How To Write Orchestral Music - 8 Tips & Tricks To Get Started As a Beginner

[@AlexMoukala]

Hey guys, I'm back with a new tutorial after my Star Wars Kazoo shenanigans. :D Also, tomorrow I'll be leaving for Munich, followed by Tokyo & Osaka straight after it, to enjoy a bit of traveling and meetup with my composer friends from Evenant and End Of Silence. Tutorials might be slowing down a bit due to this, but I plan on making interviews with them about music & mindset to post here. I'm even planning on recording travel vlogs about Japan, thinking of posting those on Facebook, but in case you guys wanna see them, I could post them on KZbin too, so, let me know what you think! :)

[@RaffzVieira]

Post here, it will be a nice addition to the channel, more variety and still would be touching up on the topics of music, composition a little since you are interviewing your friends. Bon voyage!

[@aviand]

Alex Moukala Post it here man!

[@DjordjeHess]

Post vlogs, please!

[@metalpuppet5798]

I am someone who is hugely into theory but I don't think you can't improve beyond a certain point if you don't know music theory. It's going to take some trial and error but it's going to happen eventually and if you just do it enough that time isn't going to be ridiculously long. And then you can use those concepts you made up for yourself in all kinds of different ways. I use a lot of theory myself but it can absolutely make you get stuck if you rely on just that too much. Musical intuition is a thing.

[@MrTedw53]

As someone with a degree in music composition I can tell you this: a composer always writes by ear. All music theory and orchestration teach you is how to get your ideas down on score paper and the proper ranges of the instruments. When I started composing there were no sample libraries and DAWs. I wrote a score, copied parts for the recording session and recorded with real strings, brass etc. You could not compose without knowledge in music theory. Today I use DAWs and numerous sample libraries. However, I have always composed by ear. I use to compose at the piano then write a score as I went along. I love the technology we have today. I also enjoy your videos.

[@melonenstrauch1306]

I agree on basically everything except for the Music theory part. Yes you can compose by ear and creativity is very important but if you don't learn more than the basics of music theory your tracks will get stuck at a certain point where you no longer improve. Music theory offers so many ways of creating tracks that pass this point in ways you simply can't think of just with creativity and ear. Take a bit of your free time and learn music theory. It is absolutely worth it!

[@Vitericus1]

Yes. I like Alex's videos, but learning theory is important. Too many comments I hear or see thinking that theory is bad and if you learn it, you'll be less creative and your music will be stale. It's quite the opposite. Theory doesn't tell you to do things a certain way, it just tells you how music works and serves as a guidepost to help create the sounds you want, in essence, giving you more creative tools. I could write music by ear, but it didn't come out how I really wanted it to. Now, if I want to write something heroic sounding, for example, I know EXACTLY which scales to use, which chords I can get out of them and so on. Less trial and error and more straight to it.

[@alejandrom.4680]

Matt Seewald And of course, theorical rules can be broke, and you can extend your creativity besides your knowledge, experimenting and even creating better sounds from what you actually know. I personally can say that I got better and better by adquire knowledge of music theory. And well, I use a lot of Debussian/Rautavaarian/Messiaian chords and scales. (For example, the Messiaen transpositions and scales, the polytonality of Rautavaara, and the melody and harmony of Debussy.)

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

Perhaps, but as someone who has had no classic training, no music theory training, and, I'm quoting Alex here, "with the musical talent of a banana," I wouldn't dismiss such statement out of hand. The results speak for themselves, regardless; let people explore their own possibilities without without being bogged down by *having* to learn music theory before a song is ever made. After that, music theory will click so much easier.

[@iMacxXuserXx485]

Music theory is awesome, but not necessary for everyone. I think some people just have the talent to compose without it. If you try composing for 2 years and find yourself confused why you can't get to a sound you want, then start learning music theory. That's how I did it!

