LOGIC PRO X - Orchestral Programming Part 1

[@itsruiguerreiro]

The amount of precious information in this video (actually, on every Jono video), is priceless. Thank you so much for sharing all the knowledge, and please keep the videos coming. I can't wait to watch part 2!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much, that’s hugely appreciated.

[@sonauris]

Jono, I don't doubt for a single second that you have a gift in pedagogy; and you just keep raising the bar in meticulousness and thoroughness. It is always refreshing to face this character you bring in your teaching. please keep inspiring us. thank you. 🤍🤍🤍

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thank you so much, those are very kind words.

[@bonjuvi05]

He’s the best teacher in this direction !

[@Martinbeef]

@@bonjuvi05Yes he is. I recently paid $99 for ‘course’ from someone on here. It’s really bad. The presentation is all over the place and the person tells us all about his life and his journey which has made him a so called Hollywood composer. It was 5 hours long and most of it was just him talking about himself! It’s so refreshing to find someone like Jono who knows how to present his subject properly and doesn’t go on and on without telling us anything! He’s the best.

[@bobbydolan]

EXCELLENT teaching. please please please continue this orchestration series...superb!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Since you asked so nicely… 😉

[@jenniferlaynemusic]

I don't think I've been so excited for a KZbin tutorial in my life. Will check back in once I've watched and absorbed it. THANK YOU! Thank you.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks Jennifer. Hope it lives up to your expectations!

[@Martinbeef]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for: I’ve had my orchestral sample library ( which I’ve added to over the years) but because of chronic ill health and fatigue ( as well as a severe lack of confidence), I’ve been unable to write a full orchestral piece. I love the sound of the samples and the ways they can be made to be played differently, but I needed more training in the process. I have 100’s of melodies I’ve written but I’ve not been able to make a full piece of music, even though I have all the right tools. It may sound a bit feeble but the challenges I have are so numerous that it’s difficult to get anything done at all. Now, I’m feeling ready to push on and create something, initially in Logic and then in Sibelius, so I can succeed. Thanks Jono. Your presentation is always clear and concise, with enough challenging aspects to keep me motivated. I really appreciate this.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi Martin. Thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing your experiences. I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you’ve described but very pleased to hear that you’re now in a place where you’re starting to feel as though you can express yourself creatively once more. As and when the time comes, if you want even more of a step-by-step guide into composing for Orchestral resources, I have made two courses on Teachable on this very topic. The link is here if you want to have a look: jono-buchanan-music-s-school.teachable.com In the meantime, have a great Christmas and happy composing.

[@buddyclements8457]

I've been a professional musician/composer for over 45 years - Have been gradually moving to digital composition/production the past 5 years. This is one of the MOST helpful videos I've been able to find on the whole mixing process. Jono is extremely clear and easy to understand without feeling that his is "talking down" to anybody. In so many ways, digital music production (especially using orchestral sound libraries, like Spitfire Audio - which I love) and Logic Pro X (which I love) seems so counterintuitive to me, coming from a background of using live musicians in a studio or concert setting. BUT Jono makes this all very understandable and has blown away the "fog of confusion" for me! Thank you Jono! You sir, are a new hero!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Those are extremely kind words - thanks so much. If this is a subject which interests you, do stay tuned, as there are announcements to come soon.

[@jazzsong8566]

What can I say? Best YT tutorials. Jono is 🔥. Period

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@josephlindsey3062]

This is what excellence in teaching looks like, very clearly explained while still incorporating a lot of detailed info. Bravo!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much, Joseph - very kind words!

[@AlexHippert]

By far one of the best tutorials I’ve seen for Media scoring and MIDI parameters/orchestral sample library programming. Thoroughly explained, well edited, well demonstrated. Love your channel!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much Alex. Part 2 of this mini-series is out now too!

[@lfr230]

I love your simple and progessive approch. You simplify and that is great because when we learn, we are like children who need to do the right movment one step after another. You gjve confidence, and confidence allows creativity. Thank you!!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You’re welcome. Thanks for such a generous message.

[@nikkuthomasabraham3784]

I really appreciate for selecting this topic. Waiting for second part

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much. Absolutely, Part 2 will be with you in the coming weeks.

