These Changes Made Me a Better Composer

3 mindset shifts that have helped me become a more productive, better composer.
🪞 How to tell if your music is good enough • How to tell if your ow...
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[@RyanLeach]

🪞 How to tell if your music is good enough kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYXYgZWvqdWgjbs

[@NekoAKAJeff]

These are amazing tips. We talk a lot about "how" to make music, but the psychological side of the "being a creative" thing is very arduous and not talked about enough. We need more of these. Thanks Ryan!

[@chyguy3776]

Limit your possibilities. Be an artist for personal projects, and be a craftsman for anything else. Never thought about it that way :) Ty for the perspective!

[@williamscolaro1159]

Wow. Point number 2 on making decisions quickly really resonated as an opportunity for me. I absolutely suffer from analysis paralysis.

[@robinbergstrom977]

I just want to thank you Ryan. I have severe ADHD and have a hard time to get things done. I really love your short and direct videos, it helps a lot. Many channels post these tutorial-ish things that are 20 min long and I can't really keep up with that. So again, thank you very much.

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

Bingo. I began learning each of these when I first moved to Nashville in 1992 and began working with top session musicians and successful songwriters. To my surprise, some of these artists often made fun of their own music! But I had a loooong way to go. I wasn’t near ready. So, being blessed with a brain that was half oriented toward science and math, I ended up working “on the other side of the glass” as we said in those days, as a recording engineer. But I keep striving to make my living writing music. The truth is, you never stop learning these things - at least, I don’t. I’m constantly working toward separating my music from my ego, and recognizing that I’m capable of coming up with one more idea that gets closer to what the client wants.

[@jakesidwellmusic]

Great points. I think this mindset is sometimes more important than the music itself-like we can’t begin, functionally, if we haven’t abandoned the precious sanctity of our work. Only distinction I might make, which isn’t at all in contention with your points here, is that good craftsmen end up creating art by virtue of mastering their craft, as if it’s inevitable to do so. “Of course the chair compliments the room. Otherwise, it’s not the right chair.“ The context doesn’t mean it’s not art, but rather the approach is different. Commissioned artwork is just collaborative artwork. The composer can’t and shouldn’t divorce themselves from their artistic instincts(that’s likely why we got hired in the first place), but they should, as you said, not tie their personhood to any one artistic idea. Freedom of expression is still freedom of expression even in the service of an outside vision, as long as you don’t let your ship get moored to your single brilliant idea.

[@poorme1art]

This was the comment I was looking for! Thank you :D

[@melodicimmersion]

You’re so right. It’s very hard to create something from a completely blank slate. There’s just so many possible directions to go. But constraint breeds creativity. As soon as the music has a function or requirements it’s a lot easier to make decisions toward the end goal

[@rebeccawilkinson1846]

3:45 I love this. It is so true of so many things. I have been. Studying the music theory of masters from the 18th century and realizing that this is the approach they took. Artistry lives in craft. A well-crafted item is beautiful. Great artistry comes from crafting many beautiful pieces and finding out their secrets.

[@JoshuaBurniece]

This is so good, Ryan! Thank you so much for taking the time to build us all up as musicians!

[@EliottTordo_Erhu]

I'm currently in the midst of the exact same issue you described... and these advices are really helpful ! You channel is gold Ryan, thank you !

[@g.p616]

This is such a well constructed and insightful piece… this guy is a born communicator.

[@shuckyducky5212]

I absolutely LOVED this Ryan! Definitely gave me a positive kick in the butt to keep on writing.

[@Tylervrooman]

Congratulations on your channel growth too, well deserved.

[@dawnmeynor]

Wonderful advice Ryan. The emotions we have about our work are very real and need to be managed in a healthy way so we can stay productive. Knowing this in theory is much different than putting it into practice! Even the top composers in the business do rewrites, and little pep talks like these from creators like you helps me alot. I love participating in your composer challenges and contests because they are awesome opportunities to practice and improve my ability to produce the work, but also to manage all the emotions that go along with the process. I appreciate you so much!

[@Doty6String]

One of the better videos I’ve seen. “There will always be more Music” is great. To add to that, it always seems like the next tune I craft is just a touch better than the one before. So keep on pushing.

[@nickbulavin]

These are all great points. Once I started approaching composition a craft rather than art, all of it became a whole lot easier for me psychologically. Making quick decisions and moving along is great solid advice too. Thanks for putting these ideas out there!

[@ianlarsen3920]

Thank for this video, Ryan. These are good and important reminders every musician should keep in mind. That first point really spoke to me. I had a similar experience to yours, but with far smaller ramifications... with the July Composing Competition. I put my all into my submission -- or at least what I thought was my all -- and submitted it with high expectations. For some reason, I thought my song was "all that". I did not emotionally prepare myself for not being a finalist. I was devastated and miserable. I didn't even have anything to lose from it, but the sense of rejection and inadequacy was still undeniable. Flash forward to... the October Composing Competition, what do you know. I prepared my piece and submitted it on the last available day. I put a lot of work into it, but when the time came, I knew that it wasn't going to be "done" in time. I was still proud of what I'd done because it was more than I'd ever done before as far as orchestral writing. But I came to terms with the fact that it wasn't a big deal if I was a winner/finalist or not. So when I wasn't a finalist in that one either... I shrugged it off. Because... whatever. No big deal. What did I have to lose anyway? Instead of taking it personally, I just moved on and decided I was going to keep finding ways to improve what I had, even if it wasn't for any kind of competition anymore. I changed my mindset from "I am going to win this" to "I am going to enjoy this and learn from this". And when you have the right mindset... the outcome of the situation has much less power over your response to it.

