Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics
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For many of us, there is nothing in music more beautiful and expressive than a group of talented orchestral players performing a well-written score. The range of techniques available to each instrument along with the possible combinations of those instruments results in a 'magic' that is almost impossible to achieve in any situation.
The problem is that many of us don't possess the training or experience to confidently generate a decent written score for a string quartet, let alone a full orchestra. And even though recent technology has developed to such a point that it’s possible to create a great sounding ‘mock-up’ with sample libraries and sequencers, unless you have a good knowledge of how all the instruments work and their expressive capabilities and limitations you are at a distinct disadvantage.
There is so much to consider.
Which instruments will be able to deliver rich, emotional performances you need and where are the sweet spots to help them shine? How do you ‘voice’ the sections to give maximum clarity, power, and impact? What instruments combine well to give rich tonalities and which instruments tend to ‘mask’ one another? How do you achieve balance with such a diverse group of timbres and dynamics?
And what if your director requires real musicians? Are you comfortable with generating an actual full written score for a small ensemble or even a full orchestra?
Master Your Orchestra
Whether you’re producing an orchestral mock-up in a sequencer or writing for a group of real players, if you want to deliver an impressive sounding result you’ll need to have a sound understanding of the instruments you are writing for.
And our ‘Instrumentation and Orchestration Basics’ is designed to give you exactly that.
You’ll learn all you need to know about the instruments themselves, the range of sounds they are capable of, the roles they play in the orchestra and how to actually write for them to give your compositions the best chance to shine.
Meet your trainer
Marc Jovani, Composer, Teacher, Cofounder of Cinematic Composing
- Based in Los Angeles. Has composed soundtracks for more than 50 movies
- Has provided music for major studios such as NETFLIX, Amazon, Lionsgate, Syfy, FOX.
- His movies have been distributed internationally on leading, nationally broadcasted television channels, including Lifetime (USA), TF1 (France), the Hallmark Channel (USA), Canale 5 (Italy), Antena 3 (Spain), HBO (USA) and more.
- His music has been recorded in major studios: Warner Bros (Burbank), EastWest (Hollywood), and others.
- Co-founder of Cinematic Composing (2016) with more than 10.000 students and growing
- Berklee College of Music: Composition & Orchestration teacher at Berklee (2010-2016)
Stories on Marc Jovani
Thank you!
Thank you!
I just wanted to drop a note and say how much I have gotten from Cinematic Composing.
Seeing Marc’s videos and hearing about the courses he has created kept my fire alive. The knowledge he shares is very motivating to me. I am excited to...
I just wanted to drop a note and say how much I have gotten from Cinematic Composing.
Seeing Marc’s videos and hearing about the courses he has created kept my fire alive. The knowledge he shares is very motivating to me. I am excited to put the things I have learned into action and share my efforts with the community.
Thanks Marc!
Composer Los Angeles (USA)
I highly recommend it
I highly recommend it
Marc Jovani is a truly inspiring teacher. His coiurses rekindled my interest in composing music.
Marc Jovani is a truly inspiring teacher. His coiurses rekindled my interest in composing music.
Guitar player - Composer Zaragoza (España)
From Leipzig to L.A.
From Leipzig to L.A.
Hello Guys,
I´m a composer for film based in germany, leipzig. I joined CC because I like Marc Jovani's music very much and his way of narrating and communicating inspires me.
Hello Guys,
I´m a composer for film based in germany, leipzig. I joined CC because I like Marc Jovani's music very much and his way of narrating and communicating inspires me.
Filmcomposer Leipzig (Germany)
I learned a lot
I learned a lot
Before the course, I was impressed with the way Marc explained things. This impression grew even more as he progressed. I learned a lot about workflow and ways to increase my production speed. This has inspired me in so many ways. Thanks for...
Read more
Before the course, I was impressed with the way Marc explained things. This impression grew even more as he progressed. I learned a lot about workflow and ways to increase my production speed. This has inspired me in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your experience! I am looking forward to getting through the other courses!
CN
Composer Fall River MA (USA)
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
The courses are great. Marc give us great knowledge, He really know how to make great samples mockups. He shares with us all his knowledge and his tricks and tips.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
The courses are great. Marc give us great knowledge, He really know how to make great samples mockups. He shares with us all his knowledge and his tricks and tips.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Music Composer Montpellier (France)
What You'll Learn
-
1. Learn How The Orchestra Evolved
Understanding the roots of the orchestra and how it has adapted over time gives us a powerful insight into its capabilities today.
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2. Understand The 'Balance Of Power'
Learn to appreciate the sonic differences when the number of players in a section changes and how that, in turn, affects the balance of the orchestra in terms of the other sections.
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3. Using The Clefs, Transposing, And The Written Score
You'll learn which instruments are written in which clefs, which need to transpose and how to produce a full score for concert and film scoring projects.
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4. Introduction To Score Editors And Notation Programs
How to generate a written score using score editing software.
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5. Discover The Construction, Playing Techniques, And Roles Of The Instruments
We'll take you 'section by section' and 'instrument by instrument' so you can get a feel of what each instrument is capable of, both in terms of its range, its tonality, and the roles it plays in the orchestra.
