A Step-by-Step Guide to My Composing Process

Throughout history, there have been millions of composers spanning countless styles and genres. If you asked each of them about their approach, you would receive a wide range of answers. Every composer develops a writing process that is unique to them.

There is no right or wrong way to approach writing music — it is an art form. Some composers write on paper, others work directly inside a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and some prefer digital notation software like Dorico.

Here is my step-by-step process.

Step 1: Work Inside the DAW

I write 100% of my music in a DAW.

I began composing in Ableton Live, but today I work primarily in Logic Pro. I also use Pro Tools, though mostly for recording and mixing — that’s a topic for another time.

For me, the DAW isn’t just a recording tool. It’s the canvas where ideas are captured, shaped, and refined.

Step 2: Find the Inspiration

Every piece begins with some form of inspiration.

Sometimes it comes from an image or video. Other times it’s an interesting sound I’ve discovered, or a melody lingering in my mind. Inspiration can truly come from anywhere.

I’ve also learned a great deal from observing other composers and studying their creative processes. Seeing how others think often sparks new ideas in my own writing.

Step 3: Develop the Core Idea

Once inspiration strikes, I begin developing musical material.

As a self-taught pianist, many of my compositions start at the piano. I usually establish harmonic movement first — writing chords before melody. Harmony sets the emotional direction.

If I’m writing ambient music, however, texture and atmosphere often come first. In those cases, sound design becomes the foundation instead of traditional harmonic structure.

Step 4: Arrange the Piece

After the core ideas are formed, I move into arranging.

This is where I determine the arc and direction of the piece. How does it begin? Where does it build? Where does it release?

I consider myself a hybrid composer, so I often blend orchestration with synthesized elements. I’m deeply drawn to texture and evolving sound design, which allows the music to grow and transform over time.

Arrangement is where the composition truly begins to feel alive.

Step 5: Mix as I Go

Many composers separate writing, production, and mixing into completely distinct stages.

My workflow is slightly different.

I take a “mix-as-you-go” approach. Automation, EQ, compression, saturation, and spatial effects are integrated into the composition process itself. In many cases, mixing decisions influence arrangement choices.

By the time the piece is fully written, the mix is often close to complete.

Working from templates also plays a significant role in streamlining my workflow — something I’ll explore in a future newsletter.

Thanks for reading 🙂

If this breakdown was helpful, I’d love to know.