#how to write music

[beryllineart]

how do you make your music?

if you don’t mind sharing your secrets 🧐

How do I make music? Well, I open Musescore, choose a couple of instruments (3 or 4), decide on a key signature and a time signature, then I put notes on the sheet music until I’m done. And that’s it. Now you can make your own music!

Just kidding. (This is going to be long, but there's music, so...)

What I do to make music is I listen to a lot of music, and I take notes on what effects the rhythm, tempo, instruments, and note choices have on me. My brain is wired in such a way that it can’t tune out music unless it has words, so I can focus on the harmonies and underlying stuff besides the melody relatively easily, but if you’re the type who can put on classical music and somehow ignore it, you might have to train yourself to listen to the “less interesting” parts.

After a break (so I don't have someone else's music stuck in my head), I decide what sort of music I want to make. I pick an adjective (soulful, sweet, sad, whimsical, energetic, silly, adventurous, etc) and use that to help me pick my instruments, my key and time signature, and my general tempo. For example, if I want silly music, I might use the xylophone. If I’m trying for a sad or soulful feel, a slow waltz might be just the thing. The timpani’s deep voice will give you a different kind of adventure than the tambourine’s innocent ring.

I also have to decide what I’m depicting in my music. Am I creating a theme for a place, or a person? Will this music be about a singular event or an entire journey? Sometimes I can’t answer these questions until I’m done composing, but when I can answer these questions I can turn my instruments into characters. Oh, the horn symbolizes a royal figure, but what’s this? A violin peasant dares to enter and challenge the king? It turns out the peasant has a sad backstory and is coming for revenge, and there’s a “fight” where the two are locked in battle, the horn playing with a sinister tone and the violin playing with a more hopeful one. Moments of silence, who has survived? A single note to end the piece tells you the violin peasant, though battered and tired, is victorious. Making music is fun!

Most of the time I just follow these steps, but if I’m really having trouble coming up with a melody, I have a special trick. I use a cipher to turn regular words into musical letters (this is how I celebrated Dictionary Day, by the way).

How about I show you how I make music with the word “dragonfly”? Here's what it sounds like if all I do is translate the letters into music notes.

Now that I have something down on paper, I have ideas on what vibe I want, what instruments to use, and even what rhythm is needed. Sometimes I completely change things if I can think of something better until the original little melody is practically non-existent.

The fun part about this is, if I had chosen to use say, an electric piano and a trumpet, I would have made a completely different piece of music, even though it would have been inspired by the same configuration of musical letters.

I don't need to use the cipher very often, but if I have no music in my head it acts as a catalyst and gets my mind going. Plus, it's fun to imagine that I'm putting a little secret message into my music.

A lot of how I make music comes from 6 years of playing violin in my school orchestra, so I have picked up a few things, but I don't know anything about chords and stuff (and music theory vocab goes straight over my head). You can kind of tell I'm a violinist with my tendency to focus on melody and inability to focus on more than one instrument at a time, ha ha!

[mayuri-manufacturer]

Vocal Music Course | Singing Course | Saregamma

Saregamma Music Institute, based in Pune, is the go-to destination for those seeking the best vocal music course and singing course in the city. We are passionate about nurturing talent and providing comprehensive musical education to aspiring singers. Our vocal music course is designed to cater to beginners as well as advanced learners, helping them develop a strong foundation in various vocal techniques and styles. At Saregamma Music Institute, we understand the importance of song lyrics in connecting with audiences and expressing emotions effectively. Our team of skilled songwriters and lyricists in Pune specializes in crafting captivating and meaningful lyrics that resonate with listeners. Whether you need original compositions or assistance in adapting existing songs, we provide expert guidance to enhance your musical creations. Join Saregamma Music Institute and embark on a transformative musical journey. Discover your true potential, express yourself through the power of music, and let your voice shine. Experience the best vocal music and singing course in Pune with us.

[wordpress-blaze-240897277]

Not Just Ill: Redefining My Chronic Condition

Dealing with an invisible chronic illness isn’t easy. Beyond the fatigue, physical pain, and brain fog, there’s another layer of struggle: people don’t see how unwell you are. They see the outside—maybe a sun-kissed face, some makeup, a well-put-together outfit, a warm greeting—and they draw their own conclusions.

