[The-Real-Link]

Seeing as Chopin is my favorite composer, I'm inclined to agree with you, Nicol. Debussy is also amazing.

[KiM]

... -doesn't know much about playing from sheet music- ^^;

But I do know (from chorus) that I gravitate more toward playing in B flat... Either that, or F.

But first things first: learn any but every song in the original key. And then if I feel like changing it, I kinda "ear-it-out" ...

... That didn't make any sense...

[JrvUnleashed]

Since I use Finale Notepad, I can't really arrange in "keys". I usually just set it in C and use accidentals, so I can technically change to any key.

[Nicol Armarfi]

Typically, I arrange a piece in any random key depending on how I feel the key adds to the textural qualities of the piece. This is usually the case for pieces whose melodies I've known for a long time, but have since forgotten the original key. Otherwise, if I'm listening to a piece as I transcribe it, I will do so in its original key.

[morallyobjected]

my favourite key to compose in tends to be D major, but my favourite key to play in is Eb major or E major

when I'm arranging, I tend to keep it in the same key as the original

[Milen]

So far, I stay in key for arrangements, but if it comes down to it...

For Major keys, Db+ for it's majesty and Ab+ for it's 'friendliness'

Minor key, I would have to say Cm and F#m.

For emotional response, and I have no idea why it works, D Minor

[The-Real-Link]

I have been working on writing a piece in A# minor recently, and I have to say that the key brings a deep, almost harsh presence to the piece (which is especially shown in the deep contrabass harmonies) It's turning out very nice.

[Milen]

I know this being picky, but I always thought it was Bb Minor O.o

Also, G# Minor pretty awesome too.

I've seen Bb/A# Minor used very creepily, circus music or something similar to Kefka's theme. I think that's the actual key too O.o

[The-Real-Link]

Bb minor and A# minor are enharmonic. I think it's funny how it aggrivates people when it's written one way instead of another. I used to hate playing in Db major until Bach's C# Major prelude and Fugue "cured" me.

[Milen]

For sure keys can be enharmonic with each other, but I always thought there was a preference to call it by the easiest way to read it. Ah well, to each his own ^^