-
6. Understand How To Write For Each Orchestral Section
Now that you’ve learned how to idiomatically write for each instrument and section, now you’ll discover how to write for each section depending on the role that it’s taking. For example, how to write for violins when you need that soaring strings melody singing on top of the orchestra. Or how to make the cellos and basses provide a cinematic solid low end. How to harmonize trumpets and trombones for that climatic heroic motive. Or haw to arrange woods if we want to color a high strings melody. For each section, you’ll have supporting examples that you can listen to and follow along so you understand how each section performs when it’s performing a melody, countermelody, background, bass… and how it sounds different depending on the voicing, unison, or octaves.
Stories on Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics
I thought that I would be taking just a course...
I thought that I would be taking just a course...
When I first started at CC, I thought that I would be taking just a course. Then, I realize of the importance of being part of this community.
When I first started at CC, I thought that I would be taking just a course. Then, I realize of the importance of being part of this community.
Music Composer Alicante (España)
Everything is comprehensive and the instructors respond quickly when asked questions.
Everything is comprehensive and the instructors respond quickly when asked questions.
I have been studying orchestration for years. Everything is comprehensive and the instructors respond quickly when asked questions. I will be signing up for more courses in the future!
I have been studying orchestration for years. Everything is comprehensive and the instructors respond quickly when asked questions. I will be signing up for more courses in the future!
Composer Kansas (USA)
I am very impressed by the profound knowledge about orchestration you will achieve following this course
I am very impressed by the profound knowledge about orchestration you will achieve following this course
I’ve recently bought the course Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basic and I am very impressed by the profound knowledge about orchestration you will achieve following this course.
I’ve recently bought the course Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basic and I am very impressed by the profound knowledge about orchestration you will achieve following this course.
Read lessComposer Frizlar (Germany)
Growing in a short time
Growing in a short time
I’ve learned a lot in such a short time and it's easy to follow our great instructor Marc Jovani.
He has a great experience.
To my knowledge, it’s one of the best remote courses out there.
I’ve learned a lot in such a short time and it's easy to follow our great instructor Marc Jovani.
He has a great experience.
To my knowledge, it’s one of the best remote courses out there.
Composer Texas (USA)
The extra I needed
The extra I needed
Thanks to this course I have found the fluency I needed to begin to master composition for orchestra.
Thanks to this course I have found the fluency I needed to begin to master composition for orchestra.
Read lessSr. Cabañas (España)
The curriculum
Explore Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics
Explore Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics
There are three sections to this course. Understanding the content in each will help make you a more ‘complete’ composer and help you make great choices at every stage of your composition.
The first section covers the basics: evolution of the orchestra, clefs you’ll need to understand, transposing, writing parts, and using a score editor.
The second section is where you’ll learn about the different sections of the orchestra and how to tap into the amazing variety of sounds and techniques that are available with each instrument.
The third section is where it all starts to come together and you’ll learn how to actually write for each section and also the full orchestra. You’ll discover how to voice chords correctly for sections, how to create ‘separation’ so your melodies will stand out and grab your listener’s attention, and how to achieve balance between sections.
Modules includes in this course
Module 1.
The Brass Section
The Brass Section
Module 2.
Let's Get Started! – Basic Concepts
Let's Get Started! – Basic Concepts
Module 3.
The String Section
The String Section
Module 4.
The Harp and Keyboard Instruments
The Harp and Keyboard Instruments
Module 5.
The Woodwind Section
The Woodwind Section
Module 6.
The Percussion Section
The Percussion Section
Module 7.
Orchestrating for Strings
Orchestrating for Strings
Module 8.
Orchestrating for Brass
Orchestrating for Brass
Module 9.
Orchestrating for Woodwinds
Orchestrating for Woodwinds
Module 10.
Orchestrating for the Percussion Section and the Harp and Keyboard Instruments
Orchestrating for the Percussion Section and the Harp and Keyboard Instruments
Module 11.
Orchestrating for Orchestra - From Sketch to Orchestra
Orchestrating for Orchestra - From Sketch to Orchestra
What People Say About This Program
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
On the road to orchestral composition using virtual instruments, this is the best online course I found. It is clear, concise and practical.
Also, from a countryman!
regards
On the road to orchestral composition using virtual instruments, this is the best online course I found. It is clear, concise and practical.
Also, from a countryman!
regards
Composer San Cristóbal de La Laguna (España)
I was looking for guidance and I found Marc
I was looking for guidance and I found Marc
I’ve purchased two courses from Cinematic Composing.
I highly recommend his courses to anyone interested in learning how to orchestrate, especially through digital means on the computer.
I’ve purchased two courses from Cinematic Composing.
I highly recommend his courses to anyone interested in learning how to orchestrate, especially through digital means on the computer.
Music Composer LA (USA)
A expectation path...
A expectation path...
The Dream is to Be a Film and Tv Composer in Hollywood.
Now, I walking the first steps...
The Dream is to Be a Film and Tv Composer in Hollywood.
Now, I walking the first steps...
