Alright, the negotiations between developer and musician are finished and it's time for the musician to start composing. I'm now facing an empty screen...

"OK ... Where do I begin?"

First, I get some samples, instruments or whatever I choose to use, matching the style of the music I plan to compose. Now, I usually start composing the thing that is most characteristic of the piece I have in mind. For example, if the score is going to be used to accompany marching soldiers, I do the drums first. If this doesn't work, I sometimes play around with the sounds that I have chosen until something comes up and gets my creativity flowing. Once it does, I just go with the flow and compose as much as I can until I get too tired. If this "flow" doesn't occur in about half an hour or so, it's useless "wasting" energy on not getting anything done, so I take a short break and try later.

Another way to get inspired is from a feeling or a picture created in your mind or from the atmosphere or events in the game, which the music is composed for. This is a very effective way, at least from my experience!

Sometimes I wake up in the morning feeling creative and the rest of the day is spent composing. But if I don't, this is my best advice to get one of those "creative days" :

First, get at least 8 hours of sleep. Then have a good breakfast. That will give you and your brain energy. Next, get some fresh air. Maybe take a walk. (Meditation also has an outstanding effect). Usually when I have done this I'm in perfect condition to start composing!

One common thing among people working with music and/or sound engineering is their bad health.

Better health = better music!

The Two "C"s