I think there is value in the emulation of other composers, if only for purely educational purposes. This came up in my medieval and baroque history class, actually, as it was one of the ways in which composers of that time learned their trade. Bach thoroughly studied Vivaldi, for example, to learn the Italian style. In my view, the value comes from artistic freedom. You never have to compose any one way, but if you learn to compose in many different ways and styles, then you have a gigantic toolbox at your disposal. As one of my bass teachers once said to me "technique will set you free" Or, alternatively, "you'll never be held back by too much technique." You've got the musicality, otherwise you wouldn't be in music school.
For sure, I totally agree. A lot of my compositional ideas start out as an emulation of a musical idea I heard. Then of course I'll take that and mould it into something of my own. I am very much an advocate of finding patterns between genres and artists in search of new perspectives. I am aware of my influences and embrace them. Good words. I've always felt this way about listening to music, that by having a wide range influences you have a lot to draw on. However, I've not properly considered that in terms of compositional practice. I feel this is perhaps impeding me at the moment, in that I've become stuck in my ways. I was producing steadfast in the Drum & Bass tradition for 4 years and only in the last year of two have I endeavoured to push some boundaries somewhat. As a consequence, all my ideas are still filtered through the said tradition and methodology which is becoming too small a garment, so to speak. I'm ready to break of out if it, I'm just not sure how quite yet. Thanks.You never have to compose any one way, but if you learn to compose in many different ways and styles, then you have a gigantic toolbox at your disposal.