When using loops for your music, you will find yourself confronted with almost
limitless choices of which loops to use and where to use them. Loops are
often arranged in categorical file hierarchies. These categories may include
instrument, genre, key, meter, tempo, style, length in measures, and so on.It is best to try to find a loop that comes close to the key, meter, and tempo
that you have chosen for your composition. Even though you can change all
these things as you see fit, there are limits to how far you can stretch an
audio file and still have it sound decent. On the other hand, experimentation
is often a catalyst for creativity, so if you get lost or bored, try a loop that
doesn’tfit categorically at all with your compositional ideas.Computer as recorder: musical scrapbooking ...............................
Another use of the computer in composition is the simple ability of the com-
puter to make basic recordings of your ideas. You don’t always have to think
of the big picture when you are composing. Large compositions start from
small beginnings, and the computer can be there to archive your musical
imagination.Keep a folder on your hard drive for your little, inspired noodling sessions.
When you feel like putting your hands on an instrument but have no particu-
lar chords or melody in your head, click Record and just play what comes to
your fingers. Later, if you don’t like any of it, you can delete it, but often you
will land on a good moment or two that you can develop out later. It is useful
to play into the computer using a decent MIDI keyboard, but you can re-
record any ideas that you develop later on the real piano, if you prefer that
sound. Go back to the saved bits in your file folder when you are looking for
ideas to develop.Create a simple setup for yourself to record so you aren’t bothered with tech-
nical concerns during moments of musical inspiration. Make it easy for you
to just flip a switch or two and begin recording. Don’t let yourself get too
fancy during these noodling sessions. Technology can be a creativity killer,
although it can be a creative process as well under the right circumstances.The bad news ......................................................................................
Well, it’s not exactly bad news, but a warning is warranted here: The com-
puter can never replace your ears or your imagination. Quite often when
using the computer for music you will find yourself getting hooked on the
visual aspect and the quick responsiveness of computers.238 Part IV: Orchestration and Arrangement