Breakdown Charts

Breakdown Charts When you’re recording your music live, so-called breakdown charts are very helpful. Basically, this chart lists every cue that needs to be recorded with title, length and specific instrumentation of the cue. Also, it notes specials like when there’s a...

Overdubbing Small Line-Ups

Overdubbing Small Line-Ups Overdubbing the same instruments to create a bigger and more epic sound only works to a certain extent. While it is possible to overdub a quite large string section to give it a little bit more substance and power against the...

What is an A Orchestra?

What is an A Orchestra? When you’re on a tight music budget and still want to record an orchestra, it is a good plan to set up orchestral sessions with a so-called A-, B- and sometimes even C-orchestra, meaning that you specifically write certain cues for a smaller...

Expanding Your Comfort Zone

Expanding Your Comfort Zone Deliberately move out of your comfort zone from time to time. Even if you feel highly uncomfortable writing music in a different style or for a different line up than what you’re used to, it is a great exercise and will sharpen your skills....

Practice Working With Limitations

Practice Working With Limitations As a learning orchestrator and composer you should practice a lot to work with limitations, especially if you want to eventually work with real musicians. While it is great to know how to write for a huge orchestra with all...