In Between the Lines - Book Two
by Robert Bruce
In Between the Lines - Book Two (scheduled for release in 2009 but some of the contents also available as an online course. please be in touch if interested) is a detailed and insightful book on the principles of composition, writing music and the creative process. It not only points out how to develop one's own compositional method and style but also details a number of elements that can be potentially damaging or confining to the creative process, particularly in the earlier stages of development when one's habits, patterns and working methods are formed. Some of the things to be cautious of are so commonplace, subtle and seemingly innocent in nature that they are very often overlooked.
This book outlines how the path to writing deep, sincere, meaningful and effective music - that which people will naturally appreciate and respond to in a favourable way - is one that each person must travel in his or her own way. What exactly works for one will seldom work for another but there are a number of principles and elements in common to all creative processes in music. As certain basic principles are grasped, the person interested in writing music simply chooses, and continues to choose, all the musical brushes, colours, textures and canvases he or she desires to work with, and they become a living language of expression simply through the forces of desire, honesty and application. Confidence and clarity increase with practice and experience. Time, effort and dedication must be put in, but often in a casual, ongoing and non-strained manner, if one wishes to discover what works best and accomplish truly desirable results. At the same time the things that really work in writing music can often come quite easily, naturally and spontaneously and one need not necessarily go through long series' of pointless exercises and learn numerous techniques that are not at all suited to the styles and areas of music one is naturally suited for and/or interested in.