I remember hearing the story of Keith Richards (Rolling Stones) writing "Satisfaction" in his sleep and also Paul McCartney dreaming up "Yesterday". My dreams have never been that productive. My dreams are usually weird stuff that somehow seem normal. If they should somehow lead to something interesting I will either wake up before it gets to the good stuff or forget everything as soon as I open my eyes. Almost like I'm being pranked.
Most creative people feel like their ideas come from outside of themselves. I know I always have. In Greek mythology it was a Muse, one of the daughters of Zeus, who oversaw the arts. I'm pretty sure I have a muse but she behaves like Lucy pulling the ball away from Charlie Brown's kick at the last minute.
Being productive in the arts requires inspiration, skill, and self-discipline. When I was younger I wanted to be a songwriter. I was rarely inspired and never really developed the skill set necessary. It seemed like every song I tried to write was just like the song before it. I read once that Antonio Vivaldi had claimed to have composed over a thousand works. One of his critics said, "No. You've just composed the same song a thousand times."
When I began to teach myself classical guitar I also attempted to compose larger instrumental works. However my reach exceeded by grasp. I certainly did feel inspired but lacked the training and skills necessary. It was as if my muse and her sisters were sitting around drinking wine and giggling at my feeble attempts. ("Here's an idea. Why don't just chew on this and see what you can do with it. *hehe*)
I was finally able to turn the tables on her when I began teaching. I well remember the struggles I had when learning and the solutions I found to my difficulties. My muse gives me inspiration and insight to use these memories to help my students. Understanding the process of composing helps me to give my students a glimpse of what a composer goes through and so they approach a piece of music pragmatically.
My muse helps me use my struggles and failures as teaching tools. Creating something good and positive from the disappointment and aggravation. She is always by my side serving me instead of goading me. And she whispers, "I told you so..." If I decide to try to compose something she pours a glass of wine and calls her sisters. Because through it all, my muse is a jerk.