How many versions of a song???

[Ann Rodela]

Hello.  I am wondering how many versions of one song do you write?  What is average?  Does a composer write two or ten?

I wrote a song on Finale with a set of instruments and I completed it or so I thought.  When I changed the instruments I also changed the notation and finished the song.  Now that I wrote two versions I think  that I will write more.

How many versions of a song do you write?  How do you know that it is the one? 

[Les Harper]

I tend to be like Lisa, too. I'm usually trying to end up with one solid piece. In the end, it may not resemble the initial intent, but that's the beauty of it.

The only major exception might be if you're writing for a film. You may end up writing several variations of two or three (or more) themes, or a few different "versions" as you put it.

[Douglas Edward]

i always end up with one (sometimes two for a vocal-less mix), but i say write as many versions as you want. Theme and Variations!

Ednaswap (one of my favorite bands back in the day) released 4 or more versions of one of their hit songs called Torn, and that's not counting the version that Natalie Imbruglia did either.

[Ann Rodela]

Thanks Douglas. Well, my piece is instrumental. I now feel better that Ednaswap released 4 versions of their hit song! :)

Douglas Edward said:

i always end up with one (sometimes two for a vocal-less mix), but i say write as many versions as you want. Theme and Variations!

Ednaswap (one of my favorite bands back in the day) released 4 or more versions of one of their hit songs called Torn, and that's not counting the version that Natalie Imbruglia did either.