How To Write Orchestral Music - Orchestrating Chord Progressions + Structure Basics

[@VFXCommander]

The best KZbinr with music tutorials. I can see that everything you make for us is from your heart. You're sharing all the knowledge and secrets you have to help us become better composers. You're a good person!

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers Diego! :)

[@mikegtrlp]

what's wrong with him ?

[@AlexMoukala]

@drazapatos Haha, no man, Daniel James is an awesome dude!

[@michaelschullermusic]

Im only in Min 4 of his videos but i already can see what you mean :)

[@leonardodimidichi3273]

thats true!!!

[@Hussuki]

This tutorial ALONE just leveled up my composing skills. I watched the video about 10 mins in and my mind was already blown, so you could only imagine my room after the end of the video! This video helped clear up so many problems I was having pertaining to orchestration and arrangement. The following are those problems and how this video helped solved them. - I did have that more-is-great ideology with my music and because of that nothing felt or sounded really right to me. Once you mentioned that less-is-more I instantly got excited. I use PLAY extensively and their patches come with a predetermined amount of instrument players as well as solo version instruments. Which would explain why I felt the need to add more sounds in a track to make it sound bigger because certain sounds would sound low or out of place due to the number of players. Thanks to you, I've a solution to that problem now as well. - I also kept shying away from adding in BOTH short and long noted instrument patches for the same instruments in a song. i.e. both short and long violas or cellos. Because I kept that predetermined number in mind and figured that since all the players would be playing the same part, they wouldn't be able to play shorter notes at the same time. Another problem I can now rectify thanks to your string sections. Your realistic strings should help further my string arrangements even further. -My problem with Brass has always been utility. I love all of the instruments but would never really "know" what to do with them when adding them into the track. I.e. short trumpets or long trumpets, or bass tuben or long trombones. Usually I try to feel it out but, ultimately, brass is relegated to backup supplementary roles like playing the same short notes or every other short note alongside short strings or playing alongside long strings or woodwinds. I am a lot more confident on how to accentuate and emphasize brass roles in my music now thanks to your call-and-response role for your brass. I'll be taking an in-depth look into to your brass tutorial on this matter. -Percussion, percussion, percussion. One of the hardest parts of orchestrating I've ever had to deal with. My problem here was structure. I did know how to play out percussion parts in my head but when it came to programming them into the DAW I was stumped. I got better over the years but my percussion would always sound stale next to, literally, anyone else's I listen too. Whether they were complex or even simple, my percussion in my tracks would just sound boring. Your multiple percussion parts gave me a better understanding on how to go about adding in percussion. I realize that I use too far less notes in my midi for them and thus why they kept feeling and sounding stale. I wasn't giving them enough to do, per se. I also wasn't taking full advantage of the patches I was using since PLAY offers patches that have the full percussion set in one patch on different notes or even, like how your sticks are, many notes on which to play to create richer and more dynamic rhythms. I'm looking forward to your "powerful percussion" tutorial. -I write music for videogames (or at least someday) so cinematic hits and drops are not a main concern for me. However, I did love that you went into them and how they work in a trailer/cinematic setting. I always wondered what those sounds were in trailers and how they implement them, so I learned something there as well. I'll take a look at your cinematic arrangement tips tutorial down the road. -I agree with the mixing aspect of orchestral music. I kept believing that you had to tamper with everything for every song you make to make it sound professional. However, I've learned over the years, and even very recently, that this is not the case, especially in the sense of orchestral music. Plenty of the sounds in the Vsts they come in (all the good ones) are idealistically perfect. From there it's just a matter of minor tweaking, maybe some eq, and volume. Nothing crazy! -Chord progressions is how I started but, for me, something felt off doing this. I felt as though I was "cheating" because a lot of other music I take inspiration from didn't use chord progressions...or so I thought. Thanks to this video I began to realize that I was using chord progressions very differently than how other composers use them. I could hear the difference. Back when I started with chord progressions I strictly kept an instrument or two, usually cellos and double basses, playing the chord progression throughout the song. This is one approach but not one that is used too often. In your video, you use the chord progression but did other things with the notes besides play a simple chord progression. Which created a solid synergy within the track. I will try this method myself and see how it goes. I'll watch the chord basics video and practice along with it and see what happens. Whew! In conclusion, my good sir, you are a blessing and this video was an enlightening experience all the way to the end. For that, I thank you with all my heart!