[@lukejessop4617]

Jono... Mate, you are a gift to music....! Thank you for every single tutorial... They're great to watch, I'm always enthralled... 😎

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thank you Luke, those are very generous words. Thanks for your continued support and have a great festive season!

[@gilles31]

Encore un grand moment Jono, merci ! Vous arrivez à nous expliquer simplement les choses, ce que beaucoup ne savent pas faire. 😉

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Merci Gilles, comme toujours. Je suis tellement heureuse que les vidéos vous soient utiles. J'espère que vous passerez un merveilleux Noël.

[@Kolinu2]

Superb tutorial, just like all the others.Thank you Jono.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

My pleasure. Thanks so much.

[@chrisrodenmusic]

It's certainly an art form in itself to make string libraries sound as realistic as possible. I wish I'd have seen this a few years ago! Cheers, Jono!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks Chris. Hope all's great with you. Have a fantastic Christmas.

[@davidllewellyn]

Jono, this is another excellent video from you. Thank you. I'm particularly delighted that you're diving into these production techniques in such detail for sample libraries and with such clarity and fun. It really complements everything that I'm learning about orchestration from the Spitfire Audio Academy, as well as the evening online film music composition courses I did last year at Guildhall. You're all amazing. Together, this has opened up a world of possibilities to me. I can't wait for part 2!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much David, and congratulations on seeking out the course content you want to help you with your own musical development. Part 2 coming soon.

[@renebrossard]

Very useful info. Using a combination of Midi controllers really breathes life into a performance. Your detail and clarity helps immensely.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much. I’m so glad it was helpful.

[@bonjuvi05]

Thank you Jono, cannot wait for Part 2

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're welcome - it'll be with you in early 2024.

[@OAK-808]

Great stuff. Cleared up a lot of questions I had about orchestral libraries. Thanks Jono.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Great, I’m delighted to hear that. Do check out Parts 2-4 of this KZbin series too and, if Orchestral Programming is of particular interest to you, do also have a look at my Teachable course on this subject: jono-buchanan-music-s-school.teachable.com Use the code OCT24 to get a 15% discount before the end of 31st October.

[@macturkey101]

I've been looking to learn more about this for quite some time. This video (and the subsequent 3 parts on Orchestral Programming) are the clearest and best tutorials of their type for Logic users. Thank you Jono! Bonus tip: Come for the education, stay for the hilarious (and dry) asides to camera... 😄

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm so pleased to hear the episodes were helpful.

[@Mekinhumbel]

Absolute masterclass...can't thank you enough for doing these :)

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You’re welcome.

[@carlosantenna]

Wow. This the info I was looking for! Cheers 🎉

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Great, thanks Carlos!

[@mpamps]

Great video. Lots of precious information in a comprehensive and comprehensible manner.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Great, glad it was useful. Thank you!

[@MrSteward7]

My favourite YT channel by far! Thanks Jono! Its been a great year watching your content. Ill continue to watch and re-watch your tutorials! Looking forward to 2024! Keep up the amazing work! Thanks! Happy Christmas and happy New year to you!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thank you so much for your continued support and for being part of this wonderful community. I'm so glad to hear that the videos are proving useful. Absolutely - here's to next year! Have a great Christmas.

[@FlyingBystander]

I can't even think of an "Expression" that sums up how much you "Modulated" my creative brain bits at such great "Velocity". Yah, I loike it! Did I ever tell you that I also invented the unnecessary quotation marks and capitalisation of nouns? It's a talent that pales in significance to the quality of information in this video - yet I feel compelled to mention it. Appreciate the lesson as always. Cheers mate. 🍺🍻🍺🍻🍺

[@jonobuchananmusic]

I'm starting to realise that you are responsible for some of the very best inventions the world has known. And for that - and much more - I thank you as always. Have a great Christmas.

[@FlyingBystander]

I also invented air (21% oxygen) and the kaleidoscopic push up bra / cravat combo. I have good and bad ideas :) A very merry Christmas to you and yours. Cheers @@jonobuchananmusic

[@ConorLambertActor]

thank you!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You’re welcome! Thanks Conor.

[@amaurimontalvo3014]

I'm really impressed with the amount of detailed information in this video, the best I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing all this knowledge, it is inspiring. You are a great teacher. Can't wait to watch all your videos.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much for your generous words. Delighted to hear the videos have been so helpful.