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

Music Theory does not boost your creativity. It gives you tools, guidance and names to things. You hear that happy sound and you don't know what it is, you just know it makes you happy. One day you'll know you're playing a major chord. Theory will make you go faster, more efficiently and hence open doors to your creativity

[@machuggs]

Hi Alex. I'm originally a guitarist. I played in a few bands in the 80's before buying cubase, programming backing tracks and performing as a duo. Now I'm 60 and have recently bought logic and have the time to study and develop my love of cinema music. Your tutorials are fabulous...I've learned so much from you since seeing you and your work. You are very talented and I adore your music. Thank you so much! Steve

[@grasped2]

Alex: FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Logic, Pro Tools...these 5, also Reaper, those six are the main DAWs. Also Reason, so seven. Me, the Ableton user: **sad live noises**

[@juggz143]

I mainly use Studio One and FL and even I was like awwww poor Ableton 😩 lol

[@DarqIce]

That made me LOL in a very compassionate way :)

[@grasped2]

@@DarqIce yeah, we had a good laugh 😁

[@AshtonGleckman]

You the man! Thanks so much for the shoutout mate, glad to call you a friend. See you on the battlefield!

[@AlexMoukala]

Yo! :D Keep up the good work, Ash!

[@RaffzVieira]

The best part of this video is "Start doing music, stop planning" SO TRUE, I see that a lot with friends, I'm a guy who studies more than practices and I totally agree with that tip, I'm slowly starting to steer away from that and start putting some actual effort on my work

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

Yep, but taking notes on every video on this channel before I write, track or produce any new material: applying what I'm learning on older material. Engineers are gauging me a bit on mixing revisions, but the new tracks are so much better now it's still worth it artistically.

[@Slynell1]

How are you doing now? Half a decade later

[@TBAGZPROUT]

I've discovered your channel and you're a real motivation! I love the way you motivate all the people to chaise their dreams with a creative approach by using their ears and their feelings and not only with music theory. Thanks a lot for your videos, you're a very good teacher, I've learn so much!! (hope my english is understandable ahah!)

[@byondi13]

Really appreciate the dedication you put into helping others. Your channel is priceless. Can't thank you enough.

[@AlexMoukala]

Cheers Andre!

[@ViniloxiaKan]

I didn't know that Hans Zimmer can't read music! That's really amazing

[@joestanley19]

hans zimmer can definitely read music

[@therealmodernwalking9695]

@@joestanley19 Nope, he in fact cannot read sheet music, and you really should have done some basic googling (in which i checked like 5+ results all of which were the same: He CaNT Do MuSiC TheOry) and yeah btw i sure know that i just replied to a one year old comment, but that's what happens when you write sht without checking the info, duh..

[@Lancasthor]

My personal showstopper has been the amounts of pricey digital instruments and not knowing what i really needed from them. Im definitely going to roll with the ComposerCloud, stop talking and start doing. Thanks for the pointers. Highly appreciated.

[@mikaelbaggstrom]

You are so amazing and kind to share your knowledge and experience so openly. I even favorited this video cause it is so good! :)

[@mixxtv1361]

This guy is a good teacher

[@sanjaycolaco]

Good, Alex. I specially liked this part 4:52 and 6:11 and 30:35. You said it rightly: to start implementing the music knowledge (however little it may be ) right away. With practice, the music will keep on growing and sounding better. Thanks !

[@davidl.e5203]

Thank you Alex. The message of this video is very powerful, and it has still aged well into 2019. I appreciate that your videos intend to do more for the students than the teacher. Don't stop being that awesome man!

[@elliespohr]

Yeah, not the CPU advice though.

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

Happy to see you are recommending building your own computer. I saved thousands over getting a Mac Pro, and had plenty of money left over to throw in a water cooled graphics card so I can play Inquisition while not producing music. Also happy to see you aren't pushing for people to get an external mixing board. I'm selling mine: keeps disconnecting and unsyncing from my DAW. I draw volume automation with a mouse in less time than fussing with the outboard gear.

[@shashankramesh6982]

Those tracks in the beginning, heard all of em. Really nice video man!

[@nineseveneleven]

Thanks a lot, Alex! Very useful tips. P.S. It's my new mantra for every morning: stop planning - start doing ;)

[@aviand]

Игорь Воронецкий

[@Nickoking12]

man epic video as always! would be nice to see a "track from scratch" kind of video where you make a short track from nothing. just a suggestion!