[@AlexMoukala]

Glad you like the video! I have the impression the main problem is that you probably set up too many rules for yourself, and that might've ended up paralyzing you creatively. My tip is: just write whatever sounds good to you. :) Doesn't matter how simple it is, or how realistic it is in terms of number of players and stuff. Those kind of things become relevant if you're writing for a real orchestra with a limited amount of players and limited amount of takes, but since we're in the digital audio workstations realm, anything is possible. All that matters is that it sounds good and close to how you imagine the song in your head!

[@Hussuki]

Wow, after reading your diagnosis, which blew my mind by the way, and a bit of reflection, I realized that this is exactly how my mindset was from the very first day I started composing. I kept this if-a-real-orchestra-is-to-play-this mentality which shadowed how I needed to actually approach composing in a DAW. I believe the root of this comes from a very early tutorial on how to make music back in 2010 or 2011. If I remember correctly, I forgot who was doing the tutorial, but he mentioned something about "something to keep in mind when composing...[it's] as if a real orchestra is playing the song". Every single one of my tracks I kept this in mind and thus the limitations I used to keep me in realistic boundaries. Which in turn, clouded how I should be creating music. With this new ideology in mind I believe my music will dramatically evolve. Thank you once again.

[@Coolarj10]

Wow great post! Everything you said resonated with me a lot, and I like how you extracted these key points from the video.

[@sissokoc_ops4024]

I loved it too

[@ambientspaces1343]

@@Hussuki I personally only write from ear at the moment.

[@oageletsebezenia5565]

Bro this was 5 years ago and I'm only discovering it now😅? It's literally gonna take me exactly 5 years to produce something like this, you're on a whole new level man thanks for the tutorial 🙏 this is the content we need

[@davidavila3846]

The way he explains is way more fun and usefull than most other tutorials, this guy is talented as hell

[@Cloudjumper]

This is really inspirational! I've been dabbling with Orchestral/Trailer Music for about 1 and a half years now but when seeing things like these, it just goes to show that I have so much more to learn, thank you very much! :)

[@AlexMoukala]

Glad it helped you, Anton. Keep chipping away at it! :)

[@ThomasChristianWolfe]

Amazing work, Alex ... and I'm so glad you AREN'T academically-trained ... gives hope for all for all of us who haven't had formal training.

[@davidbreedveld-retrospecti2431]

Thank you Alex. When I was a young writer, I always heard orchestral music in my songs. I had no ability to create the sound and just dreamt of one day working with an orchestra. These days with music software and plugins, I can bring that dream closer to reality, but as a non Technically trained person, trained by ear, that has been a challenge. Your videos have made that challenge so much easier and so much closer to reality. Your descriptions and examples of how to orchestrate music have helped me so much. Thank you immensely. You are a wonderful person

[@binarytree7316]

been trying o make music for 4 years and today you made me look at it differantly music is not robotic its a story

[@AnymMusic]

just all the little details in an orchestra is what attracts me so much. the organ you kinda feel is there, but still in the back, a brass stab you missed first, a cello playing a different yet completing melody than the main melody, etc. all the details are just so amazing

[@Nickoking12]

woah man I love those long videos, it shows that you really go in detail, thanks for the work man!

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers!

[@petejurasek1144]

You're seriously talented, these tutorials are so thorough and informative. I'm about to binge watch every single one of them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers!

[@alexl035]

I love how you describe everything in a kind of non-technical way, it really helps for people with little music theory knowledge (like me)

[@luismorsa666]

The only thing I dislike about this video is that I can’t give it mor than one like. Awesome vid and awesome music man, you rock!

[@jkaejkae4498]

this video is 6 years old i cant say how much i appreciate your tutorials wish you would've still made more of these long break downs

[@johanvandervorst]

This is exactly the channel that I was looking for, thanks for your great channel Alex!!

