I've been playing flute for about five years and consider myself pretty good. So when my school decided to do A Midsummer Night's Dream this year the director asked my to write flute music for the character Puck, (whom I might be playing). I told her I could do it and I'm prety sure I can, but I have no idea where to begin. I've never composed anything before and I'm not sure where to start. If anyone has any advice or tips it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lauraly

I'm a composer by no means, but just tinkering around with a piano (or even on flute, I suppose) might help you find a melody you like, which you could then elaborate on and fine tune. I think you might find better suggestions for something like this in the "Composition" forum. There are some very knowledgeable folks over there that can almost certainly provide you with ideas of how they start writing a piece.

What about using something that is already written...like something from Mendlessohns (sp) Midsummers Night Dream??? Just an idea.

<Added>

Opps...I don't know how in the WORLD that triple posted...Sorry!

What about using something that is already written...like something from Mendlessohns (sp) Midsummers Night Dream??? Just an idea.

What about using something that is already written...like something from Mendlessohns (sp) Midsummers Night Dream??? Just an idea.

That work is intended for an orchestra, and while it certainly would seem to be appropriate to the current situation, I believe it would sound a bit empty if only the flute part were being played. Then there is also the concern that the major flute solos (such as that in the Scherzo from the incidental music) are quite difficult to play correctly, and even if you had a high school player at the appropriate level, pulling it off while trying to act the part of Puck would be unlikely. Of course, there is nothing wrong with using a piece that has already been written if you find one that suits the style and mood you're thinking of, but I would not suggest the Mendelssohn.

a little late but..(if it hasn't passed already :[ )
but what I do I just mess around with a few notes and if I like it mess around with the rhythm and so on and so forth.
Or start off by clapping something random and counting beats which will get the rhythm out and then all it is is just running some notes underneath it.

Best of Luck!!