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Musical Composition, Theory and Songwriting/Questions Answered by Expert The Doctor

SubjectDate Asked
Producing "magical" rhythms/beats1/20/2012
  Q: I'm composing a song, and I guess the concept is pretty good so far, and I hope unique as well, ...
  A: Trust your gut. If you feel like a certain rhythm or beat doesn't fit with the rest of the music ...
musical terms6/18/2011
  Q: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF PRESTISSIMO
  A: Prestissimo is an Italian term that indicates that the speed, or tempo, of music should be performed ...
classical composition2/28/2011
  Q: !I'm a composer and songwriter i'm about to write my first strict classical composition...i wanted ...
  A: Are you composing for a school or university project? If you are, then you will need to ask your ...
figured bass and analysing2/24/2011
  Q: In the key of A major how would you (using Roman nemerals) indicate an f major chord? I am ...
  A: Roman numerals are used with chords, they do not use accidentals in the same way as note names for ...
Songwriting1/19/2011
  Q: My teenage daughter writes lyrics to 2 - 4 complete songs a week which usually include 2 verses, a ...
  A: There are a number of colleges and universities that students can attend and focus on song writing ...
Should I use the song evaluation service?10/12/2010
  Q: There are many song evaluations services, which promises to give you professional feedback on your ...
  A: It is a waste of money. You are better off receiving free input from a willing individual. You might ...
Songwriting9/9/2010
  Q: I am planning on writing a song conveying very strong melancholic emotions. I want to focus on the ...
  A: I'll provide a quick reply, the topic could otherwise get very long and involved (for a free ...
Question9/8/2010
  Q: I've been trying to follow a book on music, but it doesn't seem to be beginner friendly. I don't ...
  A: Understand that you are asking about a topic that can very quickly expand into very complex music ...
Chord9/6/2010
  Q: What notes comprise the following chord? D#/G Thank you.
  A: The chord "D#/G" is read aloud as "D# over G", which means that it is a "D#" chord with "G" in the ...
Softwares useful for ballad songwriter?6/28/2010
  Q: The only software I use is Encore, to create sheet music for my songs. Mostly I write slow ballads, ...
  A: The applications you use for writing music depend on your operating system. Here are some ...
How to play chords3/10/2010
  Q: I am currently teaching myself to play piano, and I am having trouble with the chords. I dont ...
  A: I'll keep this reply right to the point. This will be explained in very basic terms: A normal ...
The key of this song?2/11/2010
  Q: I just have a simple, quick question. I am a beginner singer and I was wondering what key this song ...
  A: Using the audio file that you provided as a reference, the song "How Lucky We Are" by Meiko is in ...
Songwriting question...12/7/2009
  Q: I've written a ton of songs, and I'm trying to figure out everything on how to get them out there, ...
  A: Okay let me try this again. I just wrote a very long response and my web browser crashed. I am ...
theory9/9/2009
  Q: why the number 15 as in 15ma, instead of 16?
  A: Okay let's try this again, my web browser crashed right as I clicked "submit" to my response, now I ...
Music and Concentration4/28/2009
  Q: How long does it take different types of music, rock and classical, to influence your thought ...
  A: I can only speculate on this since I am neither a cognitive psychologist nor a neuroscientist, ...
how important are the rules for four-part harmony?4/22/2009
  Q: I have recently finished a volume of forty hymns written in four-part harmony. I am in the process ...
  A: Before I respond to your questions directly I want to start with saying one very important ...
Inverting melodies4/4/2009
  Q: I have just completeld grade 5 theory (with Loncon College of Music) and i decided that i want to ...
  A: It's the same note. There is no change in the first pitch within an inverted melody. All of the ...
Keys6/24/2007
  Q: First of all, thanks for the help you offer to all those who need it! Much appreciate it! My ...
  A: "What famous songs that you know are set in a MODAL tone?" To be exact: every song. Even the major ...
what's the meaning of poco...2/18/2006
  Q: what's the meaning of poco?
  A: The term "poco" refers to "little" in English. More specifically, it states that the expression that ...
Music Theory2/6/2006
  Q: I am applying to a university and in my application there are theory sheets.The only question I need ...
  A: You can "google" any music terminology and will likely find some very helpful information. The term ...
Songwriting theory2/2/2006
  Q: first of all I'd just like to know what interval this is ? Eb to an E. Yes it sounds horrible BUT ...
  A: Good questions and great topic of interest from what it sounds like you're talking about in your ...
Shoenberg's 'Theory of Harmony'1/31/2006
  Q: I am an aspiring musician who's studying the book written by Shoenberg ,'Theory Of Harmony'. Are you ...
  A: I have studied Schoenberg's theoretical applications via texts and analyzing pieces from courses I ...
Mr. Darby My question is...10/7/2005
  Q: Mr. Darby My question is concerning the feel or mood of different modes beyond major is happy and ...
  A: This is a common question. I'll give you some links to where I have previously responded to this: ...
Recording another bands music8/28/2005
  Q: Can you tell me if there is a law against a band going into a studio to play and record another ...
  A: You need to receive permission. It is a popular assumption that for such reasons as what you've ...
Bass guitar and piano tunes8/27/2005
  Q: I need help writing the music for some of my songs on piano and the bass guitar, and even the ...
  A: It sounds like this is a school project. I honestly cannot do your work for you - actually, ...
Bass guitar and piano tunes8/26/2005
  Q: I need help writing the music for some of my songs on piano and the bass guitar, and even the ...
  A: I would normally reply to such a question with the option AllExperts offers - "This question is too ...
Music7/27/2005
  Q: S., I have always wanted to write and play songs that are in my head, but have no musical training ...
  A: There's no quintessential easiest way to learn any of those things, unfortunately, though you can ...
theory/composition3/18/2005
  Q: I am an aspiring classical guitarist of two years, and I have found myself musically stagnate. I ...
  A: This is slightly bad timing - I should have set my message to "on vacation", as I am helping family ...
repeat sign? help pls.10/16/2004
  Q: plain and simple first what do call the paper where you write the notes and secondly how do use ...
  A: The paper you write music on is called staff paper. Regarding repeat signs, when you see the repeat ...
orchestras and bands7/29/2004
  Q: What is the difference between an orchestra and a band?
  A: Good question. A band consists of woodwind, brass, percussion, and occasionally piano or other ...

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The Doctor

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I am able to volunteer my expertise in music composition, music theory, and songwriting. NOTE: I am *not* able to offer expertise in singing. I answer a variety of questions. I have multiple music degrees and years of experience in the field.

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