In my thesis, I have focused on composing by way of adapting motifs from solos I have transcribed, in order to find strong melodies and basslines. I had a hard time selecting the material I would make use of and struggled with balancing what I created myself and what I drew upon from outside sources. Hence the thesis' title, Internal and external influence on a composition process, where I use the terms “internal” and “external” to illustrate two sources I based my composing upon. At the beginning of the process, I was heavily emphasizing the use of external material, to detach myself from my habits and hopefully write innovative music. The result was a harmony rich with dissonance that conflicted with my personal taste. I realized that I needed to abandon this principle and find a balance where external material merely inspired me but was directed by my internal inclinations.