked. Love your style. .Love watching your process. Very inspiring.

[@martinsevern2473]

Love watching these, as a struggling musician in more than a few ways, his honest and none BS approach to writing music has really helped me in these last 8 months or so. Keep on Keeping on Guy

[@mickimarbhmusic]

Danke, Guy, that was excellent as always 🙌

[@Truesyn]

My friend, you are a true inspiration. Thanks to your channel, I've discovered many new and interesting ways to compose music. I honestly can't thank you enough.

[@Hamiemu]

Mind-blowing Mr Muchelmore. Simply marvellous how it develops! Thanks for this!

[@jonathanbrooker8193]

At 6:46, you could go all HZ and bring in a nice pulsating Zero-G coupled with shimmering Vertigo Strings and ‘chopped’ long solo cello / bass to give it a really sinister feel - ‘something this way comes’ 🎶 🕷

[@bluescanfly1981]

This is fantastic. I can't wait till you hit 100k subs. Maybe write a full concerto / symphony? Your enthusiasm is contagious makes me want to write something every time. Usually the end product is meh, so that makes me want to watch more of your stuff to see whats possible - a beautiful loop

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Ha! That would be fun

[@cryptosecuritytools]

love this guy. he moves quickly. Im hoping it rubs off on me the more I watch

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Has a touch of Harry Potter incidental with that chiming melody

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Indeed - HP is fantasy music for this generation

[@fredrikandersson823]

Agree !

[@dougaldhendrick3497]

Hogwart hootenanny !

[@jonasdenolf4831]

Recently subscribed to this channel and i'm enjoying every second of it.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

welcome!

[@FeonaLeeJones]

You have such a beautiful studio....very inspiring...!

[@chubaketa]

You are so great, i can watch your videos for hours... Thanks a lot!!

[@yl.3262]

I discovered your channel today and I am hooked! For such a long time I played these improvised melodies on the piano and in my head I could hear the orchestra, but never had the tools to play that. You inspire me to start composing with some real good programs & midi keyboard.😊 Also, I love the melody you used in this video. It is really captivating and magical!

[@Redhollow]

These videos are honestly so good and intimate that twice now I've spoken directly to the video as if you can hear me, and I'm only 6 minutes in.... Probably because you ask questions about what approach to take when working that makes me feel like I'm really next to you, lol. Love your work. Also GUY you should've gone DARKER with the celeste---should've gone DOWN on the second repetition, not up. If you want mystery and SP00K you always go for those sweet dark tones in a downward motion (in my opinion). UwU

[@zachsuperfisky2154]

Just started learning music/production. Although I'm mainly trying to make electronic music, the sheer wisdom and passion of Guy is inspiring. Keep up the great content!

[@ninjaprod9786]

I love this man's attitude ! And this music is so nice !!!! Great job ;) !

[@craigberry4051]

Thank you Guy for sharing this video with us. So many insights! You are an entertaining and authentic teacher.

[@Ndo01]

Vertical development is cool but can you do some horizontal motivic development videos

[@DHealey]

+1

[@Barefoot67]

I think thats where his Writing music course comes in, the one he mentions in the beginning

[@psimbyosis8162]

Mr. Michelmore. congrats by offering new concepts about composing with a very particular style, i was exploring much composing software specially in Windows and GNU/Linux platforms. and the interest of filmscoring through videos and something i learnt watching material and i decided to systematize the learning of music theory even when my profession is not really similar or something related to the music. i am really a educational psychologist, interested in synth music with a taste for the prog genre in a wide range, ah the point that british and italian prog are my favourites subgenres. and maybe that the interest still growing, now using three softwares (LMMS, Bitwig and any VSTs) in a generic USB MIDI Controller and gaining knowledge in modes, chords and circle of fifths, enjoying the path for learning really and getting tips from youtube teachers like you and other music and software developers. sorry for my (potentially) bad english but my native language is spanish. is not so hard so to write but i surely commit grammar fails. regards from Chile.

[@MartinBuitenweg]

Wonderful stuff Guy! Really enjoyed it, every video you share gives me a couple of nice ideas, orchestrating wise or workflow wise! Thnx a lot!

[@Frank.Zimmermann]

Mystical, almost spooky, full of suspense. I like this theme a lot, it's fantastic! Carry on, it's definitely for a great fantasy film! Thanks ever so much Guy! 👌

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

you're welcome

[@SaveManWoman]

Absolutely fantastic channel, thank you. From Afghanistan. Did anyone get the name of the app to whistle into?

