Precomposition: The Secret to Creating Great Music
What you'll learn
- Craft a comprehensive precomposition strategy for your musical works.
- Employ effective techniques to generate and refine musical concepts.
- Construct a detailed structural outline and timeline for your composition.
- Explore methods to plan harmonic progressions and thematic elements in advance.
- Implement strategies to overcome creative obstacles and maintain consistent productivity.
Requirements
- No prior composition experience is required.
- Basic knowledge of music theory is helpful but not necessary.
- This course is designed to benefit musicians at all skill levels.
Description
FREE with this course: an e-book about precomposition by J. Anthony Allen!
Hi, I'm J. Anthony Allen, Ph.D. in Music Composition and a veteran of over 25 years in the music industry. I've taught over a million students online and in person, sharing my expertise in composition, music theory, and production across all genres.
This course unveils the power of precomposition - a technique that has transformed countless music-making processes, including my own. Precomposition is the secret weapon professional composers use to craft compelling, cohesive music efficiently. Whether you're writing a string quartet, an electronic dance track, or anything in between, these techniques will elevate your work to new heights.
In under two hours, you'll learn:
How to define your musical purpose and target audience
Techniques for finding and developing inspiration
Methods to outline a piece's structure and key moments
Strategies for overcoming creative blocks
Ways to infuse deeper meaning into your music
This course focuses on practical, applicable knowledge - not rigid rules or complex theory. You'll see real-world examples from my own work, including an in-depth look at my Piano Sonata and how precomposition shaped its development.
Precomposition techniques are valuable across all genres. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll discover new ways to streamline your creative process and enhance the quality of your music.
By the end of the course, you'll have a robust toolkit for starting any musical project. You'll be able to approach your compositions with a clear vision, saving time and reducing frustration. Most importantly, you'll be equipped to create music that's more cohesive, meaningful, and impactful.
Don't let writer's block or aimless composing hold you back. Join me, and let's unlock your full creative potential through the power of precomposition. I'm excited to share these insider techniques and see how they transform your music-making journey.
Who this course is for:
- Producers and songwriters looking to enhance their creative workflow
- Seasoned musicians aiming to refine their precomposition techniques
- Emerging composers seeking to develop a structured approach to music creation
- Music students striving to elevate their composition skills
- Curious individuals interested in the behind-the-scenes process of professional music composition
Instructor
- 4.6 Instructor Rating
- 71,989 Reviews
- 312,077 Students
- 143 Courses
Dr. J. Anthony Allen is a distinguished composer, producer, educator, and innovator whose multifaceted career spans various musical disciplines. Born in Michigan and based in Minneapolis, Dr. Allen has composed orchestral works, produced acclaimed dance music, and through his entrepreneurship projects, he has educated over a million students worldwide in music theory and electronic music production.
Dr. Allen's musical influence is global, with compositions performed across Europe, North America, and Asia. His versatility is evident in works ranging from Minnesota Orchestra performances to Netflix soundtracks. Beyond creation, Dr. Allen is committed to revolutionizing music education for the 21st century. In 2011, he founded Slam Academy, an electronic music school aimed at increasing accessibility to music production education. His innovative approach to academia was highlighted in 2024 when he received tenure and resigned from his university position on the same day.
As a composer, Dr. Allen is known for his unique synthesis of diverse musical influences, often blending acoustic music with electronic dance music elements. With a Ph.D. in Music Composition, multiple master's degrees, and numerous awards, Dr. Allen's academic and professional achievements are substantial.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune recognized him as a "Mover and Shaker," reflecting his constant pursuit of new challenges in music, education, and exploration.
Dr. J. Anthony Allen exemplifies the modern musical polymath, consistently pushing boundaries in composition, education, and interdisciplinary innovation.
If you run into him on the street, he prefers to be addressed as J. (as in, Jay.)