[@frits-barth]

A brilliant video, Jono, very interesting! Thank you very much!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks as always BF! You're welcome.

[@leefoster4171]

Thank you JB . Excellent delivery as ever . I have just bought the Roli Seaboard Rise 2 so very good to see the automated parameters mapped by you . Spot on 👍🏻 . Have a great Yuletide 👍🏻

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much Lee. Great purchase - I look forward to hearing how you get on with it. You too - have a wonderful Christmas.

[@Jesus_the_Savior-u4o]

Fantastic video. Big and detailed information. Another subscriber.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thank you and welcome! New episode here every Wednesday and a new Short every Saturday. Delighted to have you with us.

[@ianyoung8003]

I learnt so much in this video, thanks!!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi Ian. That's great to hear!

[@eden5778]

Really thanks for you to doing this tutorial!!!I’ve been struggling for how to make strings sound more realistic recently,and I finally find my escape!!!❤

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Great, so glad to hear it was helpful.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Also, if you have an interest in this topic, we now have a much deeper dive available via Teachable. Do go and check it out: jono-buchanan-music-s-school.teachable.com/

[@joegrado]

Hey Jono! Love the new setup. I learned a lot from your Logic masterclass at Guildhall. Thanks!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi Joe. Many thanks indeed - glad the content (old and new!) is proving useful.

[@JCF072344]

Really helpful. Thank you.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're very welcome. Thanks!

[@IvayloKabakov]

Absolutely brilliant explantation, in every way. Thank you, Jono! Instant sub. Looking forward to more of the same!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thank you so much and welcome! There are new videos on this channel every Wednesday.

[@peterwaringofficial]

Superb! Thank you 👍

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks as always, Peter!

[@JohnLynagh]

Jono, this is a brilliant video. I have always been interested in orchestral composition, but struggled with some of the terminology. I always wanted to compose those slidey notes but didn't have a rashers. Who knew it was velocity based. Thanks so much as usual and have a great Christmas. Hope Santa comes !

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much John and for your support through the year. Have a wonderful Christmas too!

[@ColinPowell_AMultitudeofOne]

Thank you so much for this new series. I am a beginner with composing Orchestral music (also using Logic Pro X but with Nucleus Core, although I also have Spitfire Discovery), so this is very useful and helpful information. I look forward to the next one!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thank you so much - I'm very glad to hear it was helpful. Part 2 coming in early 2024!

[@gianni1646]

Hello Jono! Thank you for this tutorial. I try to absorb as much as I can with videos on Orchestral and Music Theory and using Logic Pro. I find your technique a refreshing approach to learning and becoming more accomplished in my journey as a writer and composer. I look forward to exploring many more of your tutorials! Gianni❤

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much, Gianni. It’s great to have you with us and, absolutely, lots more to come in the weeks and months ahead.

[@Opensourcetrio]

Fantastic, thank you very much!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're most welcome.

[@daniellafreniere15]

This is an AMAZING tutorial video. Thank you so much 😊!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks so much, Daniel. 3 more parts for you to watch now! Many thanks for the kind words.

[@darrenupton9747]

Great stuff - thank you so much for sharing :-)

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're most welcome!

[@joobastudio]

Thanks a lot !

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You’re welcome.

[@nwaonyeamos508]

This is superb

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks - I hope you enjoy the following parts too!

[@prashantlalitofficial9465]

Thank u❤

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You're welcome!

[@timucinberk]

Can you continue anything related to orchestration please? Good video, thank you so much!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi. Thanks. Absolutely, part 2 came out 2 days ago. More to come on this topic, too.

[@julianw2682]

Hi Jono - Thanks for this. Brilliant as always. Are you planning to cover Track Delay in this series or maybe in another video? Thanks for all your videos. All superb!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi Julian. Thanks so much. Yes, MIDI Delay will feature in this series for sure but if you're keen to know more about that now, I did cover the topic in an earlier episode of the series. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZnIZotor8drbNU Hope that provides some useful insight.

[@julianw2682]

@@jonobuchananmusic fantastic - thanks so much.

[@MenonkNaldo]

Very helpful . Thank You so much. Do you give cours ?

