How to Write Music for Orchestra [with the FREE BBC SO Discover]

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Want an extended edition of the video tutorial, download the Cubase project file, midi or audio stems, a Logic and Cubase BBC SO Discover template, and a PDF guide to orchestral composition, then click here: thinkspaceeducation.com/signup/music-for-orchestra/

[@yaoguangtang1759]

Hi , which LAB-Piano library do you use ?

[@MorrisChannel4]

thank you for the heads up on this plugin, i signed up and got it today. will try to check it out and start working on some old works with it! so glad i found this channel.

[@dubaisensei]

best video and teacher ever ,man i just started but i feel i will enjoy this video ,im an early student

[@jedigarrett142]

the link doesnt work for signing up

[@小坂慎吾]

I am a 70-year-old Japanese who recently started DTM. I'm going to make a symphonic poem about Kyoto. Right now, I'm making small pieces with Western-style tunes to learn DTM, but I'm fighting to make what I want to make while I'm alive. Always thank you for your inspiration

[@bobrobertsNotUrBob]

best of luck

[@craia25]

hope we can hear the result... ;-)

[@bychances7835]

応援しますよー

[@MamaSymphonia]

Please let us know when that symphonic poem is done, we'd love to hear it!

[@bobrobertsNotUrBob]

@@MamaSymphonia orchestral rap?

[@ItsSongsOfDavid]

I feel like I am getting 4 years of musical education in only 30 minutes. You are a great teacher!

[@quadrolaserbeam]

Definitely looks like orchestrastrion course within 5 minutes

[@qiqi2692]

I have the same feeling ! The teacher is a bit manic , but that’s just passion overflow , but the metronome pecks in my brain . But all in all marvelous !

[@ProAudioIQ]

Guy makes it look so simple. He’s quite a genius musician. So glad he’s so generous with his craft!

[@hian]

As a self-taught composer, there's a great sense of satisfaction found in watching a vid like this and finding it's basically the way I'm been doing it all along lol. Thanks for that.

[@gulagwarlord]

Same here... I'm self taught and just tried my hand at orchestral cinematic music (you can check my channel for recent uploads)... halfway into this video and it's pretty much how I've been working/thinking the past week since giving it a go. I come from a metal/edm backgroud fwiw.

[@kutchutozov]

Agree but,,, I'm not sure I can call myself "self-taught" anymore as I've watched the big "Guy" since almost day 1 of this crazy journey, and I think of him as my unbeknownst mentor if that makes sense... I was producing mostly dance and hip hip for 20 years but Covid lockdown gave me a chance to explore a new world I'd always craved to see, with Guy and the BBC SO funnily enough. Upgraded to BBC CORE now and loving it!

[@staffski]

Agreed

[@leesnelson7094]

As a woman about to slide into my golden years ( I'll be sixty in September ) I have recently set up my retirement recording studio based around the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol s61 and numerous other gear picked up over the years. Although I have played, performed and recorded music most of my life on a part time basis, I long to be able to finish work and just noodle around in my studio on a daily basis doing the thing I love the most. Creating ! Anyhow on to the point ! Guy your videos are an amazing source of inspiration and learning for me, your easy sense of explaining the do's and dont's of creating great orchestral music are very much appreciated and valued. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills with us all, it does not go unnoticed.

[@macdaddybender]

That's great. I'm ten years younger and I do have a little studio set up already but I struggle to find the time. Like you, making music like this is my retirement dream. I hope you're having fun

[@yesthatsam]

I want that fridge !

[@YuiHisaishi]

It's better than any Smart Fridge out in the market!!

[@zoharkiaav]

Me too 😂🎉

[@raul0ca]

Their playing leaves me...cold

[@hotz25]

I normally watch videos and move on without commenting, but I'm so appreciative to Guy for not only doing this video (and others I'll be getting to), but allowing his personality to shine through as it brings levity to what can be "stuffy music" lectures. His passion, joy, everything makes watching this an enjoyable experience, and not only that, is inspiring. Thank you, Guy!

[@MamaSymphonia]

Was excited when they announced this was now free with no wait :D I've been a BBCSO user since the original came out (before there were versions) and I'm so happy people all over the world finally have access to this amazing tool no matter what their situation. Kudos to Spitfire!