They see you show up at a birthday party and think, “She must be doing better.” They don’t know that you had to sleep for two hours beforehand and will now be in bed—or glued to the couch—for the next three to five days because you went. They ask how you're doing, and you say, “I'm fine.” Not because it’s true, but because sometimes you're simply tired of talking about being sick.

In my case, I really do get sick of talking about being sick.

So yes, people sometimes assume I’m better than I am. Some may even think I exaggerate my illness. After all, lots of people are tired—and they still get up and go to work. Why can’t I?

It’s okay. I understand how society copes with things it can’t see or make sense of: it labels, defines, reduces. It filters experience through its own lens so the unfamiliar becomes manageable. Living with an invisible illness for the past five years has taught me to tune out those voices. I’ve learned to define myself based on my own sense of worth, not the value placed on me by others.

When ‘Illness” becomes “Disability”

Still, that definition of self took a jolt last week. While doing research for my book on invisible illnesses, I came across something unexpected: several major health organizations now classify my condition as an invisible disability. That word stopped me cold.

According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability (2011), disability is defined using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which breaks down functioning into three interconnected categories:

Impairments: problems with body function or structure

Activity limitations: difficulties in executing tasks or actions

Participation restrictions: challenges with involvement in life situations

Disability, then, isn’t about one diagnosis—it’s about how health conditions interact with personal and environmental barriers to limit engagement in life. The ICF uses neutral language and doesn’t distinguish between physical or mental origins. If your condition affects your ability to function and participate fully, it qualifies.

Suddenly, I found myself staring at the screen thinking: Wait. You mean I’m disabled?

The word “disability” has always carried a specific image in my mind—something concrete, visible, undeniable. I never thought to put my illness, or any chronic illness, in that category. Illness felt like a challenge, something to fight, to manage, to overcome. Disability felt... definitive. Permanent.

But that’s the thing: having a chronic illness is a disability. It impacts my ability to participate in society. It limits what I can do. It interferes with basic functioning. And it’s real, whether people see it or not.

Seeing the Unseen

According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, one in six people globally live with a disability. Of those, an estimated 80% are non-visible. That’s over a billion people, most of them unseen—and undervalued. Yet every one of them has something meaningful to offer. We want to engage. We want to be included. We deserve the space to contribute.

Maybe “disability” is a better word after all. “Illness” often implies recovery is coming, or should be. There’s an unspoken apology in it, a pressure to heal. “Disability,” on the other hand, demands society’s acceptance. It calls for accessibility, empathy, and policy that affirms our worth.

So here I am: a woman with an invisible disability. And an awful lot to give—to those who acknowledge my boundaries, honor my integrity, and respect my value. 

Maybe it’s time we all reconsider what disability really looks like—and who we assume doesn’t carry it.

If you enjoy reading my insights and would like to stay updated on my latest posts, please subscribe to my blog for email notifications. Subscription is free!

Source: Not Just Ill: Redefining My Chronic Condition

[saixria]

Somewhere in Apollo’s hospital on Olympus

[noknowshame]

always a fun time when real life people are doomed by their own narratives. like guys you know it doesn’t have to be like this right? this isn’t a stageplay the foreshadowing isn’t real until you make it real

[dootznbootz]

Sorry, not sorry but I see this too often and it bothers me :)

Before people get mad: Notice how I put “Me and Penelope fans” there? I know there's others. this ain't about you <3

edit: This is about how people in the fandom prioritize Odysseus and Telemachus (and even Diomedes, who is not in the Odyssey) despite the Odyssey also being HER story as well. I've seen many fics about Odysseus and Telemachus in their youth, and never really seen that for Penelope.

[unboundprompts]

hi! i wanted to ask how could i write a scene of a band performing and make it flow smoothly? Reactions to it and inner dialogue of the leader singer while performing?

I hope that makes sense!

Thank you :)

How to Write a Band Performance

Set the Atmosphere with Sound and Sensory Details

Use sensory language to capture the energy of the music, the movement on stage, and the audience’s reaction. Think about the sounds of instruments, the lights, the thrum of bass vibrating through the floor, or how the crowd looks.

Example: The drums kicked in, a thunderous heartbeat that pulsed through the packed venue. Strings followed, filling the air with an electric charge, and the lights dimmed just enough for the crowd to lean in, hungry for the next note.

