Ask an Expert: Archive

Q: I want to construct a snare solo, around grade 5-6; I want it to be very challenging, since I am already at an advanced performing level. Do you have any tips for writing it?
Scott Lawson

A: It's difficult to sit down and write a solo from scratch. I suggest that you keep a journal of ideas and inspirations. Write short music phrases and motives in your journal; these can be favorite rudiments, licks, or just ideas. After a few weeks of collecting ideas you can start to develop them by constructing variations that turn into longer phrases. Construct these variations through the use of compositional devices such as repetition, question/answer, augmentation, diminution, extension, truncation, etc. Study other solos you like to see how the composer uses form to connect ideas. The more you develop your own ideas, the easier it becomes to create a smooth flowing solo.
James Campbell