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, via Teachable, ‘Orchestral Programming 01’ is a 9.5-hour, deep dive into the concepts introduced via the 4-part series on KZbin: jono-buchanan-music-s-school.teachable.com

[@nordiclightphototours153]

Just another excellent video Jono. I am appreciating your channel (s) and content you are providing to the community. Thank you. On a side note: short cuts you use in the video do not always relate back to international keyboards. Backslash or bracket keys are not on my keyboard. So perhaps it is a good idea to also highlight the menu option you use when using a shortcut so we can see what exact command it is. Only a suggestion. Cheers Hendrik

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks Hendrik and thanks too for pointing that out - I shall absolutely keep that in mind and will flag menu options whenever possible. Much appreciated!

[@nordiclightphototours153]

@@jonobuchananmusic Much appreciated Jono. Merry Christmas

[@davidepoli]

a little help, thanks! I imported one of my muse score songs into Logic. The problem is that this whole world is new. Sorry if I ask you a perhaps trivial question. I noticed that each channel strip the velocity is constant with the same number (the colors are all the same) why? how do I edit without going crazy haha

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi David. I expect that whichever program you’re using for score creation is more focused on getting the notes correctly inputted, so that they display correctly, rather than using Velocity in the way that Logic can. There are a few ways to edit Velocity. Watch this very early video (!) and let me know if it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHSThqdrrLZ6l9Esi=_U6GkHVEhJ0NUAKZ Do come back to me if you need any additional help.

[@davidepoli]

@@jonobuchananmusic Thanks, your videos are very useful!

[@ПавелШутько-щ5у]

супер видос! спасибо

[@jonobuchananmusic]

You’re welcome!

[@sir4movies]

Question: Does Velocity control Glissando in the Logic pro Studio Strings samples as well? Because I feel like they control expression and/or modulation.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

No, unfortunately, Glissando control isn't part of the Studio Strings programming. As you've rightly said, Velocity is used within Studio Strings to control dynamics.

[@zorkmarble]

In Spitfire libraries, at least, isn’t CC21 actually a toggle (on or off) rather than providing continuous variation in the amount of vibrato?

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi, thanks for your question. In the ‘full’ Spitfire libraries, CC21 progressively introduces vibrato rather than acting as a switch for it, allowing you to move between no vibrato and super-intensive vibrato with several stages in between. I don’t know if it acts as more of a switcher for Labs or Originals instruments. Anyone able to answer this? Thanks again.

[@SpeedTed]

I was just wondering, I know that it's modulation that affects the volume and not the note velocity. However, when I adjusted my note velocity, the volume changes too? Likewise, my modulation doesn't seem to affect the volume. When I first clicked onto "Note Velocity" the notes green lines are lined up in the same line unlike your tutorial. What could be the possible issue that I missed out? I am currently following your video as it's really helpful!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi Ted. With Short Articulations, Velocity will control Volume but it won't with the Long Articulations. With Long Articulations, Modulation doesn't control Volume but instead, it selects the Dynamic sample layer of your choice. Orchestral sample libraries are recorded with performances played gently, more firmly, and played hard! CC1 (Mod Wheel) allows you to select which of the dynamic layers you're calling on, with low numbers selecting the performances played more gently and higher numbers selecting the harder performances. CC11 (Expression) controls Volume via MIDI. So you could use the Modulation Wheel at a high setting to hear the strongly played notes, but use Expression to turn down their Volume, if the performance is too loud. Similarly, you could use Modulation to select the most quietly recorded performances and then use Expression to turn their Volume up. Volume changes when orchestral players play gently but so does tone, in particular, which varies a lot. This is why there are two separate controls.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

How do you connect you Mac Studio to your studio monitors so you can playback from Logic?

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi Brent. The Mac Studio is connected to a UA Volt interface and the interface’s outputs are connected to the speakers. Audio interfaces provide two main functions - preamps and recording channels for audio input/recording sounds, and audio output connections for speakers and headphones. I hope that answers your question.

[@BrentLeVasseur]

@@jonobuchananmusic Thanks! Your tutorial videos are fabulous!

[@conduets4939]

Hi! Thank you so much for this. I am using the built in sampler strings and I tried to do these midi automations but nothing works? Expression works, but the rest I’m trying to use (vibrato, modulation etc) don’t change the sound at all. Advice??

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks for your question. I'm afraid Logic Studio Strings aren't dynamically multi-sampled in the same way as the Spitfire Audio libraries and so, you're right, Modulation and Vibrato data won't produce the musical effects explored in this video. As you rightly point out, Expression mapping does work but Modulation and Vibrato aren't mappable parameters with Logic's included Strings options.