Anchor the Lead Singer’s Focus

The lead singer might catch moments in the crowd, like a fan mouthing every lyric, someone laughing, or even seeing familiar faces in the sea of people. These little connections add a human touch and make the performance feel alive.

Example: He spotted a girl in the front row, eyes closed, every word leaving her lips like a prayer. She knew each lyric by heart, maybe better than he did. That look kept him grounded—kept him singing.

Use Inner Dialogue to Show Nerves, Confidence, or Distraction

Let the lead singer’s mind wander a bit, but keep it tethered to the music. They might think of something unrelated that they suppress to stay focused, or maybe they reflect on what this song means to them, especially if it’s deeply personal or symbolic.

Example: Here we go. Breathe. Just like rehearsal. But it was never just like rehearsal. Each word brought him back to the night he wrote it—a night he barely survived. He shook off the thought. No. Tonight, it’s just for them.

Describe Body Movements and How They Connect to Emotion

Physical sensations can be as telling as dialogue. The lead singer might feel the warmth of the spotlight, the stickiness of sweat on their skin, or the way their voice feels strong, raw, or strained.

Example: He gripped the mic stand, fingers tight, and leaned forward. His voice cracked on a high note, but he let it, gave it to the crowd raw. They wanted his truth, his realness. That was all he had to give.

Show the Crowd’s Reaction

Describe reactions like a wave, where energy ebbs and flows. The crowd might sway during slower parts, roar during the chorus, or go silent in the song’s more intimate moments. This back-and-forth dance adds rhythm to the scene.

Example: As the first chorus hit, the crowd became a sea of outstretched hands, fingers clawing for a piece of the music. A roar rose, then softened as they sang with him, their voices tangling with his own, something fragile and fierce all at once.

Balance Between Action and Inner Thoughts

To keep the scene flowing, alternate between what the singer does (interacting with the mic, moving on stage) and what they think. Too much inner dialogue could slow down the scene, so give action and reaction space to keep the reader engaged.

Example: He took a step back, holding the last note, letting it resonate through the space. He stole a glance at his bandmates. They were lost in the music too, faces set, eyes closed. It felt like the old days—a secret between them, shared with everyone.

End with a Climactic Moment or a Release of Tension

End the scene with a dramatic finish, like a powerful note, a burst of applause, or even silence if it’s an emotional song. The lead singer could feel relieved, drained, or exhilarated by the end.

Example: As the last chord faded, a brief silence hung over the crowd—a pause, a heartbeat—before it shattered with applause. He closed his eyes, letting it wash over him, knowing that for now, the song was enough.

[keferon]

Two Peas in a Pod: part 1

*slips this into your mail slot and runs* I hope you like it, I wanted to give you a gift.

___________________________________

Things were never truly quiet. Electricity hummed. Pipes rumbled as water is pushed and pulled. Metal facets softly creaked under the vibrations. A muted drum of massive pump came from somewhere underground.

It was a poor symphony, but it was his personal, fucked-up, little lullaby. Guaranteed to be a nightly track on loop the droned him to sleep… usually.

And honestly, he couldn't imagine what it would be like without it.

Jazz rolled over to his other side in the shallows of his pool – arching his back just enough for his collapse dorsal fin to slip under him without crushing it against the floor – in the futile adjustment for comfort. After about five minutes of laying still with his eyes closed, Jazz huffed. He hadn't been able to even doze off, it was beginning to get frustrating. He shifted his head – resting on his arm at the dryer part of rubber coated slope of the concrete pier – to peek at the clock just beyond the staff entrance behind the main platform, two-twenty-seven.

Sighing and groaning loudly, he slumped in defeat, the morning staff were going to be on shift in two hours to start meal prep and in the following hour creatures all over will start waking up. When breakfast came at six, the gulls, crows, magpies – the fucking birds would be all over the aquarium squawking and trying to steal food. Then the whole place would buzz till work ended at six pm. Six to six of noise.

Jazz was just thankful that it was a monday, the aquarium was closed, so he didn't have to force himself to be extra cheerful. Just pleasant enough to get through daily check-ups and then maybe, he could try for a nap. But he wasn't optimistic.