[@AlexMoukala]

Project Stems & MIDI Download: - www.patreon.com/posts/download-through-7308420 Libraries & PC Specs: - Strings: Cinematic Strings 2, Metropolis Ark 1 - Brass: Metropolis Ark 1 - Choir: Metropolis Ark 1 - Piano: The Giant - Organ: Kontakt Factory Library - Percussion: Heavyocity Damage - Trailer SFX: Hybrid Tools 2, Custom Samples - PC Specs: 3.4 GHz i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD + Extra HDD - DAW: FL Studio 12

[@vvytchfyndr5741]

Are these free brother?

[@darkmarketswapshop9546]

vvytch fyndr no you have to pay. Good to support though

[@gamemastertristan3951]

Alex Moukala , what VST contains the Organ?

[@AlexMoukala]

Tristan: The organ is from Kontakt's Factory Library

[@gamemastertristan3951]

Thanks. The Ostinato you show at approx 24:30, is that assembled with Ark1? Or is it a complete phrase? If you assemble this yourself I would be happy to watch a tutorial.

[@DE-signYourLife]

Ok, that is exactly the way for showing tutorials about Orchestral epic cinematic music composing im searching for. No Music Theorie just show from ear and feeling. Thank you so much for this. Please make more Tutorials like this way. PLEASE!!! :))

[@bjornsjogren9892]

Just found this, and after seeing the video all I can say is "You're a genius man. A pure genius. So beautiful." So glad I found you here.

[@후프존]

I've learn a lot from you tutorial. it's the best of the best orchestral music tutorial in daw. I respect you to share your experience and knowledge.

[@JeffreyBurtonYT]

I have been looking all over for a good YT video explaining how to compose orchestral music. I'm a self taught guitar player/song writer and this series of videos is the ticket. I noticed the chord progression in this song is similar to one I've been playing around with. Mine is little Bluesier sounding, starting off with a 7th chord, so this video is a great blueprint for me start on my first orchestral composition. I'm going to take this in slow since it's a lot of information to absorb. Anyway, GREAT VIDEO and very nice musical score. If you are not already getting gigs as a film composer, I have no doubt you will be soon. You're very talented and a very good instructor. Thank you!!!

[@jurennn]

this tutorial is so ritch with information, that needs to be watched at least 5 times. Grat job Alex, you are real talent!

[@brianmi40]

Somebody was deeeply affected by Interstellar! ;) Very nice. Had a similar experience years ago, heard Hiroshima for the first time and went home and wrote a piece seemingly fitting their style! Very nice work and explanation. Great cue from a few chords.

[@ale_islost]

Bro, I love your videos a lot. You don't have an academic explaining, right; but the way you explain everything it's just perfect as it is and the fact that you don't know music theory just makes it better, because I know that there are lots of people (including me) that can relate and you make it easier for us to understand and give a try to do these epic pieces. Keep up with the amazing work!

[@pikupixel]

the kind of orchestratian people are capable of alone is incredible. my only library is EWQLSO. I'm not as passionate as I used to be, but after seeing this, and hearing stories like yours and Phil Lobers (he wrote his track "Alive" on his computer in his bedroom), idk it's holly inspiring. Thank you so much for this video though. Your passion really shows in the work you make, and it's a great testament to your character that you're sharing it here in KZbin.

[@mirandasoledad683]

thank you very much Alex, one of the best tutorials for orchestral music!

[@pramodraskar]

Alex your the best . Nobody teaches orchestra like you do . I love your composition . 🔥🔥🔥

[@JashandeepReehalMusic]

Both this Channel and junkie XLs Channel are priceless

[@gilbertnene24yahoo]

God bless you for taking your time and showing us all of this. You are the only one on KZbin giving such a gift in the simple way with so much quality!

[@sandjah458]

Thank you for this tutorial! I want to make orchestral trap but I don't really know how to write orchestral music. This video gave me alot of inspiration and knowledge. It already sounds 10x better now. Great song by the way, you have alot of talent. More than most producers out there.

[@EfisioCross]

Such a beautiful intro song Alex!