[@berpmorph2946]

I think is the default app for record audio.

[@GirishHothur]

So inspiring..thank you for making this..wish the video could go on forever.. brilliant stuff..keep them coming

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you

[@Pooter-it4yg]

Late to this party but I have some advice that is guaranteed to work but a lot of people aren't going to like. It involves classical music, an understanding of theory and score reading. Every classical pianist (at least in the UK) worked on pieces for grades in editions published by the Associated Board. These all had a few pages of notes at the start and we mostly ignored them, despite our teacher's advice. The pinnacle of these was the Beethoven sonatas with notes on understanding and interpretation by Donald Tovey. But there's more - the notes included in the single sonata editions are just excerpts from Tovey's full study of the whole lot. Get that book, at least play around with if not play some of the pieces and read and reflect on the written notes. I've chosen the Beethoven because, despite the wild child image, they're all extremely carefully constructed from a handful of really short ideas. These appear in all kinds of different variations and permutations throughout and that's the secret. Just a handful of notes, a rhythmic figure or a couple of signature intervals form the "DNA" of the whole piece. He became cheekier as he went but did actually use form. Does this seem crusty, academic? Music is about free expression, not rules right? Well not really - being very clear about your "DNA" bits provides a sense of cohesion that can sustain a piece in long form. The "rules" in this respect aren't rules, but your choices to guide your exploration and innovation. Who's going to even notice that that one little element appears later longer, upside down and as accompaniment? Wrong question - a lot of people won't notice, but they'll feel the cohesion. This approach is also the ideal solution to writer's block. Write something you like then break it down into small fragments and keep them in back of mind to continually reuse in lots of different ways. Is this just to write "classical-early romantic" music? No. Every well constructed piece of music has some kind of core design ideas underneath it. Modernist composers do the same thing, just with different ideas. Even aleatoric composition is a design choice.

[@BillySells]

Love Hangin with you! Be there next time!. Hi from Tennessee

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Hi from the UK!

[@robertbarner7626]

Thoroughly enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

thank you!

[@PaulMilligan77]

Guy? You are such a down to earth genuinely lovely spirited person with the most amazing talent for composing these wonderful themes! You’re a real inspiration to me and my musical journey. Thank you so much for these easy to watch, entertaining and engaging videos. Simply brilliant. 👍🏻🤩

[@Kunjo79]

I really hear a John Lewis Christmas advert in this. Amazing channel, I’m learning so much

[@mikekloepfer7424]

This was FUN.! A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend my lunch, and inspiring - I couldn't wait to continue my own writing/arranging when I got home. :) Thanks!

[@IYBeats]

NICE, thanks for videos!

[@andycordy5190]

It went wrong for me when you pulled up double bass by mistake and the creepy genius you stumbled upon, which would have given this a monstrous heartbeat in the shadows, was lost in playful higher string sonorities. As for the Elphmanesque? You do it naturally but it darts away when you recognise it.

[@MeriaDuck]

Just started with your HTWM course today, really enjoying that, and all your videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@srbelnap]

I think you are my spirit animal. You seem to be filled to the BRIM with ADHD, but you've found a great way to utilize it. Maybe I'll be like you one day.

[@pranaymangar2562]

Great work sir I don't have the enough technological things to compose music But your videos always inspires me to work with just what I have for now Ive read your free books and now trying to buy the others

[@russkalen2337]

Guy, I love your enthusiasm and humor, its contagious (better that a virus anyway). I so enjoy seeing your creative process. It makes me want to go write some more music. But I can't seem to stop looking at more of your videos! Wow.

[@LFOVCF]

8:59 That chord was like Harry Potter meets Bond🤣 Another great informative video Guy.

[@ChuckThunder1111]

Dude I SUPER appreciate your videos and knowledge!! Every thing I need to know...is in your amazing videos... Bless you brudda!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Breakfast has a whole other vibe with this. Thanks!

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Enjoy!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation I did, thanks. Brilliant piece. Have a great weekend. You've got yourself a new subscriber ;)

[@andrewdeck7945]

Thanks. I'm 6 minutes in and already getting ideas how to work through my idea!

[@camcoleproductions6948]

Good job & nice for sharing. Grtz from Belgium

[@polkmusic]

Another fun piece. Great work Guy.

