In this article, I want to set the scene for the next batch of articles in the series on creativity. I was writing the plans for forthcoming articles and I noticed that they all involved change. They all run along the lines of "try doing x" with the activity being different in every article. On reflection, if you're reading this series, then you may be looking for an idea you haven't thought of before or for a different perspective on on an idea that you're already familiar with.
First of all a slight detour.
For me, change is a central concept, every time I find myself stuck, I try two things:
Firstly, I tackle the problem from a different angle. Treating it as a problem is the first mistake. I'll backup the project and try changing something, adding a new track, sometimes starting from scratch. Set a time-limit for this exercise, otherwise it can drag on and potentially drag your spirit down. There's nothing worse than listening to the same track over and over again, knowing it has to change but not liking the results.
Secondly, if that doesn't work, I'll park the issue and do something else for a while, then go back to it. The other activity could be another project, learning something new, going for a walk or even do something mundane around the office. The trick is to not think about the first project. Again, set a time limit so you return to it. Oddly enough, I find I do my best thinking in the shower in the morning. No matter what the problem, if I sleep on it, I've usually got the answer before I leave the house in the morning. Sometimes it takes the journey to work for the details to coalesce and my conviction in the solution to materialise. But whatever the case, I know that no matter how big the problem, but the next day, I'll have a direction. That's an important routine for me. I can leave a task unresolved, comfortable that direction will arrive there soon. On return to the first project, see if you can take anything from what you've been doing into it. The mixture of both activities often creates just the fresh view I need to complete the first project.
Coming back from that tangent, I'd like to introduce the next group of articles because each strand of thought is likely to start very simply. For instance, I will start one on timing, but for anybody with basic music theory it will appear slow since we'll try to cater for everyone (me included!). It's worth me saying, that even though I know and have learnt some decent music theory in the past, I don't consciously use it all the time. I don't ever think "hmmm, I need an augmented 7th here". Maybe I should. Right now, I don't think I'm missing out and I'm comfortable with how much theory and background I know. But importantly, I've found that I don't use the theory that I do know, I get too comfortable with what I know and forget that I know more. It can come as a shock to realise that I already know something, but don't use it. Like I know how to run and cycle, but most of the time I'll walk, drive or catch the train to get somewhere. So even if you are well-versed in music theory or proficient at your instruments, it pays to go through basic exercises to consolidate that knowledge even years after the initial learning. I'll also be on the same journey as I revisit past lessons.
If the articles look too simple, come back in a few weeks and see where the articles are up to. You may find it easier to subscribe to the series RSS feed or even the site's RSS feed so you can watch the progress in your own time.
Part of a series by Award Sounds offering a selection of creative ideas to kick-start or rejuvenate a composition.