Orchestration Techniques : Writing for Strings

Let's face it: most string parts suck.

When it comes to writing for strings, most composers, producers, and songwriters just copy & paste their chord sequence from the piano, join the notes together, stick it on an "Orchestral Strings" patch and call it a string part.

They're too scared to try anything else.

But it doesn't have to be that way!

What if you could write amazing string parts? And what if I told you that you don't have to follow a rulebook?

Orchestrating for strings doesn't mean that you need a PhD in music theory. It simply means that you need to learn how to better use your ears.

In this orchestration masterclass I'm going to show you exactly how to write better string parts.

You can learn to create exciting, interesting, and creative string parts, simply by learning:

• The types and ranges of each string instrument

• The articulations and techniques that you can use

• How to take a simple melody and turn it into a string part

• What to do when you need to transform a chord sequence into a string part

• Which instruments work with the string section

• How to weave your string parts into a song

The best part? All that, and much more is included in this orchestration masterclass.

Who's My Teacher?

I'm Jonny Armandary, film composer and founder of soundtrack.academy.

I've written hundreds of pieces with string sections - some on virtual instruments, some for real orchestras. I also used to teach arranging and composition at one of the UK's leading music conservatoires.

My experience means that I can show you exactly how to write string parts, and also what to look out for when you're writing with samples vs writing for the real thing.

Is This Course Right For Me?

This course is perfect for you if you are:

• A music producer looking to write better string parts for your projects

• A songwriter hoping to learn to add more interesting string parts to your songs

• A composer wanting to learn more about string instruments and the amazing timbres they can create

That said, this course won't be perfect for everyone. My aim is to make this complex area as accessible as possible for people without the fundamentals in music theory. If you're looking for a course that pores over scores and the details in notation then this is not for you. I teach using a DAW (Logic Pro X) and my ears. (Although, we do analyse ONE score...)

What's Included?

This really is a masterclass in orchestrating for strings. Not only do I teach you everything you need to know about the string section, but I also show you exactly how to apply those skills in a whole range of settings.

We start by learning about the string section:

• How the instruments are built & played

• What makes a string instrument sound the way it does

• The range & timbre of each instrument

• Where the instruments sit in a standard layout

Then we look at the sounds the instruments can create (and as a special treat, I have a violinist performing each technique):

• Dynamics

• Articulations

• Bowing techniques

• Extended & advanced techniques

Finally, and perhaps most excitingly, I have five projects lined up for us to explore:

1. An analysis of my award-winning film score for "Candlestick"

2. A composition built from a single melody

3. A chord sequence that we'll develop into a string part

4. A full orchestration that we'll improve using strings

5. A song that we'll write an exciting string part for

Plus, you'll be able to ask any questions you need to get the most out of the course. I'm always here to help.

My Guarantee

Of course, I hope you'll be 100% happy with the course, but if for whatever reason it's not the right fit, you're protected by a 30-day money back guarantee: no questions asked.