Happy Music Monday! Here is the Sheet Music for “Turning Toward” Click the download button belowto download it.
Writing the Melody
When I sat down to write out the sheet music for Turning Toward, I wrote out the vocal melody first. This took a few hours for me to do, since I wanted to make sure I dictated all of the specific rhythms and notes that I sing. During the early composition stages I don’t write out the entire melody and I certainly don’t write out the rhythms. I just memorize or take little notes for myself to remember what I want to do, because the melody always evolves over time. So once I’m ready for this step, it takes some thought to figure out what I’m actually singing!
Accompaniment
As I mentioned in my last sheet music post, when I begin writing a song, I start off with a simple lead sheet (chords and lyrics). When writing out the accompaniment, I wanted to develop those chords into something a little more interesting. I chose a rhythmic pattern for the verses (see the first image on this post), using a repeating R.H. pattern and adjusting it to fit the chords from measure to measure along with a simple rhythmic L.H. pattern. For the bridge, (see image above “that when she sees…”) I wanted simple half note chords to go with the drum pattern I had in mind. I used some cluster chords and 7th chords throughout the bridge to add depth. The accompaniment for the chorus (“Now inspired believing..”) uses larger chords and octaves in the right hand, but has clean and simple harmonies.
Fillers
Something I’m trying to do more is add in fillers. When I say “fillers” I mean adding something a little more exciting during any moments when I’m not singing, to fill up the space. This song doesn’t have very many of those moments, but above you can see the added 16th notes after “turning”.
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Talk to you next week! Marilee