Orchestration 1

Learn to write and apply traditional orchestration techniques to both sampled performances and live orchestral performances.

Orchestration skills are an increasingly hot commodity. Placement on television, in video games and animation, and other modern revenue outlets require a detailed understanding of orchestral writing and production techniques. In this 12-week course, students will learn traditional orchestration techniques as well as emerging issues specific to today's technology. The course begins by covering the technological considerations required to create modern day orchestral sounds: sample libraries, sequencing techniques, and different types of hardware set ups. From there, students will learn the characteristics and idiomatic writing techniques for each orchestral instrument family: strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, as well as approaches for writing for full orchestra.

The course allows students to use the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) program of their choice, including Digital Performer, Logic, Cubase, SONAR, or Pro Tools, and a sample library such as East West, Kontakt, or Vienna. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge to orchestrate music and apply this knowledge to both digital and live orchestral performances. This course also provides the next step in practical skill development for students in our Arranging programs, by adding the concept of orchestration using a sample library.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand and apply traditional orchestration techniques
• Analyze orchestral scores
• Sequence music for every section of the orchestra
• Create a full-length piece for full orchestra