We asked listeners to let us know how copying others has worked for them. Here's what you said. As a professional composer, i am often asked to copy the feel, tempo or emotion of an existing piece of music. This can limit creativity but it also offers boundaries and direction for what musical effect is desired. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,. What better way to learn about an art than by imitating or being inspired by what has succeeded before? Am i a copy cat? In some ways, yes, but there's always some of myself. And even the most de tive work i produce.