[@AlexMoukala]

Thanks bro! It's a new and particularly heartfelt track from me, should be premiering today on EMW. :)

[@jakeyboy2929]

Alex Moukala what is E.M.W Alex?

[@AlexMoukala]

@Jake: Epic Music World, one of the best promotion channels for epic orchestral music here on KZbin ;)

[@marekvodicka1528]

I was looking for exactly something like this to show me how to start with orchestral composition. Your channel is like a blessing, I subscribed right away.

[@Sozerdote00]

I found your channel because of a post you wrote in reddit about orchestration plugins, and hell am I glad to have found it. Excellent explanations to get started in all this orchestration stuff, 0 technicisms that only lead to confusion, simple but really helpful. Keep it up! ^^

[@estebanpeiro2868]

Bought a couple of courses from your links! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have extensive classical & Jazz harmony and piano training but I never really delved into composition and orchestration. Thanks to seeing your videos I'm slowly but surely getting into it. Cheers!

[@DMidNyte]

The organ was a nice touch to a very beautiful piece. Thanks for posting

[@RaffzVieira]

Wow, just by being 1 hour I know it's gonna be good. Thank you so much Alex for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@AlexMoukala]

You're welcome bud :)

[@nreyntje]

I have not yet finished watching the full youtube video .... but just loved the music itself! Awesome man!

[@kathrynpobjecky2658]

I absolutely love your tutorials and have been watching for a long time, but this composition is literally one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. I'm blown away. Thank God for you and your talent my friend.

[@AvaGamerStuff]

Good reinterpretation of "First Steps Into Sunken Glades" from the game "Ori and the Blind Forest"

[@iyalrial]

I just found this video randomly and it's really blow my mind! This is my first time watching 1 hour length video tutorial. You give the lesson very detail and it's really help for a beginner like me to really understand and go more deeper with epic orchestral music! Thank you for the amazing tutorial Alex, this is what I looking for all this time. respect!

[@AlexMoukala]

Welcome aboard Ferial!

[@loladventurer]

Ferial Iyal right??? I’ve been looking for videos like this for like a good year and a half, I’ve always wanted to write stuff like this but all the FL tutorials were on hip hop I cam rover this randomly too and I was like really shook

[@xlracing49]

Just awesome, you are the only one on KZbin who makes quality trailer music on FL Studio. It's really nice to see that not everyone uses LogicPro X to compose orchestral music! all your vid are great, thanks for all Alex.

[@AlexMoukala]

+xlracing49 #FLStudioFamily represent. :D Cheers xlracing!

[@davidhughes4155]

Breath of fresh air your tutorial. So concise, informative and professional. Well done to you. Great sounding music.

[@sambec27]

One word man... "Respect"

[@a123386]

It's so good that I started having goosebumps while listening to your song, especially when the choir sets in. Great one, I love it! Keep it up!

[@kurttomlinsoncompositions1067]

Your channel and music are extremely inspirational to me. The fact that you don't know much about music theory and don't care what people think of that is awesome, because I myself don't have any music theory knowledge. The fact that you've had your music placed in film trailers is just amazing. I hope I can reach that some day. Thanks for the video! That song was really nice, the celli were my favourite :)

[@AlexMoukala]

Thanks Kurt! I think people like Hans Zimmer proved that such limitations shouldn't stop someone from writing music. :) Although, if I studied theory when I was little, I would be able to write music much faster for sure haha. But yeah, you can write decent music even without being an absolute academic expert!

[@loladventurer]

Fucking Hans Zimmer right here. I’ve been searching KZbin for god knows how long on how to write stuff like this, I love composing this type of music but I never knew how to use all the fruity loops things to make my music sound good and every tutorial I could find is about hip hop so yeah that didn’t help me at all, but this is amazing Alex, thank you!

[@sidneyscaccio]

*One of the best videos i've watch! how to create articulations for kontakt libraries, for ajust expression or another option in the piano roll, i really want to learn that*

[@DhirajKyawal]

THAT SONG LITERALLY GAME ME GOOSEBUMPS!!!

[@HazyGoat920]

Love this composition! Would love to learn how to add so many orchestrated instruments together like this. Thank you for the video!