[@lucadipaolo1997]

I've already decided for myself, whenever I'm able to buy any music libraries, it'll definitely be something Spitfire; probably their Epic Woodwinds/Brass or their new Choir for 29 dollarydoos.

[@MamaSymphonia]

@@lucadipaolo1997 Yep, their Originals series is a great place to start! Love, LOVE the Intimate Strings

[@Scoresbyhassan]

Spitfire is awesome

[@Boots1164]

Four sections: Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, and Strings. Four main basic functions: Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, and Texture. This is not dissimilar to a band with a Lead Singer, Guitarist, Bassist, and a Drummer. I love this simple approach to composition. A huge problem I have writing anything is keeping it simple, and this is terrific advice for me!

[@jloiben12]

This is such a great video. In a short 32 minute section there is so much that is discussed. This is a video I need to save and just come back to from time to time because there are so many concepts and ideas all in one short bite

[@LennonJCihak]

Agreed. I love the way Guy explains things too. No wasting time, just straight to the point with some fun. Orchestral music boggles my mind, so watering the idea of an entire orchestra was helpful.

[@MasonTorrey]

I've been writing for orchestra since 1998 when I got my hands on a score writing program called Encore at my school. I've never been professionally trained and I didn't even take music class at school because of the fact that I don't sight read music and so I thought I wasn't good enough. Oh how I wish I had taken music. Anyway, when I first read the title of this video "How to write music for orchestra", my first thought was, "write however you want. There are no rules." Awesome video though, as always. Love your channel and I regularly come here because you've taught me so much in regards to fine tuning my orchestration skills. You have a very thorough yet enjoyable way of teaching.

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

I remember Encore! Try Dorico its a revelation

[@Mansardian]

These videos are exactly what we need. I love you playing around, Guy, but this is really really helpful. Explain the Whys and Hows.

[@johnscott2964]

Brilliant!! And this is coming from a 70 year old professional trumpet player with degrees from top universities and experience with major symphony orchestras. I cannot thank you enough Guy!!!!!!!

[@rmilan08]

I laughed so hard. First you were failing to explain counter point and then are to hell with it, ill show you! Then, the computer crashes, this belongs in a comedy sitcom 😂

[@danilokb]

Nice to see you back Mr. Michelmore. I hope everything is good with you.

[@svetievboris]

Dear Guy, to me, you're a seemingly infinite source of inspiration. Whenever I get stuck with a piece I just watch one of your videos and there is always an idea or two to get me out of my block 😅

[@andespenser3017]

Guy, you are such a darling. I have been around music most of my life, but during quarantine I just got back into it and decided over the next 2 years to go for it professionally. I'm 52 and scored my first short film last weekend. I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you for providing really good Information and some laughs. I am now beginning to be able to make the music I've always heard in my head. You are precious and appreciated. 💙💙💙

[@Ornamentmountain]

Could you share it with us?

[@ferfrant4425]

One of the best ways to learn is having fun. Thanks for that spark you have to get us there. This time you made me laugh out loud with your random occurrences and also got many nuggets all along. Awesome!

[@deadly.deadpan]

Only halfway through and this already is the most informative video I've seen on orchestral composition. Thank you very much!

[@mrawi5055]

This guy is such a mood and a great teacher

[@swatforce3309]

Thank you soooo much! I've been composing orchestral music for the past several years, and since I'm still young I haven't got much money to spend on expensive libraries. This library will hopefully make my songs more realistic and emotional. Thank you very much!

[@itsruiguerreiro]

Only 4 minutes in, and I had to stop to say how much this made me happy! Thank you, sir! You are the man.

[@BaraMatahariPagi]

Great to see you back, Guy! BBCSO Discover was my first ever orchestral library and it got me into orchestral writing, thank you for the video and thank you Spitfire for providing this library for free! :)

[@ThinkSpaceEducation]

Ive been scoring a 2 part wildlife documentary with a big live orchestra so Ive been a bit busy for the last couple of months

[@philipp.hermann]

@@ThinkSpaceEducation When is it coming out? Would love to hear your work in action!

