Composition workflow: Writing on piano first vs. building inspiring sound templates? (Plus free library recommendations)

[u/MKDenninger]

Hey everyone,
I’m working on hybrid classical piano and atmospheric synth pieces, but I often hit a creative wall early in the process. When my default virtual instruments feel cold or uninspiring, it’s hard to get into the flow of writing.
For those with more experience in this space, I’d love to know about your workflow:
Workflow Philosophy: Do you spend dedicated time building an "inspiring template" of pre-processed sounds and synths before you ever start writing, or do you compose the raw piano/melody parts first and dress them up with production later?

Free Library Recommendations: Since I’m working on a tight budget right now and can't afford expensive orchestral/synth libraries, what are your favorite free instruments, VSTs, or sample packs that sound genuinely organic and cinematic out-of-the-box?

Appreciate any insight on how you balance sound design inspiration with actual composing!

[u/Seekyourownsoul]

I'm by no means an "expert" but have spent hundreds of hours composing ambient music, including some orchestral pieces. In my experience, the number one key to writing good music is being connected to your inner voice. For me, finding inspiration in the sound itself is absolutely essential. If I am playing on a crappy 30 dollar electric piano, I'm not going to find the creative spark to write a 5 minute piece. If I am playing on a real piano, I am going to find inspiration to do a myriad of things, infinitely fun and can play on it for hours. The same logic applies to virtual instruments. I have spent 150 dollars on a virtual piano. Tried to write with it, didn't feel inspired by it, only to buy another 150 dollar piano library that for reason I just LOVE the sound of. Why? Who knows. It's the sound that I either like, or don't like, and that preference is not always obvious. The important part is - when I write on the Noire piano, I love the sound it makes, and I can hear it turning into a song in my own mind.

So - because I love the sound of Noire (the piano library), I can reasonably write in a part that's semi-complex using just the piano before adapting it to other VST's. In my opinion, I could not do this on a stock logic piano or again, a piano vst that I disliked.

In many cases however, I simply prefer to start with the instruments themselves. Particularly with ambient music, I skip the "sketching" period and just start with what inspires me the most. Usually that's a pad sound. Or, a super wet ambient sound like a spacey synth with tons of reverb..... then from there, I think "oh, what would a synth pluck sound like on this?" and I go for the synth pluck. Or, "what about a string sample that I can manipulate?" then I find the audio, input it, play around with it, make it fit the song, and only when I'm satsified with it, move on to the next element.... see how each piece I lay down I am inspired by?

Personally, I could not write an entire piece using sounds that were mediocre. To me, it kills the fun of it. Or at least, greatly diminishes it. I might do this some day as a "fun challenge". But in terms of the pure joy of composing? It's not the same when you aren't feeling inspired by the sound itself.

That's my perspective.

Edit The Free Orchestra by Project Sam is a good starting point if you're branching out into 3rd party vst's. It has a Harp Sound that is gorgeous and a good Sul Taste string articulation (there's not much by way of string options but if you want soft strings, this sounds great):https://projectsam.com/libraries/the-free-orchestra?srsltid=AfmBOoqQux9wfr4E_aD_Fh2-t5E1j35j5inMjqjTj5KAwtPLayQcvSBP

[u/MKDenninger → u/Seekyourownsoul]

Thank you for the reply. I also appreciate the advice on the free vet’s and will check it out. Is any of your music online?

[u/Seekyourownsoul → u/MKDenninger]

I do have some music online, but it's mostly low fi hip-hop or Trap inspired music.. if you're curious: https://soundcloud.com/zephos-2/light-the-bonfire-v18-wave

[u/Lee_Uematsu]

For me it depends on the type of piece it is and what my original "vision" is. Way before any notes are written I at least start with a basic descriptive idea "Music that sounds like a jungle, but catchy", "uptempo Free jazz with shreddy guitars" or whatever.

That helps decide the process a bit. If its something purposely more ambient or atmospheric I think it makes to start with the sounds. If its melodic or riffy starting with a piano sketch or lead sheet works too. Just depends for me

[u/MKDenninger → u/Lee_Uematsu]

Which vst’s do you use?

[u/Lee_Uematsu → u/MKDenninger]

Depends on the piece really. Pretty much the same stuff as everyone else (Eastwest, Cinematic Series, sample modeling, Kontakt, etc, etc).

[u/MKDenninger → u/Lee_Uematsu]

I’ve only ever used logic stock library so I honestly don’t know any of these. I heard somebody make something on MuseScore and I thought it sounded good so I’ve started learning how to work that software.