This is my first peice:

http://www.8notes.com/members/1101.asp

And frankly, I need help. I've been playing piano for less than a month, and I don't play any other instruments. Advice on how to improve in areas obvious to musicians (but not to me) is welcome.

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Well damn, I just noticed the "composition" forum and I can't move or delete this post.

well i just want to say congrats on composing your piece when only taking piano for a month i guess and what kind of help do you need?

First-time composers always seem to start in the same way. My first compositions were similar to yours as well. The way I improved my work was just to read up on everything I could. Examining other great composers' work helps too. Then there's everything about keys, major and minor, the list goes on and on. I'm planning on taking music theory to help me understand everything about composing better. This is a suggestion to all aspiring composers out there.

This site has a really good intro to music theory lesson series. That's a good place to start.

I'm starting to compose as well. First song result: the worst song I've ever heard xD
The second - better don't talk about it
Third - MAYBE I publish that one, I'm thinking yet.
It's not thaaaat bad. The worst part is that i compose them on Encore, but then I don't know if I'm able to PLAY them. xDDDD
One question: You guys start composing or playing, or the both at the same time?
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I start playing and then write the notes down later (or let the computer do most of the work, and then I just adapt and edit the score to my personal tastes.), in the end, my ear tells me the truth. Music theory blends with jamming for me. I jam better the more theory I learn and apply.

How do you get better at writing in school? Reading! Read lots of pieces from other composers and analyze them rather than just listen to them. Feel the music and try to get inside the emotions the music portrays.

Also, practice a lot, anytime you have inspiration, and never consider a piece finished; always leave it open to changes and improvements.

at least pick a key to start off with, my choice is usually C#minor, Cminor or B-Flat Minor. At least think of a theme tune and chord progression and work from there. and it would be helpful to have a pen and sheet paper with staves on it to write down ideas, and when composing familiarise yourself with the key you are using (it makes it easier especially when you're improvising.

hi i have been playing the piano for 6 years and i compose lots of music i have to do a composition very year for my teacher