[@thinkingfield]

Don't take it personally is good advice here, and in life. And the craftsman versus artists comparison is spot on!! I have learned to separate music I am writing for myself and music I am writing for everyone else. This is especially true for media and library composition. Thank you again for your insights. And I'll see you in Pillars (I am about 1/4 through :) )

[@auriels1451]

Really liked the last tip! It makes sense to look at ur role in that light - esp given the nature of media composition - thank you for sharing these tips!

[@rodterrell304]

Great advice Ryan, thank you so much.

[@haydengardiner2394]

This was a really thought provoking video! I certainly liked the second mindset shift about making decisions… I can think about countless hours where all I do is listen back to my piece, be unhappy with it, but continue to not act and make a single decision 🤦 thank you Ryan for this great video that has continued to assure me that your quality as a creator in this platform is concrete and valuable to composers everywhere ❤

[@dari_dee_maestro]

I do this too!

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Truly enlighteningly and wonderfully artist, luv Ryan's key note about being a craftsman for a story and a director's purpose.

[@jonathanalfred446]

This is an amazing lesson! Especially the point on being a craftsman 😳👏👏

[@alejandro52612]

Man does this video have wisdom. Thank you.

[@Klutinius]

Great video! I really love your channel, and I am very happy to see it growing. Keep making great content. It is very much appreciated =)

[@shiroumxm2052]

this is helping me so much. Thank you for all your advices and sharing your experience

[@s.garciamusik2125]

Super helpful tips, thanks for sharing!

[@gavinleepermusic]

Super helpful thoughts here Ryan! Thanks!

[@stuartking1856]

Really good! Really helpful! Thank you.

[@rigreg802]

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you ! It's the best advice I've received in my life.

[@christopher.stewart]

1:28 : « none of it is irreplaceable » as suggested more or less directly later in the video, there's a « purpose » variable to factor in here... when writing music for a specific purpose, for instance for a movie or more generally to fit a specific narrative, music is replaceable to the extent that there is a « problem » to be addressed, and there is more than one solution to that problem... but when the process is essentially discovery through self-expression, or in other words, self-development through the medium of music, and the music actually documents the process, then i think the polar opposite is true : none of the music is replaceable... in such a context, which is arguably closer to the artistic end of the craft art spectrum, the music represents the trajectory of the composer, and each step in the trajectory is a unique and essential component of the whole thing, even when they don't quite stand the test of time...

[@PanosMertis]

Very practical and realistic Ryan!!

[@ChrisMuellerMusic]

Great advice, thanks. I would love to hear this "Helena" piece though.

[@RyanLeach]

Ha, you inspired me to go take a listen. It’s been a long time, doesn’t really hold up to my standards anymore but I’m kind of amazed at how “me” it feels stylistically drive.google.com/file/d/1xfNPIh5zxkyHdDAbvP8z83cC-NLbgHQs/view?usp=drivesdk

[@ChrisMuellerMusic]

@@RyanLeach Thanks for sharing. That harmonica section in the middle came unexpected but I like it.

[@TableTopComposer]

Fantastic Video! Thanks for sharing :)

[@danielgreen4484]

“Thinking of yourself as a craftsman, not as an artist” is fine as long as the craftsman is as passionate as the artist about the music.

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Those of us not doing media composition tend to struggle with the craftsman side of what you’re talking about… the relatively small output of “artist” composers sometimes (a lot of the times!) affects the “craftsmanship” of our work. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself here though 😅

[@ChrisLehmannComposer]

I think removing the sense of self from the music is CRUCIAL. Music is PART of who you are, not ENTIRELY who you are. I think this is important for two main reasons: 1) It'll make you more open for feedback. If your music is too attached to your ego then the fear of negative feedback will likely get in the way of asking what others think. And not only asking what others think, but actually putting in the time and effort to improve your piece/future pieces based on feedback. 2) This lifts an IMMENSE amount of pressure off of your back each and every time you sit down to write. If who you are is one for one associated with being a musician than each and every day that you DON'T write something in the top 1% of pieces you've ever written will feel like a failure. The day where you spend a couple hours just mixing a track, or studying a piece you've been wanting to study will feel like an emotional failure. But, when music is viewed as simply a part of you and your life, then the sense of pride and joy comes from simply participating in the act of music(ing) in some way each day. Just my thoughts as a guy who definitely struggles with the mental aspects of being a creative! Thanks for the video Ryan, awesome stuff as always.