[@J7o7s7e7p7h]

Thx Alex Moukala For Teaching Us how to compose and explaining into detail of how to make this kind of sound!!!

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers!

[@PatriciaLoranger]

Thank you so much Alex. You helped me alot.

[@TheSamplecast]

Great tutorial. Some basic stuff here as well as more complex techniques, but lots for many people to learn from. Good work.

[@hernandacahyokurniawan7721]

Dude this is one of my fav fl studio orchestral video on youtube. Awesome

[@PolyRocketMatt]

that was the best score ive ever heard made in Fl studio on yt! defintely gained a sub

[@johnmaryn4497]

Very nice, Alex. Simple, effective, well orchestrated, and pleasantly explained. Well done. Subscribed.

[@jamesjones8487]

That is emotional! That is epic! That is what I expect of my own work! Good job man!

[@TaffmanGuyo]

Thank you for your time, energy & enthusiasm - best wishes from the UK.

[@Nervosa80]

Dude... I wish I could compose like this. I'm so digging your videos, brother. You're my new hero,Alex. Thanks for dropping the knowledge, buddy. 👍

[@Depletion13]

Alex 2016: "Below that I added an organ b/c wy not?" (11:55) Now: Always add something with a reason 🤔 But with all due seriousness... this tutorial is amazing. Thank you so much Alex, you are the patron to my dreams

[@bobmcdonald402]

Alex, there is what is called "unsung heroes"! I am compelled to give credit where credit is due. Excellent composition!

[@535_anshuj9]

I visit this video everyday just to listen to this track😀😀

[@rockymountainrocker5630]

this is really awesome... actually the fact that you aren't an accomplished music theory guy makes it better for me personally since I find myself having to write cinematic music for aerial videos :) Cheers and thanks!

[@imalexbojorquez]

I'm so glad I found your channel, I've been stuck in creating orchestral music, and here you are with your how to tutorials. God bless you man! I will be watching all your videos and hope to get lessons from you someday!

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers Alex!

[@syno3608]

so many thanx to u for making this... one of the best orchestral teaching channels .... subbed already........ thank you and all the best

[@verachi3765]

Great Explantion, I never comment on youtube ever but It really helped. A lightbulb went on and I got a really kickass track started.

[@SATYAMPARKHE]

what a beautiful composition!

[@atononmymind]

ETHEREAL DREAM literally almost cried because of the song

[@maharajamusic512]

Dude, that's so intense 🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏 Respect 🫡

[@ogatoulas]

Actually one of the best tutorials I have watched! Thank you!

[@tragedyproductions4165]

How did I not find this channel earlier!! Great tutorials!!

[@ivandominikofficial]

Oh man you dont know how happy im right now! This is a big help! Everytime when i watch a lesson from you i get better, i can feel it in my tracks! Thanks really much!

[@AlexMoukala]

+Ivan Dominik Official That's why I'm doing it! Keep up the good work Ivan. :)

[@ChuckFreeburg]

Totally awesome man. This could be in any game, movie, or trailer! I really really like the sounds as well. Those VSTs are so awesome as well.

[@DMidNyte]

Your input and instructions are most helpful. And your music is genuinely magical. Your my inspiration

[@drizzlemaan]

Man, I just have to take a second to say that this is the most brilliant use of (what appears to be) Fruity Loops. Going from only seeing rap beats made in this DAW to seeing orchestral compositions really is an eye-opener to what is possible. This is my first stop on your channel and I may be jumping the gun but I am dying to know what plugins or add-ons you are using to provide such crystal clear, realistic sounds. Either way, great track and great breakdown. Subscribed.

[@AlexMoukala]

Thanks Dylan! Check the video description for the list of plugins I used in this song, you'll find them all there. :) Or on this video, you'll find a short review of ALL my favorite sample libraries organized by instrument: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmfcf3-soJ2Dhac

[@RacingTommy]

Wow! An awesome track and awesome explenations! Can't believe I've not seen your channel before. Subscribed!