[@o.cgabriel]

I love this teacher. His humorous approach to teaching makes it even more interesting to learn ❤❤❤

[@arthurmee]

Crying out for a lyric: "Do not forsake oh my darling. . ." 😇 seriously, thank you for a marvellous summary of writing orchestral music.

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

thinking same

[@sprkymrt]

Years ago we had a copy of Rossini's Semiramide Overture and I always liked how the melody and instruments went back and forth to one another.and you could enjoy all the tone colors.

[@tommilindfors]

I've been writing rock and metal music mainly with guitar for about three decades with bands and on my own and I just hit a wall where I was thinking if my sources of inspiration had run dry. I've always loved strings and orchestras in popular music and of course many immortal movie scores have amazing compositions. I downloaded the BBC SO Discover and started to play around with it last night on my 25 key midikeyboard. Within an hour I had a lovely piece of music on my screen and I must say that the library truly sounds incredible. Now, what comes to Guy's way of teaching these fundamentals of a classical orchestra I think I haven't been this inspired in years! And many of those Guy's teachings can be applied on a piece of modern music too. I don't know how to read scores but Guy's way of opening different meanings and the ways of how arrangements work really keeps me wanting to learn more. And yeah, Guy seems like a super nice fellow so that doesn't hurt either.

[@robertdent8317]

Been watching your videos for years and this was one of the best for distilling so many tips into a short video. Especially great using the free discover vst. Will be recommending all your videos to my son and daughter. Your passion is infectious.

[@briandiltsmusic]

Love this video and love that you left in the crash. Because I realize I’m not the only one that happens to when I record a lot at once. Subscribed!

[@qwiklok]

Wow - his is brilliant. How a stupidly simple line can turn into a majestic movie score. I'm blown away. Sold. I'm in.

[@marcellonoia9418]

Many thanks, you're able to explain things with a bit of humor that makes them more easy to understand, instead of a boring lesson "I speak, you learn"

[@cinesymphonica]

This is the most EYEWATERINGLY great video ever!

[@mortusthemusician]

I applaud you Sir!!! I can't honestly thank you enough for this... Lots of love from Croatia!

[@jamesfoxall7413]

Guy - I absolutely love your videos. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in sharing them. 🙏One thing that always makes me wince a bit is the click sound you use. It's got a weird static-like pulse to it that I find rather unpleasant. Perhaps you could use a different sound that's a bit friendlier on the ears? Thanks for considering!

[@area51audio]

Dan...from Michigan here. Absolutely LOVE this Guy's teaching style.

[@daxnait]

23:00 Gives me vibes like Sherk´s soundtracks!

[@MattKidMusic]

After watching this I downloaded the vst and a template for Reaper and started my own composition. It's been so much fun and a great learning experience to break out harmony into different intstruments.

[@casspangell7388]

Finding this composer just made my day

[@desoconnor7445]

This was one of my first Spitfire libraries, I found it inspirational and sonically super useful . The related graphics and tutorials educated me in relation to orchestral instrument placement in the stereo field . Sonically , it is still a superb compositional resource ,therefore a significant introduction to orchestral composition at zero cost.. What a gift as Guy demonstrates, What a community 🙏🏿🙏👏👏🎩

[@timmiethedog]

Thanks as ever for making an educational video so damned enjoyable! Leaving in your "blue-screen tribulations" was a stroke of genius

[@parmusical]

Thanks

[@DirectLinden]

Wow! So concise, easy to understand, and all in 30 minutes. Thank you SO much, Guy.

[@StephSancia]

I'm *NOT* a Musician but I Live for Music and I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos *BUT* you've stated this video is for all Musicians as if it's an Exclusive Club and you've put the whole Genre in a Box. I'm guessing there will be a few music TINKERERS watching but creating my own music has ALWAYS been a dream but I'm not there ... yet. I'll watch it via my VPN then I won't be spotted as a Gate Crasher ! ✌️ Have a blessed weekend Guy and thanks for the tutorials

[@kailin98]

Such a great video. The hymns from services around UK for the late Queen have suddenly reminded me of this love for classical, and hope I will be able to come up with something for the ones that really inspired me

[@RevRich58]

This was SO helpful. I'm going to watch the extended version and go for Guy's suggestion - shorter pieces first, then longer, sketching them out first.