[@manitouparkguitaracademy]

i was all prepared for your controversial bullet point, i didn't think i'd be offended or anything, but i was still surprised that I ended up applauding my computer screen in an empty room. could not agree more and ive used the exact same principle so friggin often, it felt like a cover song (obviously it wasnt but, goddamn, thank you for the validation)

[@jamesyanks7460]

Fantastic advice.

[@joeldcanfield_spinhead]

Knowing whether you're a craftsman or artist is critical. I'm an artist. I write for myself and don't need the results to be anything other than "I like it." A craftsman, as you say, has to serve the purpose. More good stuff, sir.

[@ZTRCTGuy]

This is why I hold the following definition of art: Anything is art that fills your psychological, but *only* psychological needs. Something that does not have a practical purpose or fulfills your practical needs. For example a chair isn't art because it serves a practical purpose, like a house for example fulfills the need for shelter, protection against the elements and therefore does not fall under my defenition of art. A painting does not fulfill any practical needs but definitely fulfills psychological ones, just like music or even videogames. Therefore this *is* art. Remember that things don't have to be art to still be beautiful. And artist's aren't ''better'' than craftsman, or vice versa.

[@rocnathan]

The last point was excellent.

[@MrSleightofhand]

The craftsman vs. artist distinction is a good one. Partly because I feel like all great artists are necessarily great craftsmen but also because I think there's a lot of mysticism about art and artists and this idea that you need to be inspired to do anything and if it doesn't all come to you in a flash then it's not real art, or whatever. And I think that prevents a lot of people from putting in the work and getting better because they sit around thinking about making music and waiting for that illusive inspiration instead of actually doing it. But a craftsman just gets to work and does the job in front of them and ultimately that's the only way forward.

[@guitarmichael]

Interesting I know a furniture maker who doesn’t allow people to call his work art because of the reason of function that you mentioned. I’ve always struggled with that analysis though because I believe that art has a function as well even if it is as abstract as “promoting subjective introspection” or something.

[@RyanLeach]

Interesting point, that could be misinterpreted as "art is useless" which is not what I meant!

[@HeavenestStCyr]

1 There will always be more music (don't get attach your sense of self to a piece) 2 Make Musical Decisions Quickly (Just pick one; you can always change after) 3 Craftsman for purpose not an artist

[@JimMonsanto]

2:48 - You know, keeping this to heart, I really gotta stop trying to notate my guitar parts with chords that a human hand could play and just go for what sounds good. I've already accidentally done that for a number of other instruments, and enjoyed the results, but knowing how to play the guitar keeps me thinking, "Oh, no, you couldn't play that, let's re-arrange it like this". Ugh. No! Just put the notes you want to hear!

[@will4293]

I'm wondering if the directors listened to the music by itself or in conjunction with the movie. Often times, music I didn't initially appreciate can become more meaningful to me once I experience it within the context of a movie or game. There are countless scores that I have come to cherish that began this way.

[@jasonplaysthebass6030]

Bach was a craftsman. Nobody in their right mind looks down on his craft.

[@karalewis388]

There will always be more music. Don’t tie your heart to one track. Make decisions quickly. Think of yourself as a craftsman, not an artist (function, not identity).

[@melorams22]

Are the functions of the chords in a major scale the same with the minor scale; eg. the V of the major scale the same as the v(minor) of the minor scale?

[@RyanLeach]

yes although V is stronger than v and will often be used instead

[@melorams22]

@@RyanLeach how bout the diminished 2 in minor scale and the minor 2 in the major scale?

[@RyanLeach]

@@melorams22 yup Bm7♭5 - E7 - Am7 is the ii-V-I of minor

[@L.Kujari]

Craftmanship gang rise up

[@wernervannuffel2608]

I'm not writing for another persons' personal taste or whatever. What I'll write and compose will be highly personal. It's like making a musical selfportrait. Take something away from it (based on fluidic opinions of third partie-humans that you accidently cross in your life) is not an option for me. Because deleting so much of fingerprint material out of it, just to make another person happier, is somewhere silly. Without a good argumentation of the other person I'll never delete that composition. BUT I understand also your point : as a filmmusic composer and videogame music composer you need to deliver your music ALWAYS to third parties. In this case it was seemingly for an Indie feature film music score. But on a more general level : it's a real challenge making your music always better and better. So I try to follow you approaches in this video very carefully. But is "better" really always "better" (other than neutralizings bumps and holes)? That's the big question. It's difficult to answer and yes : where to stop (in this making better process?). This is also true for a painter. Where to stop and let it untouched forever? When you can say : "This is it!" Finally it's your personal decision. This is sometimes a very grey zone...

[@Manu_Music98]

I disagree with what you said about a burden of pretentiousness being lifted if you view yourself as a craftsman for the purpose of serving others. I find it to be more pretentious to reject your own originality (your own decisions before the judgement of others) in order to come up with something that suits somebody else's needs. I would really like to hear your original piece maybe in comparison to a piece you made for somebody else!

[@AnnaMuzyka54]

It's just as bad when the director puts pressure on you to make the piece worse than it is. Worse not only for the quality of the composition itself, but also for the film he makes.