Techniques for memorizing a musical idea and "saving it to paper"?

Question

Sometimes I have a very nice musical idea, with orchestration too, and I clearly hear it in my mind as if I was listening to a CD. But I cannot retain it. The only way is to play it over and over in my mind, but then I cannot even walk or drive. Cold you suggest some technique for "saving to hard disk"? (Somehow so that as I have time I can later write it down.) I have a degree in classical piano, I also studied classical composition for some years, so I have a musical background.

Answer 1

Hello there!

Musical ideas are fleeting things! What I would do (if you don't have a music software) is simply write them down using your own words. Write the style, the mood, maybe some working titles, and maybe what the "vibe" of the melody sounds like. For example:

Medium fast swing tune

Saxophone section feature

Shout Chorus

Fun, 1930s big band sound with some modern touches

Plenty of hits

Give the trumpets a break!

Title: Jumpin at the Club, The Sax Dude, Embarcadero Dinero, That's One For Doug

The more little details you can put into your outline the better. Hope that helps and good luck!