[@MrTsetso]

This is so sweet. I'm sure even Beethoven after writing his 9th symphony didn't know how exactly to write music for Orchestra! Thanks God, we have Guy here to tell us! Cheap confection!

[@drarf2225]

You're an absolute legend for creating such a helpful guide like this! You've THROWN me onto my next stepping stone of writing orchestral music !

[@stillsoundnl]

fouund your channel a few years back by accident when I was trying to get better at music production and composing for tv/film and for my own metal music and have to say I love all the little bits of tips and information you have given since I found your channel

[@Narikami931]

I loved your spontaneity and authenticity in how you explain things and how you talk in general! I also found it funny how you made comments on your own decisions, actions and explanations 🤣 I liked the "short seminar" type of the video instead of a quick step-by-step guide that promises quick and easy results like most videos out there... This video is a gem, thank you! Learned a lot! Cheers!

[@Gorlung]

I had a colleague from Scotland with the same sense of humor as yours, Guy. Same beard (length and color), same balding had, same gestures and voice. You remind me of him every time I watch your videos. We've been working together on the same project in Russia. Later on he moved to Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, he passed away and I really missed the opportunity to email him from time to time. Long live, Guy!

[@BirdYoumans]

I much appreciate your time doing this. I got several things from this. First of all to learn that BBCSO is now free! You can't be serious, but yes you are and I just got it working on my DAW and This is free? Oh my! OK. I'm reasonably versed in theory but tho I grew up listening to a lot of orchestra music and loved it, still do, I wound up in a rock and roll band lol! I was off and running. Ran the gamut of rock bands, blues bands, country bands tho I now do music that is the joy of my life in many ways, old fashioned Gospel Music. But I only say that to set the stage for another thing I got from you vid, inspiration. I have always arranged for a four or five piece band and eventually I got to be a one man band tho that's another story. I'm now retired in that I no longer travel but I still do music and music vids. As a result, I now have time to try my second love, since I mostly write music, not lyrics so much. I recently had wanted to start doing something with orchestra "stuff" thus I was searching for your vid and did not know it! I so get what you were doing with the counter parts, the build etc. because we do that same thing on the "Pop" side of things just with different instruments. But we are all given the same 12 notes, but not the same imagination. So. I like to explore how other people conceive and bring in to the real world what they hear in their head. I was intrigued by your approach and as I said I related in a way because of similarities of how we do it. I have been hearing little themes or melodies each morning when I first wake up. I can turn my "orchestra/band" on and hear some really nice things. Several months ago I started singing them into my cell phone so I could remember the idea, rhythm, melody whatever and it's magic. I now take those themes and try things with them, thus my desire to try the orchestra. I'm anxious to get started. Thank you so much for your video!!

[@infinitcomedy2196]

You are an incredible teacher!! Your super high energy, sense of humor, and kindness brings this often intimidating skill available to people who are self taught like us. Thank you so much for your incredible gift to the world!

[@alexcrayfish]

The whole work spitfire is doing is amazing. And most of it is free.

[@BadViola]

This was an absolute joy to watch. It's a brilliant, brilliant explanation of composition and your counterpoint meltdown was super funny and charming. 😆

[@ktreier]

I learn something useful from every video.

[@bamboofstillmorning5996]

How incredibly generous of you to make these videos! And I found this video to be extremely useful. Thank you!

[@chromofonic]

Brilliant! Very nice 32 minutes! Packed with useful ideas. I apply these concepts using my self-designed virtual instruments. These ideas are not only applicable to orchestral sounds [i.e. Spitfire Audio's free orchestral library].

[@lee9953]

This is so generous of you, thank you very much! I'm looking forward to putting this gift to work in my humble little converted-bedroom studio. So exciting! Thanks again!

[@romanmeleshin]

Very good explanation. I write electronic music and I know theory, but I have little idea how to write orchestra via software. Thanks a lot for a great lesson.

