Creating Music By Ear: The Intuitive Process of Note Value Selection

Introduction

When composing music, many artists rely on their ears, imagination, and instinct to determine the appropriate note values. This process, often referred to as aural composition, involves creating music without the need for written notation, building a piece by harnessing the tempo and rhythms that emerge naturally from the composition.

Imagination and Aural Composition

Many musicians, especially those who improvise or compose seamlessly, rely on a combination of ear training and musical imagination to craft their work. Composers who work this way typically hear the piece, or different sections, in their minds before writing them down. This mental imagery is a powerful tool, allowing them to hear the piece 'sped up,' as mentioned in the quote, where different elements like horn parts, chord progressions, and rhythms interweave to create a distinctive sound.

For instance, consider a scenario like Miles Davis' tune 'All Blues,' where guitar parts similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) are played over I, IV, and V chords before transitioning to relative minors. Although the original composition was not inspired by 'All Blues,' the composer likely imagined the piece in a similar manner, making adjustments as needed to fit the desired harmonic and rhythmic structure.

The Role of Tempo, Rhythms, and Harmonies

The tempo and rhythms of a piece guide the selection of note values. Composers often work by ear, using their auditory intuition to determine the appropriate durations of notes and rests. This approach is particularly useful for improvisational genres like jazz, where the fluidity of the performance is paramount. Consider the example of a piece in 6/8 time, where the rhythmic bounce and harmonic structure are crucial to the composition's overall feel.

In a practical sense, when working on a piece of music, the composer doesn't break down the composition into individual note values. Instead, they think about the flow of the melody, the harmonic progression, and the overall structure. For example, a composer might imagine a complex melody or a intricate chord progression and then work on voicings or fingerboard movements to execute those ideas.

The Collaborative Nature of Composition

Composition is often a collaborative process, much like a conversation. When a composer has a vision for a piece in their mind, they begin to work on individual elements, such as the chord progression, the melodic line, or the rhythmic patterns. As these elements come together, the composer can adjust and refine the overall structure, much like improvising a solo where the musician can make ad-hoc changes based on the flow of the music.

The Transition from Mind to Paper

Once the composer has a clear vision of the piece, they can begin to translate it onto paper. This process is akin to taking a photograph of an internal mental image. At this stage, the composer begins to assign note values, meter, and rhythm to each element. This can be a meticulous process, requiring a deep understanding of music theory and the conventions of notation. However, for those who are experienced in this process, the assignment of note values becomes almost automatic, allowing the composer to focus on the creative aspects of the work.

Ultimately, the process of determining note values is not a rigid, step-by-step procedure. Instead, it is an intuitive, iterative process that blends the composer's technical knowledge with their creative vision. This blend of art and science is what makes the act of composition so fascinating and rewarding.

In summary, the process of determining note values in music composition is a deeply intuitive and imaginative task. Composers rely on a combination of aural composition, imagination, and technical knowledge to craft their music. This approach not only allows for the creation of complex compositions but also fosters a unique and personal connection between the composer and the work being created.