How do I compose music?

Question:Hey, I want to start learning how to write songs, but I don't have any knowledge of musical notes - nor do I know how to play any instrument.

What am I going to have to learn before I can start writing music? Is it essential that I have to play all the instruments that I am including in my piece, or are all notes the same? Please explain!! Thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Hey, I want to start learning how to write songs, but I don't have any knowledge of musical notes - nor do I know how to play any instrument.

What am I going to have to learn before I can start writing music? Is it essential that I have to play all the instruments that I am including in my piece, or are all notes the same? Please explain!! Thanks

Hey there.
You are going to have to learn several things before you begin. I suggest going to websites like http://datadragon.com/education/reading/
to help you out.

Secondly, I STRONGLY suggest you buy this book. This book was the starter of my success.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...

I'm sure you can find lower prices around on the internet.
That book starts you off with the VERY basics and then leads you to writting songs with chords and such.
It is an amazing book.

Good luck to you in the Music World.

You need to learn how to play an instrument first. Try piano. But learn it the real way, not just by ear. This way you will learn musical notation and such.
You need to learn how to read music very well before you can start writing it. If you want a classical piece for more then one instrument you will need to learn the notes for every instrument. The notes are not the same. In the end, your goal will take a very long time to reach!!!

It's a good idea to know how to play some instrument well before you start composing. Piano is probably the best option. Find a teacher who is willing and able to teach music theory as well as how to play the piano.

If your school has a music theory course, TAKE IT!! Do talk to the teacher and find out how much prior knowledge of music you need to be successful in the course. Some courses start right at the beginning and teach you to read music, others expect you to come in reading music fluently.

While it isn't necessary to play all instruments for which you compose, it is necessary to understand their tone colors, ranges (aka highest and lowest possible notes, as well as notes and intervals that are difficult on the instrument) and key of the instrument. "Key" of an instrument refers to "B flat clarinet" etc. Not all instruments are pitched the same: a C on a piano is a different pitch that C on clarinet or a C on french horn. So you need to understand transpositions. Also, you should understand what clef the instrument reads.

A great way to start: Finale has a free download called "Finale Notepad 2008" that is a music writing software. It's rather limited, but just to play around and for a beginner it will work well.