Is writing important for electronic composition?

Question

I am an electronic producer, and I was wondering if electronic music producers even write down their music on scores? Is that important enough to do for this category of music genres? Or should I do despite that others don't?

Answer 1

Hey there!

I think it depends on what you would need the notated version for. I produce electronic music, and I am in bands with two colleagues who produce electronic music. I have not met one person so far who writes their electronic music down on scores (but I am in other kinds of bands who do write their music down on scores). However, that doesn't mean it couldn't be a useful thing.

Here are four ways that I see it as being useful:

1) It could be a good process if you want to understand on a deeper level what is going on in your piece harmonically and rhythmically.

2) It could be a good exercise if you want to get better at notating music in general.

3) It could also be useful if you want another ensemble to play your piece.

4) It could be good to have a catalogue of scores of your songs for posterity's sake.

Notating music is a lengthy and time consuming process. I don't say that to deter you from exploring it, but taking the time to create your electronic piece and then taking to time to notate it adds more work. So just know that.

If none of these reasons seems that worth it, then it's perfectly acceptable to let your electronic piece exist in whatever program you're using and either perform it live or share it on a streaming platform. If any of these reasons seems worth pursuing, then by all means!

I would suggest answering for yourself why it would be important for you to notate your piece and if you want to dedicate the time do doing that. Otherwise there is no expectation or rule which determines whether or not one should notate their electronic music.

I hope this was helpful!

Answer 2

It's true - most electronic composers don't write their scores in a traditional sense of notation. Most will make notes somewhere about the structure of the piece. BUT if you want to make your music accessible for others who may want to play it themselves, then you should notate it.

Answer 3

Hi, I believe most of the artists today do not write their scores in so many genres. Electronic music done by computers, software and sample sounds mainly, and most of these people work on this aspect. Even most TV and film composers stick with composing and MIDI mock ups more and they sent their files for same person does orchestration to complete the scores on sheet.