Things to Consider when Composing (9 of 9)

[From a 9-part handout for my introductory composition class.]

IX. Aren't these modern times? Can't we try to come up with a completely new approach to composition? Who made all these rules, anyway? A bunch of dead white Europeans? Ever heard of World Music? Rock? etc.

     It is good to try new approaches. Take your inspiration from wherever you find it, be it hip-hop, Persian music, commercials, movie music your dishwasher, etc. Never feel constrained by the shackles of history or tradition. 

     On the other hand, history has a lot to teach us, and there are usually reasons for why things were done the way they were for centuries. Everybody gets to decide for themselves how (or whether) to balance old and new approaches to writing music.