Time seem to stretch on forever, every time he glanced at the clock, the minutes barely seemed to move. He shifted and kicked his tail, sloshing water up in a pitiful rain over him. Though the sound of water pattering along the concrete continued, and continued…?

Jazz lifted his head. That wasn't coming from his area, but it was too muddled to make out what it was. A skittering-like sound for sure, did something break? Was there a raccoon in the backend again?

With a quick spin he slipped off the pier and into his pool. The sounds became sharper, but not quite clear. Hurried footsteps of staff, far too many to be on shift at this hour, as he swam into the medical bay at the back. To where the one observation window that overlooked the staff area. Technically, the other way around, but Jazz would use it more than they did to spy on the back-workings.

Placing his hands to still his movement, Jazz saw two more staff rush past with a massive metal cart, recognizing the white shirts. Vets. There had to have been an emergency call that went out. Question was, was it an animal from the here or was it a beach rescue?

While Jazz couldn't see much passed the wide hallways on either side. The sonar map, as fuzzy as it was in his head, was picking up at least seven moving blobs in the hospital ward at the end of the hall. That was a lot of bodies. Too many to be needed for any of the animals here. An injured dolphin being brought in for recovery and rehabilitation, maybe? An oil spill with massive casualties?

Then ten more people joined and suddenly they were rushing out with equipment, heading somewhere off his limited radar. Likely rush off to the loading bay, the truck must have just arrived. Damn, whatever happened, it's all hands on deck.

Jazz pushed away from the window and lazily floated out back to the main area of his enclosure. He was sure his attendant would tell him all the news and gossip when he came around with breakfast. Till then, he might as well continue to try and sleep.

___________________________________

Couldn't have been more than a half an hour, and he felt like he was just about to fall asleep, when the familiar sound of heavy boots caught his attention. Thundering up the metal steps of the staff entrance.

"JAZZ!"

Noooo, it can't be time to get up. He refused to give him any acknowledgement and pretended he was dead just to be extra annoying. They both knew Jazz's hearing was too good for him not to hear the man tip-toe up the stairs. Heck, he could tell that there was another staff member with him, which was unusual.

"Jazz! Buddy– please, get up! We've got an emergency!"

Lights came on suddenly and made Jazz grimace with his eyes closed. "And that affects me how…?" Jazz drawled and lifted his head slightly to look over at them. Though spotting a nervous vet – not his vet either – rushing to prep a needle at the end of a long tube suddenly had him a bit uneasy. Jazz hated needles. Especially jittery hands at the other end of said needles.

"Wounded Mer, same weight class, and fortunately shares the same blood-type as you!" Blaster quickly informed and helped the vet prep multiple soon-to-be blood-bags. He then fixed his mer with a hard look. "Now get your tail over here!"

Jazz was rushing over to the sloped shallows before it fully clicked what was being asked of him. "A Mer?"

Blaster tugged on his arm and Jazz allowed him to pull him where they wanted him. Working as a team they dried, sanitized and banded his arm. "Ready for the poke?"

"Uh," he glanced at the vet, though the nerves seemed to more about the stress that happening elsewhere. Their hands seemed steady. "Just make sure you get it the first time," he said as he closed his eyes tightly.

"Thanks for being so good about this," Blaster breathed heavily with relief and gave Jazz a comforting pat on the shoulder of the arm his was still holding. The jab was harsh to get it through the mer's thick hide and it made Jazz flinch, but otherwise stayed still.

"So… are they like me?" He asked, trying to ignore the thought of his blood being drawn.

"Ya, just like you," Blaster answered softly, starting to calm down now that he didn't have to worry about what would have happened if Jazz had put up a fuss.

"Are they going to be okay?"

"We're doing our best," the vet answered clinically. "They're in rough shape. Likely a turf war judging by the injuries, or a leviathan attack."

"The team is really pulling together on this, even you, big guy," Blaster reassured and gave him another pat on the shoulder.

Jazz tried not to sound excited by the news. "Will I get to see them?"

"If they pull through, you might get more than that. Seeing as there isn't many places here big enough to hold something that big. Hope your ready for a tankmate."

He clenched his hands into fists so tightly they started to shake. He wanted that, he really, really wanted that. Please, please, please. Please don't die.

If Blaster misunderstood his trembling, Jazz didn't correct him.

