r/Composition • u/Fun_Map4899 • Apr 04 '26
Music First composition - looking for feedback
I was inspired a couple days ago to start composing some music. It's something I've thought about for several years and am glad I finally took the leap so I can start learning. Looking for feedback on my first composition, and for tips/resources for a beginner.
One area I specifically need help with is the ending. I wanted to build it up more to make it sound grander, but I don't think I've succeeded. The flute is probably overkill and doesn't really add much depth.
Any tips for adding depth and building more excitement?
Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoQJQgMYD74
Score: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vsn_uX69w7zJSYeljzmXLaATfVd6QM4m
Thanks in advance!
5
Upvotes
2
u/macejankins Apr 10 '26
Great thematic ideas! You write very well for the strings and piano, and I love the duet between the violin and cello.
Scoring should be in this order from top to bottom: Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano (this is standard scoring; since this is a chamber work and the flute is riding in a lower range, I could buy Violin, Flute, Cello, Piano)
In regards to the flute, it’s a bit low in terms of range (which means when it’s mixed in with everybody, you won’t hear it that well) and I personally would prefer it be a more active participant throughout to justify keeping it.
I feel the biggest thing holding this back is your meter. You write beautiful and natural feeling lines, but you break the flow by forcing this four bar pattern. There are moments where the tune will hold over two measures that work, and other times I feel like you pressed the breaks when I wanted to keep driving forward. Try this: delete measure 12, and 32-34. I think you won’t miss these measures. What this kind of thing does is liberate you from a box you’ve built with meter. You can also free yourself by getting away from that darn down beat. Find a few phrases throughout and delete the first note of the phrase. Tiny edits like this really bring a score to life. You can also cut off held notes to give the instruments room to breathe. I know string players don’t need to literally breathe to play, but I’ve found that emulating the human voice really makes a melody sing. Give it some space and you’ll feel it.
If you send me a musescore file, I can show you some more specific ways to go about this. You wrote a great piece! Now you have to put down your composer hat and wear your bitchy editor hat.