[@alexgerlach5630]

Hello Guy, first, thank you so much for this video. I had much fun to watch this video and i enjoyed it! I always have a template with 100-300 tracks, because i take the most articulation of each instrument to save time. Of course it depends what i want to to..for a new piece, i created a template with 160 tracks and i think its enough. Ah and i what almost forgot to mentation is, that at 22:00 the clarinet was still muted, thats why you didn´t hear something. :-D For my new piece, i started with the harp together with a english horn which plays the main melody with the harp. There is also a flute, but doesn´t play all the time..after this, there is a big transition to a big orchestral part with Harp glissando, Flute Thriller and so on. I have really fun with this project. But you said to sketch before go on the detail part..to be honest...i do this not so much..sometimes. I really laughed loud when your pc crashed, i am sorry :D That was a funny thing with the counterpoint. Have a nice day :)

[@philipford6183]

Great video. I can't read music, but much of this is what I've been doing instinctively in my ventures into orchestral music (I've found my grasp of chords is extremely useful!). Really good to hear you explaining it all in such an accessible and humorous way. Thanks for the video!

[@edmundpotrzeba6094]

Iv just come across your channel and youv no idea how pleased I am , 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️

[@graemedavy-watts7867]

Thanks Guy for all of your videos.Your enthusiasm is infectious. I even ended up using BBCSO Discover on my first studio recording.

[@orderd29]

Superb video. The ability to take a subject that can be so overwhelming and make it understandable is quite a rare gift.

[@shadowfiremusic]

Hi Guy. I love BBCSO discovery. I put it in all my songs which are heavy metal but having orchestral accompaniments is awesome. You're the best, Guy.

[@FLH3official]

I would say BBC Discovery is an excellent tool. Even if I own the BBC SO "black pro full platinium expensive" edition I often use Discovery for sketching. Quick instrument loading, easy on the CPU and RAM, etc... Very convenient.

[@deanandthebeans857]

Thanks Guy! I learned a lot in the last half hour!

[@billbradleymusic]

Very helpful. Stacking sections and writing in shorts to begin with. Short sections, full on. I like it!

[@silversulu]

Guy you finally outdid yourself w this penultimate tutorial . Superior!

[@ramonf.9217]

Glad to see, some of us not trying to be a front. Just being yourself. Love and blessings

[@DrProgNerd]

Thank you for this video. I recently started playing around with orchestra plugins. There are times when I feel like a cook lobbing spices into a pot and hoping for the best. Lol !!! I love that you shared what instruments compliment each other - and what range they are the 'happiest' in. Breaking it down to four elements is extremely helpful. Subscribed.

[@smoothpicker]

I played cello in my high school orchestra and fell in love with it. Wasn't popular with my friends lol. I also took guitar lessons. I've been playing both now for 30 years and write duets for the two and have been happy with that. I want to learn more about composing and this is the video I've been searching for. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Definitely inspired me!!

[@Oxtorayk]

This man is such a treasure.

[@alaincoppejans6399]

Very nice video tutorial! Thanks for this! I started using this Free BBC SO Discover about 1 month ago and tried to make a 1st movie score of a Bridgerton scene with this plugin for Spitfire Audio. I never studied music and can not read any music, but like to hear, listen and search for the right chords. Now that i tried to do this movie score competition i fell in love with classical instruments and symphonic orchestras. Keep up the great work and time you are spending to make this fantistic tutorials. Alain

[@mystic22222]

I like your category of instrument cost - eye watering. Here's a few more that I've seen: Bleeding; Kidney Deleting; Firstborn Relieving.

[@KerryonBass]

I had the idea of treating my eurorack modular as an orchestra and this has just helped me immensely with how to approach composition. Thank you so much Guy for this awesome contribution for us dabblers who are not formally trained in music.

[@daxnait]

Love your content and personality! Greetings from México!

[@taydame6403]

I LOVE BBCSO.... I have the EWCC which is an absolutely amazing and complete library, but its very heavyweight. BBCSO is a quick and simple route to phenomenal sounds...

[@ericstaudtmusic]

I've been composing orchestral music for around a year now and I discovered for me, that first composing the basis on the piano/programming the piano in the piano roll of a DAW, then putting it on the orchestra and adding detail works pretty well. Hope this helps someone

[@jordanmajel]

Thank you, kind sir, for this video! That's exactly what I've been looking for, as I'm trying to get into composing orchestral music, but felt overwhelmed about the concept of handling so many instruments at once.