[@alejandrom.4680]

Lux Aeterna I love your name, reminds me of the Ligeti’s piece named the exact same way

[@bogdanfrincu3226]

Thank you for everything dude,much love from Romania! :)

[@epiczeven6378]

Hey Alex! *happy to subscribe* :) I can´t believe it took you only 4 years, with no music background! wow... I´m an aspiring composer, I´m planning on getting a good pc and sounds, but until that day I´ll be doing the most music I can, so when that day comes, I´ll have more ideas :D! *Thank you for the inspiration*

[@guitaroso]

Hey Alex - thanks for taking your time to post/share your knowledge - really enjoying your vids - have learnt a lot!

[@OasisFirefly]

Appreciate you for making time and effort to share your knowledge. It means a lot to us.

[@OFF-NIKE]

You're right, I was producing trap music and I started suffering from analysis paralysis due to all the mixing rules. Nowadays I just create music based on my intuition, flow state, my ear and personal preferences. Enjoying the process from start to finish : )

[@nrgskillmedia]

Bella frate! I just realized you're italian :) Wish you success with the channel and thanks for the orchestral tutorials!

[@rowanlovesmusic]

Thank you very much Alex, I'm a real beginner in this field and everything I need is just tips on how to get better. Love your channel!

[@xiraqimanx]

Thank you for your tips, you answered a lot of questions that I have , god blesse you , you are Amazing 😍

[@gianlucamilani7001]

Ottimi consigli come sempre Alex. Buon Viaggio!

[@louiswitherspoon2212]

Thank you SO MUCH!!!!!

[@ambientdave]

Hi Alex We have much in common!! What you have said makes perfect sense,like you I have no music theory etc,all that I have learned is self taught (lacking confidence is one of my problems,lol).I am 51 now,and only been making music,for about 5 years on and off. My family and I are not musicians,I have not done any courses But I used Reason and Ableton in the past,so I have a grasp of technical things,etc. I tend to work by ear, what sounds good and fits well together. I love to make ambient styles of music,like horror sci and other nicer music,ha,ha In FL Studio 12.5 I use the Scale highlighting too,which is great for learning and making chords etc. Music making is of course a hobby for me,an I love learning new things,hoping sometime,I can make some decent music,to put on my Soundcloud so my family and freinds can enjoy,ha,ha

[@haza1289]

Love all your videos, the ones I've seen at least. Keep going, these videos are so much help!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!

[@heleenzuidhof8780]

I only have a month of fl studio left. I started listening. I do a lot of things by ear. Later I started learning to read music, because I wanted to play music like Einaudi. That made me very critical and my feeling is gone. And that's why fl studio is very overwhelming for me. But thanks to your tutorials I also learn a lot. Thank you.🙏

[@basselfmusic]

Tip#8 Exactly what I needed to hear 😁

[@florin1290]

Thank you for your time to explain all this staff !!!

[@Nuh-zd5py]

Amazing video man thanks

[@EK-ro6pz]

Thanks man! great and inspirational approach) Simple, uplifting, keep it that way, good luck to you my friend!) + waiting for some vlogs of your trip !)

[@Murloc999]

Hey Alex! Would be great if we could follow along as you compose from scratch!

[@prod_adrian]

You are really a great dude, and I am grateful for your videos! I hope you make it far in this industry, bro! :)

[@DrakenGuardz]

Great video. Thank you!

[@gas5038]

Thanks ,Very helpful video.Keep it up!

[@tomlevine1]

Thanks Alex!

[@athishayjain.m.k9257]

LOVEDDDD IT.... TQ SOOO MUCH... YOU ARE TH REAL TUTOR... GOD BLESS.... LOVE FROM INDIA

[@geraldtoaster8541]

Don't have time to watch this video right now but I will later. Keep it up

[@Dan-il8lv]

you re the best of the best .Thank you very much.

[@mrbounce4419]

Cool video mate. I'm really enjoy it. Thank you :D

[@abinj8054]

Who said that ur songs are not good?it's the best I've heard

[@darkspectro2948]

Thank you, useful!

[@HenrySlim]

Very good video. I'm musician by ear and i want to learn Orchestal compositions. I subscribed to your channel. You communicate your information very good and i can understand your english. Thank you so much man. I will check your tutorial videos. :)

[@AlexMoukala]

Welcome aboard Henry!