___________________________________

-GLC

(hopefully there is no spelling errors ^^;)

Upd: Link to the next part!

Oh man oh man OH MAN ORCA JP FIC????

IM VIBRATING ON THE SPEEDS UNCOMPREHENSIBLE TO A HUMAN EYE RIGHT NOW PleASE THIS IS SO GOOD I LOVE IT SO MUCH I WANNA HUG YOU

I have NO IDEA if your spelling is good but it doesn't even fucking matter because the atmosphere?? THE ATMOSPHERE IS FANTASTIC. The VIBE is HERE. IF YOU MAKE THE SECOND PART I WILL GIVE YOU MY FIRSTBORN

[tagzpite]

looked down upon

[mysticalcats]

monochromatic siblings

[phantome29]

"No point in feeling down about it now Just let my feelings reach your heart"

[mayuri-manufacturer]

Music & Lyrics in Pune | Monthly Lyrics in Pune | Music Composer in Pune

Saregamma Music Institute invites you to explore the world of music and lyrics with our enriching courses in Pune. Whether you aspire to be a Music Composer, Songwriter, or just want to dive into the art of Music & Lyrics, we have the perfect courses for you. Our expert instructors bring a wealth of experience and passion for music, guiding you through every aspect of your chosen course. From understanding music theory to mastering songwriting techniques, our comprehensive curriculum ensures a holistic learning experience. Join a vibrant community of music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians, and unlock your true potential as a creative artist.

[lluminousllama]

Exploring V2 and Mirage's dynamic for the battle of bands au! I apologize for the shitty doodles, I hope the text is somewhat legible lol

Mirage was on the verge of quitting music making when V2 first met her. Through V2's earnest curiosity and support, Mirage starts to feel there's a new purpose for the music she makes. V2 also becomes influenced by Mirage, learning to develop her own sense of identity and find love in making music with Mirage.

If only this could have lasted forever....

Bonus doodle below!:

V2 likes to tease Mirage a lot, finding her overreactions super cute :3c

[hootyhoowoo]

A little 15 min doodle but first post of the year has to be Bingqiu!

[shepscapades]

〚 UNGLUED 〛DBHC: ETHO’s Official Playlist

Finally, Etho’s finished playlist is here!! This really feels like the culmination of Etho’s story built over the years and finally put down on paper, so below the cut is a detailed plot breakdown of every single song on this playlist—a small love letter from me to everyone who has been so supportive of this story and my art!

Also, I’ve uploaded WIP versions of every other DBHC playlist I currently have in the works to the account in the link, so if you’re interested in what songs are currently on other characters’ playlists, I’ll be updating the playlists on the 'Shepscapades' account every other week or so ;)

Thank you again to everyone who has been so patient with me over the years and who has been so kind and supportive! <3

[marlenacantswim]

maybe it's just the music major in me but you'd think shawn spencer canonically being able to sing and play the piano at the same time (well) would be popping up left and right in fanworks, and yet...

also he played the bassoon? gus played the clarinet? gus tapdances and sings barbershop standards and the cast can all clearly sing and timmy ommie played upright bass in his youth and there's promos where they're all playing instruments and like 70% of the psych-outs are them singing together pseudo-in-character and we all agree that lassiter is a sinatra guy, right? RIGHT???

[messymoonmad]

Imagine a whole fiction about sharpwolf that's a mix of epic the musical and Homer's odyssey

Telemachus is now in a relationship with Antinous, who is struggling to cancel the suitors evil plans. He loves tele, but the others are ready for the bloodshed. He realizes eurymachus is slowly replacing him as a leader behind his back as he was "getting softer for the prince".

Odysseus comes back and reunites with his son. With Eumaeus' help, they organize the suitors massacre.

The night before it, telemachus prays to athena for help.

Tele in tears : I can't.... I can't choose between my lover and my family ! Tonight in a few hours, we will kill them all, and I know they all deserve it, but.... but antinous is different! He can change!

Athena sighs : I'll only make one exception. Here, take this. Pour this mixture on his wound after he dies, and he will live again as if he was never hit.

Tele : after he dies ??? Are you certain-

Athena: This was used to revive Pelops after he was killed, prepared, cooked, served by his father Tantalus, AND a little bit eaten by demeter. So be assured. It works.