Where do musicians draw their melodies from?

Question

It has been in my head for so long. I am a visual artist, animator, I do motion graphics, 3D artwork and most of my work is done visually.I am puzzled by this question.Visual artists, they draw their inspiration from everyday life. their vision. Things we see or even imagine. Something within what we see is so profound and true, that when is moved to the paper, canvas, digital world makes a perfect sense and people feel that beauty.We of course can manipulate what we see. Interpret it.What I don't get is where do amazing composers, musicians find their scores and melodies?I mean, if it weren't for the TV, digital world, papers, art magazines etc, a visual artist would still have his/her eyes to experience our world and have something to interpret.But music? Although I can see patterns of rhythm in nature... I can't hear any music playing in nature! (which is purely mathematical AFAIK, notes have a precise order with a mathematical definition of the wavelength between them)How and where do you guys come up with those astounding melodies and artworks?

Answer 1

The story of the birds and the bees; where do melodies come from?

The answer is: from every source possible.

Musicians listen to music. All of that input gets processed through a filter consisting of one’s musical interests, perspectives, tastes and sensibilities. Some of it is important, some interesting, some notable. When it emerges, it becomes useful fodder for composition and/or improvisation.

Musicians understand or strive to understand how music works. Melodic ideas are already there, in the very nature or music, waiting for you to discover and give them context.