Does anyone have any tips on actually composing marimba music, preferrably in Japanese style (a la Keiko Abe). What are stylistic elements of Japanese music etc? particularly in relation to marimba. What about time signatures or key signatures? (I've considered A minor Phrygian). This is all for a music course I am doing as a work requirement.

Any thoughts?

Dear PT cruiser,
I once was given the task of composing a piece of japanese style music for a play we put on. It was good, in my opinion about the best piece i ever wrote...not many people liked it though...said it sounded fragmented..whatever that is supposed to mean!

Japanese Music can mean many things.
It could be in the style of Gagaku, or could be
that of Noh, or maybe Kabuki. Sometimes it means
that of Japanese folk songs, which is quite diverse
among the regions in Japan. E.g., Music of Ezo and
music of Okinawa are totally different. There also
are music played at temples, which is quite attractive
as well.

I have never made a formal study in the area, but
I feel that somebody like Takemitsu was heavily
influenced by Noh and Temple music. In case of
Abe, I find more influence from the folk music,
but there certainly a trace of Biwa music (which is
related to temples.)

I suppose that the best bet is to listen to a lot
of Japanese music until it comes inside your vein,
then music starts to flow. IMHO, the essence of
Japanese music lives inside the improvisation.
You meditate and purify your soul. Then the music
shall start to flow out of you.

Cheers,

Nat