Student Delhi (India)
A motivating path...
A motivating path...
I find the course very interesting and motivating.
I find the course very interesting and motivating.
Read lessConductor, Saxophonist and teacher Madrid (spain)
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Really happy to see how my music and sound are developing!! Keep the music flowing 😉
Really happy to see how my music and sound are developing!! Keep the music flowing 😉
Read lessMusic Composer Madrid (España)
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What you get when you join the program:
- The complete Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics course
- Exclusive discounts of up to 50% on Spitfire, Orchestral Tools and many more
- Access to all future updates for this course
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Why be content with a single course being able to have access to a wide range of courses valued at more than $12,000. Cinematic Composing Membership is our single best solution to your growth as a composer.
In addition, you will have access to weekly classes, masterclasses with experts from the music sector, access to the private group where you can meet more composers who want to help you and share your doubts.
In addition to being able to access previous content (masterclasses, weekly classes), the content will grow and update at no additional cost. All this at a ridiculous price. Are you coming?
Join today to experience this Premium Membership: This amazing offer not only includes immediate access to all the Membership Courses, it also includes exclusive invites to our best real-world and virtual events - including MTCM Live - and amazing discounts on a big selection of Top Shelf Sample Libraries.
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Cinematic Composing membership
Get Access to Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics PLUS unlock everything else on Cinematic Composing. You get the catalog of courses unlocked for less than $2 a day
$499/year
Single program
Orchestration 1 version (51% discount)Get Access to only Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics on all devices.
$997
For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.
Stories on Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics
I recommend this course
I recommend this course
I’ve recently bought the course and I am very impressed by the profound knowledge about orchestration you will achieve following it.
The instruction is amazing!
I’ve recently bought the course and I am very impressed by the profound knowledge about orchestration you will achieve following it.
The instruction is amazing!
Composer A (USA)
I'm already learning more than I ever could
I'm already learning more than I ever could
“This course has been a fantastic experience thus far. I'm already learning more than I ever could. It's far superior to just searching for online tuts. This course is all a hit!.”
“This course has been a fantastic experience thus far. I'm already learning more than I ever could. It's far superior to just searching for online tuts. This course is all a hit!.”
Read lessComposer Los Angeles (USA)
Totaly recommended
Totaly recommended
The course is very well constructed and takes you through the different sections and instruments.
The course drastically improved my approach to my compositions and I am already reaping the benefits through better sounding projects.
The course is very well constructed and takes you through the different sections and instruments.
The course drastically improved my approach to my compositions and I am already reaping the benefits through better sounding projects.
Composer Aberdeen (UK)
Easily understandable for even a complete beginner...
Easily understandable for even a complete beginner...
I am currently enrolled in two courses and so far they are definitely worth it. Very detailed and informative.
Fantastic courses.
I will definitely be purchasing another in the near future.
I am currently enrolled in two courses and so far they are definitely worth it. Very detailed and informative.
Fantastic courses.
I will definitely be purchasing another in the near future.
Music Composer Coquitlam (Canada)
Great job!
Great job!
Explanations and videos are clear and to the point.
I would really recommend this course!
Explanations and videos are clear and to the point.
I would really recommend this course!
Composer/Producer/Musician + Web-Developer and Researcher Cagliari, + Vienna (Italy + Austria)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to get through the course? How long will it take me to get through the course?
Usually, it takes about one week per module.
I cannot read music and have never taken orchestration classes or anything like that. I have learned everything by ear. Will I still be able to successfully complete the course? I cannot read music and have never taken orchestration classes or anything like that. I have learned everything by ear. Will I still be able to successfully complete the course?
Honestly, we have lots of fun and engaging conversations with students who don’t have formal training. Sometimes, when you’ve got a lot of training you can develop complexes or insecurities about what is right or wrong, what you should or shouldn’t do when composing, and so forth.
If you’re one of those with little or no traditional formal training, you’ll still gain loads of practical, useful information and experience in this course. We’d love to have you on board!
How long will I have access to the course materials? How long will I have access to the course materials?
You’ll have access to the course materials for life.
Can I get behind? Do I have to follow the course’s pace or can I go my own? Can I get behind? Do I have to follow the course’s pace or can I go my own?
The course materials do not expire and you’ll have access to them for life, including future course updates and improvements!
I have a busy life. Will I have the time to do this? I have a busy life. Will I have the time to do this?
You can’t get behind in this course. You can go at your own pace. All the contents are there for you whenever you’re ready and are accessible on any device.
Do you have a refund policy? Do you have a refund policy?
Yes. We are giving you a full 30 DAYS to go through the training,
implement what you learn, and watch your production skills begin to
grow.
If you reach the 30 days, and for some reason still haven’t seen any progress, then we’ll be happy to return the investment.
*Conditions apply. Please read Terms and conditions.
Cinematic Composing membership
Get Access to Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics PLUS unlock everything else on Cinematic Composing. You get the catalog of courses unlocked for less than $2 a day
$499/year
Single program
Orchestration 1 version (51% discount)Get Access to only Orchestration 1: Instrumentation & Orchestration Basics on all devices.
$997
For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.