Sense of Accomplishment

Over the years I have found that there are a few times in the course of composing a piece where I feel a sense of accomplishment.  The first time is the completion of the sketch score.  It is at this point where the piece has a definite shape.  The piece is outlined and it is a matter of filling out the voices.  The next accomplishment time is the completion of the score.  This is to me the second biggest accomplishment.  All of the voices are complete and the editing is done.

Next comes the printing of the score and parts.  This is when the piece is the most tangible.  You can actually hold the final copy of the piece in your hands.  It is done.  Next is the delivering of the score and parts to the ensemble.  It is at this point where your work as the composer is pretty much done.  It is now up to the ensemble for the performance.

The final and most important point of accomplishment is the performance.  This is where you and the ensemble share the piece with the world, or at least those in attendance.  All of the hard work has paid off.