For one, I haven't written any non-pop works in well over three years. During those three years, I've explored other areas of music (like recording and pop), I've avoided academia, and my thinking, perspectives, overall mindset, and tastes have all changed and matured. I feel like what I wrote three years ago in undergrad doesnt represent who I am now. And if anything, I dont know that I really like what I wrote then.
But am I capable of writing good quality now? Will my work show that I've matured?
I think I know the answers to those questions - at least I hope I do. Being the perfectionist that I am - along with the great amounts of stubbornness - I wont stop working until its good.
My biggest concern though is getting out of the pop mindset and back into the non-pop world (ie academia). I'm not quite sure where to start.
Well, I know where to start. It starts with this symphonic band piece that I'm beginning to write. But I'm afraid that I dont know how to start it, how to take it through, how to end it, and how to write an awesome non-pop piece.
Or, I could write a piece that borders pop. But where is the line? When does music become non-pop? Or, when does it become pop?
Can I write interesting enough music that academia wont turn their nose up to and label it as too "pretty" and not innovative enough but that the average listener will also like?
I dont know. But I'd like to.
These next two years will be pretty telling. Hopefully I'll write a good bit more and perhaps I'll be able to tell what my 'trends' as a composer are.
It first starts with this symphonic band piece.
I'm off to work. And ponder some more.