[@jmi2543]

i agree with henry! i'm a self taught musician, i just started producing early this year and your video and music caught my eyes and ear! keep up the good work!

[@MythixMusic1]

Legend Path, Renegade Path, and Sage Path!! Hahaha,! That's the best.

[@juliansolo1825]

Really encouraging words. I've seen a couple of your other content, you are making great job man!See you around ;)

[@metalgeartac8186]

Just got me enrolled!

[@sa9037-x5h]

Good stuff man 👍

[@lpficatomusic6366]

Tank you and great video :)

[@soundninjaofficial6754]

awesome work, you should time stamp your videos, love the content man

[@Hyper5nic]

Thank you very much for creating these videos Alex. Very interesting and useful. For me, getting my hands on a good computer for music production, went more easily because i bought a second hand, yet powerful office computer and maxed this out with 2x8 GB of fast RAM. I do want to point out that i researched and compared specs and sought fast yet compatible RAM. Because it used to be an office pc, it's also super quiet, very small (about 3 times smaller than the conventional desktop) and comes completely tested and installed with usefull software. So lookout for companies that refurbish and sell office pc's. These are often cheap yet powerful and get you started right away. ;-) Mine cost a little over € 300 by the way + € 95 for the extra RAM.

[@AlexMoukala]

That's great. The best thing ever in my experience, if you want to save, is to assemble your PC yourself, buying the pieces separatedly.

[@cvader7]

nice work!

[@randomchannel9778]

Hi, where are your samples from (like effects, impacts, etc...)?

[@Hosenanzugtasche]

I've found VSTBuzz to be a good source for getting samples on a budget. Of course there's a lot of redundant stuff, but I've also gotten a sampler with 30ish GB of content for not even 40 bucks. Really good to keep an eye there, they also tell you what's going on sale and when.

[@AlexMoukala]

That site is dangerous for my wallet. :D Love it.

[@sensium9757]

Thx for the Video, the only bad thing is M Audio Keyboards! Cheap quality!

[@ariabisaha9254]

awsome

[@HumanTouchArt]

keep this up :D this is awsome :D

[@lucasn2718]

Really inspiring video ! I have to admit that I wanted to find tutorial step by step learning, but I think you're right, we just have to do some stuff : fail and retry ! :) Thanks for thoses tips tho ! especially libraries :) btw, Evenant are all with cubase DAW right ? I own FL Studio .. :/

[@AlexMoukala]

Which DAW you use doesn't make a difference after a certain threshold of quality. Cubase, FL Studio, Logic, Studio One etc. are all great DAWs. You choice in what to use between them will only change your workflow and approach towards composing, not the quality of your music.

[@MikeBurnsArrangedAccidents]

Solid State hard drives are so much cheaper now and are many times faster than high RPM disc drives.

[@IJust2PlayI]

For anyone who wants to start making music without spending money immediately, I recommend the community version of "Versilian Studio Chamber Orchestra 2 Rompler". Awesome samples and functionality, legal and for free!

[@andresgiuffre6810]

Thanks! I'll give it a try. I'm actually using the free version of the BBC, it's pretty decent

[@rommastro6619]

Hi dude! Really nice vid! I'm a noob as far as composing orchestral pieces is concerned and I'm actually having quite a few PC problems (I'll probably have to invest...) but I was wondering if a good sound card was necessary or even an "external" sound card was needed? I know I'm quite late (1 year and a half) but if anyone has an answer for me, I'll take any advice ;)

[@shebapanicker115]

what DAW is used in the Evenant courses? I personally use Cubase. I am at the beginner level too. It would be very beneficial if they used Cubase in their courses.

[@thejohncenafan100]

Alex thx a lot for your videos, they really a mean a lot to me! :D I started playing piano last september and I made some decent progress but on arranging and stuff I'm still a very noob. So I'm planing to make some remixes/covers to learn smt of the arrangements of my favorite artists. (I'm more into the music of the pokemon games and rather calm ochetral pieces like in Ni No Kuni or Ori and the Blind Forest). I'm struggling a lot with transcribing so I guess I'll be trying out with some sheet music. You said that you Arranged your FF cover by ear, like really?? I think it's very hard to transcribe a piano piec, let alone a whole orchestral piece! Alex do you have a very good relative pitch?

