First Attempt at Finale 2011

[Juan J. Sánchez]

This is my first attempt at Finale 2011. I still don't know how to use dynamics and since I do not have Garritan Instruments, the sounds are awful. I tried to do something more or less like Final Fantasy. I'm really sorry it's a MIDI. Next time it will be an MP3.

http://midishrine.com/midi/39479.mid

 

[bacon]

Well, first off its the same loop over and over for 30 seconds. x:

The drums are too heavy in my opinion for the melody. It really depends on what you are trying to go for, but I would cut back on the drums. I think what you need is a progressing melody. What most people make the mistake of is repeating the same thing over and over. Good songs evolve. You start out small and get grander.

So I am going to pull out the Spirited Away sheet music for examples. I think what you should start working on is melodies and I think these are really good examples:

http://ichigos.com/res/getfile.php?id=860&type=mus

http://ichigos.com/res/getfile.php?id=1300&type=mus

http://ichigos.com/res/getfile.php?id=1300&type=mus

Now of course these are something to emulate, dont expect to get it on the get-go.
Also if you have a piano it will do wonders when making music, just play and copy the notes. Didn't you say you played piano o:?

Once you get melodies down then comes adding other melodies.
Everyone learns differently however so I dont know

Once you get melodies and start doing full-fledged songs, it will probably get easier making RPG like songs. The reason being is that you can make a non-repetitive melody and song. A lot of people make the mistake of repeating it over and over and thats not what make awesome music.

Just my two cents.

Also: http://ichigos.com/list
sheet music from games and stuff

 

[Juan J. Sánchez]

Thanks for the comment, Bacon.

I did feel the drums were too strong. I barely downloaded the software yesterday, so I'm still learning how to use it. Thus, there's many things I still don't know how to do.

As you've implied, the melody is a non-elaborated loop. It's not supposed to be serious. It was more of a "get in touch with the software" sort of thing. Perhaps I should have written this in my original post.

Anyhow, thanks for the music files. I love that movie. I first watched it about ten years ago. The second score you sent me is quite reminiscent of Pachelbel's Canon in D. Don't you think?

I do play piano. In fact, currently I'm practicing Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu. Although, I have to admit, it is one thing playing piano and reading scores, and it is an entirely different thing writing scores for ten different instruments.

Nonetheless, I find this music too passive. I prefer something more abrasive, such as Nuematsu's compositions.

Thanks.

 

[Juan J. Sánchez]

You might enjoy this other piece I wrote more. It's still not finished, though, and it's for solo piano.

http://midishrine.com/midi/39485.mid