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Finding the muse

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Writing a musical is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It differes from writing a play in one very obvious way - the musical numbers.

These musical numbers play an important role in character development. Songs often solidify the emotions a character is feeling which he/she can communicate to the audience and other characters in a song. Ballads and slower pieces often convey deep emotions of sorrow, loss, love, or despair while up-tempo numbers allow a character to express their joy, elation, or excitement.

Often, musical numbers are written for more than one character. The 'love' duet is a common inclusion in any musical. Also, ensemble numbers, featuring many or all cast members are usually highly energetic song and dance extravaganzas. Duets allow characters to communicate their feelings for one another. They are often used at climactic parts in the plot. Ensemble numbers often close an act or may even be the opener in a show.

But...where does one find the "muse" to create these musical masterpieces so necessary for the musical theatre production?

For this author, I begin writing my dialogue and advancing the plot of my story as a play. I envision my characters in the fully staged version of my musical and try to get a feel for those places where a musical number could enhance the plot or help the audience empathize with a character's situation. I also look for places in my writing where a musical piece can take the place of the spoken word.

Having been an avid audience member at live musical theatre performances as well as owning many of the classics, I do think in terms of what may please an audience. I try to add the musical numbers in places that will create the right affect for the audience.

People often ask if one should write the words first or the music first. I'm sure a survey of prominent lyricists and composers and collaborators would all come up with their own personal method(s). Most often, my words and music come at the same time. I hear my character singing as the words begin to form in my mind.

I usually compose at the piano so that I can quickly sketch out my melody line and chords as I jot down possible song lyrics. There are times when the words come so fast that I lose the music and must then play around with different possibilites until I find the music that suits the words. Occasionally, I get an idea in a specific musical style and develop it first before creating a suitable text. This method, however, always seems to take longer and doesn't create the spontaneous approach which I prefer.

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