[@AlexMoukala]

Yeah I mostly rely on my ear. If you're struggling, try starting from simpler pieces. :)

[@thejohncenafan100]

thx for your rply, that's what I'm doing now! :)

[@CT07_94]

you are besttttt

[@CT07_94]

thq for all info all i need it ,,,,,good vibessssss

[@g.o.o.g.l.e.]

what monitors and headphones u are using please tell me ???? u r awesome

[@AlexMoukala]

I use a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-770!

[@g.o.o.g.l.e.]

thank you for reply i want to ask you one question how is the quality of nexus orchestar expansions

[@timhassler3488]

Pratik Mange I have them. They are quit alright for using "real" Instruments in Edm Music etc. But they are terrible for Orchestral Music. When you want to make Orchestral Stuff don't buy them. It's useless. If you just want to make some Edm stuff don't buy them either. They are overprized

[@g.o.o.g.l.e.]

i want to make high quality orchestral as well as edm stuff but quality of orchestral instruments in nexus is shitt and kontakt libraries are way too much in size thats y i was asking that question

[@timhassler3488]

Pratik Mange As I said: OK for Pop Music. But the quality is not good enough for Orchestral Music or Solos in Pop\EDM.

[@bartoszdziedzic8217]

Alex, one question, did You forget about sound card and choice of headphones/speakers? How important are they in music producion?

[@AlexMoukala]

Ideally you want to get some headphones with a flat frequency response, so you can hear everything clearly, which helps a lot into creating balanced mixes and orchestras. However, I'm not sure how essential it is, as there are many cases of people working on "not really great" or not very flat headphones / monitors, and still manage to write great mixes. I personally write using my Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Headphones, but from the way I see it, I'd say just find a pair you're comfortable with and sounds right to you. Make sure they're quality headphones though.

[@kennyjoyce1454]

Do you use the free version of voxengo span? Your videos are amazing and really helpful thanks. 😁

[@AlexMoukala]

Yep!

[@roldhamusic6919]

Hans Zimmer actually know a lot about music theorie but indeed he learned it by himself

[@ludovicproductions5833]

do you have a tutorial on the sub drop with stutters effect at 0:59 ?

[@AlexMoukala]

Not really, that sound is a sample from Audio Imperia Shredders.

[@philippplein4974]

19:21 Lol "Funniest Shit" playlist to the left 😂

[@hodgemusic474]

does writing in organized formats like intro verse chorus outro make it easier and faster to make good sounding piece's

[@hamzah6106]

Alex, Ahm, I had a question, I can't figure out if I can use (as shown below) is it possible?, If possible, how can I assign those midi out individualized in mixer?. And if possible, can you make a tutorial about this or if you had one, can you send me the link? Pattern 1 Kontakt 5 Midi out (Juggernaut) Midi Out #1 (Action Strike) Midi Out #2 (Action Strike) Pattern 2 Kontakt 5 Midi Out #3 (Damage) Midi Out #4 (Voxos) Pattern 3 soundfonts

[@AlexMoukala]

This video should explain it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWeWfpmvp55pfq8

[@TheSiddharthCool]

hey Alex, can you make something on orchestral mastering?

Not Interested if you're interested, my latest video is a 1 hour stream in which i'm mastering an orchestral track for a client, hope it helps

[@AlexMoukala]

Yeah definitely check out Lion's channel for that! Will make videos about mastering once I've gone a bit more in depth with that subject myself. :)

[@aviand]

Lion's Heart Productions Thanks for the video man. Subbed!

[@TheSiddharthCool]

Lion's Heart Productions hey thanks a lot! will definitely check out

[@remyfammm]

I own a MBP 2015 with only 8gb ram , is it fine for me to get a sample library like from the Cinematic Studio Series ? With 8gb ram ? I know most people would recommend 16gb of ram like you did , but now these are all I have now .I don't want my money to be wasted , so I want to make sure if I purchase a library like that for my Laptop spec now , will it able to run properly ?

[@AlexMoukala]

If we're talking about laptops, ergo PCs on which you can't truly change the RAM, I'd get a 16GB RAM one at least. However, you can definitely use cinematic strings on an 8GB pc. Hell, you can use any library of the ones I use. But you might have to optimize your kontakt and DAW + render tracks quite often if you want to write pieces with lots of instruments.