[@JesseHargrove-xq7js]

Hey man, just know that you have just helped me start one of the greatest musical compositions of my life (and I've been writing music for a while now) Thank You

[@JesseHargrove-xq7js]

Annnnnnnd my thing just crashed. Guess I gotta start over. Curse that blue screen

[@mikemurphy8744]

Thanks Guy! and yes I'd like to see a video covering ostinatos - programming them, use of, etc. 🙂

[@jasonbensonmusic]

This video was a refreshing reminder of your genius. I'm deeply grateful for your service🙏☀

[@gitano9001]

You are an amazing teacher and musician . Thank you so much for your videos!

[@Sarkaar_Records]

Sir! Thank you very much for sharing knowledge :)

[@TheCrazyLunatic8]

Man... I remember when I got BBSCO Discover when I first started producing music. I was so bad at it XD It's nice to see you teach people how to make good music with this!

[@jimprior180762]

Superb I really enjoyed this, complete with dogs and blue screen of death! The Spitfire BBC SO plugin is amazing, and your knowledge and lesson was awesome! Thanks Guy

[@swtdata]

What a great video! I’ve not composed anything since high school and this has given me a taste for it. Thank you ☺️

[@MattRhodes_Music]

I know that this isnt particularly your area of expertise but I would love to see your analysis of other genres that incorporate orchestral elements too (symphonic metal for example)

[@LindaMissad]

It's great to start out a Friday with a video from you again, Guy. Thanks so much. So many great tips in here. Hope all is well. Take care

[@drdocmic]

Thanks for the sharing of those brilliant ideas, advices and enthousiasm !

[@Richie_]

I've just got back into making music and always wanted to do an orchestra piece. This will help.

[@Teebi928S]

Dear Mr Michelmore, thankyou for inspiring and helping this crazy 63 year old-self-taught-musician to realise a dream.

[@olumuyiwaajayi5136]

You have helped me greatly in writing and composing strings. Thank you so much.

[@romanokoenmusic]

Hi. Great video. I parted with the 50 and still think it's worth it. The fact that it's free now is amazing! Once again Spitfire Audio have empowered composers with some incredible product.

[@jaymond80]

Guy! I’ve been watching my feed waiting to see you post a new video. Truly hope all is well. Thanks for the great video!

[@themusiciansjourney]

Fantastic Guy, thank you. As a guitarist about to try my hand at an orchestral piece, this is invaluable!

[@JamesGrady2]

Brilliant lesson

[@ralphbartlett6850]

Guy, you and Spitfire Audio provided me with the inspiration to get back into music during lockdown. When it comes to orchestral composition I am a complete beginner, so videos like this are absolutely priceless, thank-you. I would really encourage you to do more like this for us novices, because watching you work and build a piece is so instructive (more keyboard shots please!). If you do side-bars (like the ostinato you mentioned in the video) I am sure they will also be very popular with your subscribers. In the video you encourage viewers to look at some scores even if they don’t read music. I agree, this is really useful and I have provided a couple of links here for an inexpensive copy of Holst’s Planets along with a link to one of a series of videos from Orchestration Online that breaks each piece down in minute detail - literally hours of free material! I have used these resources to create a few bars of my favourite movements in Logic with the BBCSO and I would encourage any beginner to have a go at this - it’s not as hard as you might think. Thanks again, and keep it up the good work - this is what the internet is for! Orchestration Online kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4LUZ2ycjqx8nbc www.amazon.co.uk/Gustav-Holst-Planets-Dover-Scores/dp/0486292770/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2D31LHQYXZFGH&keywords=Planets+full+score&qid=1658650622&sprefix=planets+full+score%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-3

[@Chimunculous]

Thanks for the link to Orchestration Online, I hadn't heard of them! Much appreciated.

[@jonathanpittock1447]

Thanks Guy, a really helpful and informative video. I've been dabbling with discover for a while and it is quite overwhelming where to start (being from a band!!!). The functions of the different sections etc. Can't wait to get stuck back in.