[@JamesNoteology]

Really great seeing orchestral music on FL not just edm etc

[@tomlevine1]

Thank you SO much! This was an amazing course, learned a great deal. Will watch all your other videos. thx, t

[@lucasn2718]

I didnt even finished the video but I wanted to share this with you Alex ! I received FL studio with my new laptop, I listen to few orchestral music made with FL studio and I was like : Oh god , i wanna do the same ! But shiit ... this software is a jungle for me and I dont know shit about music theory haha Just have chills when I listen thoses musics ! Here You make it way easier to understand, you explain it perfectly for a non technician in music theory and we can see it is honest and it comes from the heart ! Really I appreciate a lot and I hope i will be able to do the same soon ! I continue the video now :p

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers Lucas! Glad you're learning lots. :)

[@yeh386]

same... ive tried to get into it a few times already but i still dont understand almost anything

[@prayforsauce3875]

i produce mostly hip hop tracks on FL studio but i've always wanted to score movies so this is great thanks man. even if i'm not necessarily scoring a film or anything i can still apply this to my tracks

[@nebsounds]

Hey Alex. Great tutorial, you have a great way of explaining things with interesting detail and personality. Have you thought about seeing if any of the companies that made the products you use (Native Instruments etc) offer affiliate marketing programs? I'm sure you'd benefit from this, adding links for your subscribers to purchase Kontakt for example they might offer a % on sales from your channel or even free plugins to play around with. Really insightful tutorial anyway, keep up the good work!

[@chrispantos]

Alex THANKS for everything my friend!!!Top notch Artist and Composer!!!

[@FBYPL]

you are a machine bro

[@Quarantic]

Hey Alex - What an amazing video. Been enjoying the thorough explanation and been fiddling with it myself in fl studio. Was very useful and what a beautiful sound you've made. Keep up the good work and you've earned a sub :) Ciao.

[@AlexMoukala]

Glad you enjoyed the tutorial Phillip, thanks for the sub!

[@josaphatmangomwenda4547]

You deserve a deal with a label

[@hazeleyes5278]

This is absolutely gorgeous, I can see this being in a superhero film or some natural disaster film!

[@EK-ro6pz]

Great track man! You've become an inspiration for me to be honest) just a simple guy from Europe who love music, love composing and want to spread his creativity among others) same as my dreams are. Keep on! Good luck. Hope to work together at some future life point) and for now... I'll go back to Evenant Trailer Course, cheers!)

[@AlexMoukala]

Wow, thank you for the amazing words Eugen! Glad I'm inspiring so many people like you worldwide :)

[@NotCerius]

Dude. You are so amazing. Subbed in the first fifteen minutes.

[@dizbeliefdanbackhouse5807]

Hi really enjoyed this video and love how you explained it in your own way. This is an amazing video and your an amazing artist. look forward to your future tutorials. Thank you!

[@jeduardolopezo]

More videos like these please! :)

[@sevenfoldmusic9203]

This is absolutely incredible. So inspiring.

[@illus1on515]

Thank you Alex (next Hanz Zimmer ) you realy show me what i needed !!! i try producing orchestral trance and your explanation is the best on youtube !!! its realy hard to find somone who can exlain deep in production espcialy for orchestral music . Thank you so much im Subscribe !!!!

[@ChrisTheDeveloper]

THE MUSIC IS SO BEAUTIFUL

[@caprevosa334]

dude ... youre a GOD ! .. and im only @1:35

[@DsJourneyNPG]

Simply Excellent young man.

[@Forkliftdude2]

Thank you Alex for the useful tutorials. I'm not using Fruty Loops but still i learn and get inspired a lot by your music.

[@silvervoice1032]

5 minutes into the video In love with your personality Liked and subbed, keep it up, you're great

[@girijithsugathan2894]

Very beautiful composition Alex...great job

[@joshblunt83]

Awesome man!!! Your channel is exactly what I've been looking for. Keep em coming. Cheers!

[@vereor6304]

I make music by ear as well without the knowledge of music theory as well so this video helps a lot! Thank you!

[@xMaGiiSK]

This is absolutely astonishing. Amazing work!

[@emotivegrey]

Just subscribed! Your tutorials are amazing!

[@Sonicjet567]

This is absolutely nuts. I love it.