[@marshallartsentertainment3741]

Boss.

[@RosmertaOfficial]

this is cool. you're cool. and your accent is awesome.... 👍

[@bootleginfo]

re: music theory music theory is to composing as grammar is to writing mozart didn't write crossroads and shakespeare didn't write harry potter

[@tukor]

These tutorials are (by far) the best i have found. You are amazing Sir. Also, my english is bad... but still i can understand all that you say. I really thank you for this, ill support you thats for sure (taking a look right now to your patreon). Keep up this awesome work, its really appreciated and i love your compositions. You are like a Heroe for me (im a beginner), thank you so much.

[@monikapall3718]

How did you start with midi keyboard without any knowledge of playing the pianos?

[@AlexMoukala]

I just did it.

[@Amaroq64]

I've been trying composer cloud (the one that gives the gold libraries) for a couple months now, and hollywood strings makes me want to give up. I can't make it sound soft like in the movies, it just sounds like shit, and there's no way to make it sound better...

[@yurianvise1672]

Use the velocity and modulation wheel brother!

[@Amaroq64]

I remember when I made this post, lol. I was so mad. I thought my problem was I didn't know what knobs to turn. It turns out my real problem was I didn't know anything about harmony. I still don't. But just stumbling across the fact that you can duplicate the note across octaves fixed my problem of "it sounds like shit", at least for some things, haha.

[@thimovijfschaft3271]

The thing with Hans Zimmer and music theory yu said was, he does not only know little about it, he also doesn't give a fuck about it either. He hates rules. "Someone telling you not to do something, is my reason to do it and make it sound good."

[@lavbas2107]

I'm half Italian not related to music anyway just want to throw it out there jk, you're awesome

[@HeavenestStCyr]

cpu intel i7 8-16GB Ram Fast HD with higher RPM min 1 TB space

[@nicholaswilde8890]

Remember the name, guys. I'm sure in the future, that name will be one of a famous composer.

[@gnuman1841]

Alright, time to go make a simple fanfare just to try things

[@yasha12isreal]

I want to make compositions like Tchaikovsky

[@larrymesa6592]

The compossercloud

[@AleksiPorkka]

i absolutely love your content, Im a beginner myself and really need to learn FL Studio basics (dont know where to start). Anyways, one word of complain; your face cam is not really needed in tutorial videos, unless you show something important through the cam. It is just sort of in the way. Its nice when you are showcasing your content and other stuff though :-). I dont mean to be/sound negative, I want to become better or as good as you! 😇 Do you have a video for fl studio tutorial or such..?

[@AlexMoukala]

Aleksi Porkka Check out SeamlessR's "FL Studio Basics" tutorials, those will help you big time. ;)

[@AleksiPorkka]

Alex Moukala thanks a ton 🙉!

[@thejohncenafan100]

Well, I think it's way better this way (with the face cam). :D

[@AleksiPorkka]

yeah, I do like it and then I dont :p Im a sort of perfectionist; when I want to watch a tutorial, I want only that and none other visual distraction.

[@ViniloxiaKan]

I'm without doubt a renegade haha

[@divadeomusic6149]

You can also use Ableton as a DAW

[@adrianlentz4029]

"Eight advices" - Beautiful

[@ahmedshingy3927]

25 mins in, still! this video shud be called "what you need to write music" not "how to write music" waste of time, but ur other stuff is good!

[@ahmedshingy3927]

hey bro, quick request, can you please avoid the non-video related talks in ur vids? so for example Im watching this vid about how to write orchestral music, and it's 13 minutes now you are talking about VSTs and hardware, you can just create another vid for that and link it at the start, so if someone doesn't know, can click on that link and what you talking about VSTs and hardware, but' it's really boring for some (like me) that I have to keep skipping parts that are not very related to why I'm watching this!

[@cvader7]

the extra talk could be less

[@larrymesa6592]

It doesnt work my friend

[@lonnydivine8998]

Should be titled "how to build your computer and buy vsts". This was not a tutorial on how to make orchestra music.

[@ayoubahabchane]

Thank you Alex !