Mutes on String Instruments

Mutes on String Instruments Using mutes on string instruments has some important things to consider and remember. Mutes as seen on this picture have no influence on the vibration of the strings but simply alter the way how the vibration of the strings is transmitted...

Loops, Prerecorded Phrases and Presets

Loops, Prerecorded Phrases and Presets The use of loops, presets and prerecorded phrases is seen very controversial among the community of composers with some people using only their own individually programmed presets and loops. There are of course two sides to this:...

Chord Arpeggios

Chord Arpeggios Arpeggios or respective broken chords can be a great tool for accompaniment patterns or sources for melodic gestures. On accompanying figures they help to establish a sense of harmony but also keep a steady rhythm going. On melodies they help to...

Disguising Tempo Changes

Disguising Tempo Changes On rhythmically active music, tempo changes are quite obvious and can drag so much attention on themselves that they might not be appropriate in certain scoring situations. But of course they might be necessary as the scene changes pace etc. A...

The Composer’s Solitude

The Composer’s Solitude Being a composer very often is a very lonely profession. The combination of projects that require long hours, working in a home studio, being a one man show and not really needing to go out to make money can sometimes result in phases...