Music Composition Quiz

What is the fear that many composers have when starting a new composition?

• Fear of the instruments

• Fear of the final product

• Fear of the audience's reaction

• Fear of the empty page

According to the author, what is a key aspect of becoming a composer?

• Experience as many things as possible

• Avoid using extramusical sources

• Use a complex system for composition

• Imitate other composers

What does the author believe inspiration has to do with?

• Mental associations

• Previous experiences

• Cultural assimilation

• Mathematics and algorithms

What is the author's opinion on using folklore as a starting point for a composition?

• It is always a good starting point

• It is a barrier to musical development

• It is not a valid way of composing

• It depends on personal goals

What does the author suggest composers should do with their old works?

• Keep everything they write

• Destroy them if not satisfied

• Imitate other composers

• Use them as extramusical sources

What is the author's advice for beginning composers who get stuck in one part of a composition?

• Seek inspiration from extramusical sources

• Don't dismiss imitation as a form of training

• Don't think ill of your music if it shows the influence of other composers

• Avoid using folklore as a starting point

What does the author believe is a valid way for composers to start their careers?

• Creating something totally new

• Imitating other composers

• Avoiding extramusical sources

• Using a complex system for composition

What does the author compare the process of cultural assimilation to?

• Using extramusical sources

• Creating matter out of thin air

• Learning mathematics

• Learning our mother tongue

What does the author believe is a good and desirable thing for composers?

• Using a complex system for composition

• Keeping extramusical sources a secret

• Whatever allows a composer to write with ease and comfort

• Revealing the extramusical source of their works

What does the author suggest composers should do to get ideas for their compositions?

• Avoid using extramusical sources

• Only listen to music for inspiration

• Stick to one source for inspiration

• Draw from various sources, especially music and art in general