[@Nick-df1pv]

I was half expecting a Danny Elfman meets Paul Buckmaster direction. Tease the theme, drop it out for big strings, theme focus again then drop to an almost jazzy quartet with plucked double bass before hitting the resolution then down again for background chords to match the mood of dialog and transition into the next theme.

[@CarstenMolewijk]

This man is a genius!

[@LFOVCF]

An inspiration! I love how mad music composer you are.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Thank you!

[@latheofheaven1017]

Hello Guy. I came here on a search for 'developing musical ideas'. This is great, and I love your humour and enthusiasm. Subscribed. What I always get stuck on though is going from an initial 30 second idea to making a four minute piece. It's the, 'Now what?' place I stumble at every time. Any tips on creating a longer piece? Thanks!

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

A number of people have asked that and I will do my best to do another video along those lines

[@latheofheaven1017]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation Cool. Thank you!

[@mareksramek7948]

Absolutely great.

[@Swizzenator]

Guy, you provide 2 snippet ideas and have a contest. Give the 2 snippets to us and see who comes up with a 1 minute piece. You also missed your stand up comedy career. Wonderful videos. Thank you.

[@satchman2000retro]

Loved many things about this.. seeing that seed grow into this great piece of music, seeing how you build your orchestration, and the fact even you hit bum notes and struggle occasionally! Thanks again, have subscribed to the “How to make music” course :)

[@FabioTogna]

You are a great musician and I love your incredible lesson, I learned more on your video than in the rest of youtube... but... pay attention!!! the trees on your garden will be in your studio in a few time. And the music of this video is perfect for that invasion :)

[@BazzTriton]

Sensacional

[@screwloose_productions]

Brilliant Guy thoroughly enjoy your tutorials. Can you please do a tutorial where you complete an entire song. I find it difficult to connect sections and complete an entire song beginning to end. Thank you

[@olic9461]

Quantization question, I've noticed depending on the circumstance you will let a piece eb and flow on its own and not bother quantizing it to any sort of grid, but sometimes you'll quantize elements. What is your take on quantization / overall trying to line up with a metronome and how do you discern when to quantize or when to let the tempo drift?

[@mkartmkart6335]

0:31 cracked me up :D hehe Thank you for being so inspiring !

[@danishzeshan4093]

These can create really good melodies for a hip hop beats

[@rodterrell304]

Brilliant video my good sir, thank you for the wealth of information you provided on your channel.

[@sonicplayroompiano4302]

Great video. What happens next though? Could you do a part 2, showing how you would develop this idea further? Always entertaining

[@Aviator27J]

It's funny because with the first instrument I was thinking an oboe or bassoon would fit well. Finally, after flutes, it was tried out. Cool! I was thinking the flute would overlay on a second "verse" as ended up being done. I was also waiting for some French horns which seem to cut through in this kind of score. I'm not much of a songwriter but I'd love to work with someone else and see what comes of it because once I get into this stuff it tends to take off!

[@wulfenii64]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm going to try to make music like this and this is very helpful.

[@freshnelly]

OMG! Move over James Horner, this is epic!! Thank you for this Guy!

[@josiebrown4380]

As always you are a joy. And my son had just put a steaming cup of apple cylon tea beside me as you mentioned going for tea, no actually it had come to me- but we're all done & I'm still waiting for it to be drinkable, lol.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Good choice!

[@EnTierraDeNadie]

Developing the art. Wonderful video. Thanks.

[@mycollegeshirt]

He's just wonderful

[@dutchufo4real72]

Amazing work guy, I just love it. Cheers Ray

[@mcdebugger]

Great video! Thank you very much!

[@MOMdad1962]

awesome AND humorous -the best

[@xXValomatXx]

A Knight Piano... I learned on a Knight. Not seen ever since then... Nostalgia kicking in :D

[@josuejose604]

muito obrigado Guy seus estudos tem me ajudado muito.

[@marcel_schweder-composer]

As always: wonderful video, so funny and inspirational at the same time. As we say in German: Du bist ein wahrer Sonnenschein! ♥

[@davidtobelembenzaquen7420]

Wow! Thank you ! It helps me a lot to see I m on the right “track” how I m composing. Just as a hobby but nevertheless! :-). Great how you explain things! Greatings from the Netherlands!

[@AdamElteto]

"Yeah, that's sort of Blue Planet 3, isn't it?" Haha, clever, witty, awesome as always!

[@poofcucumber2446]

This very much reminds me of the soundtrack to Vertigo