[@sharkbait7331]

Hey Jono, I’m using the studio strings in logic and I can’t get the glissando with the velocity like you’re doing in the video. I forced legato and made sure the keys were overlappping but it still won’t work it just plays quieter. Is there anything I should make sure I am doing? Any help would be appreciated! Your video was super helpful still!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, Logic's Studio Strings aren't programmed with that facility; the Glissando effect showcased in the video is being used on a Spitfire Audio string library - the BBC Symphony Orchestra - which uses Velocity in that way. Other third-party libraries do too, but not Logic's Studio Strings. Hope that helps and sorry it's not the answer you wanted.

[@sharkbait7331]

Now I know to find an alternative way Thank you for letting me know!

[@alatereview3141]

Which version of BBC symphonic strings are you using? I tried the glissando on the discover version, but it doesn't work.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks for your question. Discovery doesn’t have a Legato patch (required for the glissando technique) unfortunately, but both the Core and Pro versions do.

[@brucehergert804]

For the life of me, I cannot get the glissando effect using velocity. I am using the BBC Symphony Orchestra Spitfire Audio free version, the violin 1 patch, and I am following your demonstration exactly, and nothing seems to work. Is there a setting (preference) or anything that would prevent this feature? The expression controller does work for volume, by the way. Thank you for any help you can give.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi. I’m afraid that the free version doesn’t feature the Legato patches which enable Glissando. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[@brucehergert804]

@@jonobuchananmusic Well, FREE comes with price after all, that's for sure!

[@kaotic_1077]

I keep trying to do the glissando effect but it doesn’t seem to work is there a setting i might have missed that you turned on? I think my problem might be with the forced legato but i’m really getting stuck

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Hi. Which sample library are you using?

[@kaotic_1077]

@@jonobuchananmusic i was just using the base logic pro sounds.. violins 1 i believe

[@jonobuchananmusic]

@@kaotic_1077 Thanks for confirming. Logic's sampled Strings don't feature the Legato capabilities explored in this video, unfortunately. I'm using a Spitfire Audio string library in this video.

[@LoganMarking98]

why does my bbc plugin not look like that? mine is white with less options

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks for the question. There are 3 versions of BBC SO. ‘Discover’ is the free, ‘white’ version, which squeezes a compressed orchestra into a small download. ‘Core’ is the next step up, with multiple Articulations but only one microphone position. ‘Professional’ is the fullest version, with all the Articulations and multiple microphone positions. The idea is that the 3 are interchangeable, so you can switch from a laptop to a ‘full’ version of your track without having to rebuild your whole project. But ‘Core’ and ‘Pro’ are more expensive. I hope that answers your question.

[@hankfowler8194]

I have a Juno DS Jono....HA. And it is a nightmare to assign controllers so thank you for this.

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Ha! You’re welcome - I’m glad the video was helpful.

[@ПавелШутько-щ5у]

хороший акцент)) понятная речь

[@jonobuchananmusic]

🙏

[@garygimmestad4272]

I’m forever annoyed by the terminology. Wouldn’t it be clearer if developers had used ‘volume’ rather than ‘expression’ - since that’s what it actually is? In fact, ‘dynamics’ sounds more like a volume parameter, and ‘expression’ sounds more like an emotive parameter. It’s backwards and doubly confusing. Spitfire didn’t help with their glyphs that don’t translate as one or the other. I have to turn off the terminology and think in terms of left and right. And always with a sense of mistrust. On top of that, the CC numbers are presented in reverse order - 11 on the left, 1 on the right. I may be a bit OCD but why? Why?? Your approach and order of operations is clarifying. I’m also a teacher and I take interest in how other teachers present information, whether it’s familiar territory to me or not. Quite often, I also learn something new about subjects that I know well. I learn something new in every one of your tutorials. Well done, as always!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

Thanks Gary. I understand your frustrations about the labelling. MIDI controllers being used to shape performances hugely pre-dates their appropriation by sample developers. The first time I came across MIDI Expression being used in earnest was by wind players using Expression and Breath Control to enhance their performances alongside the notes they played. And in that sense, they were producing more Expressive music. The Dynamics control does make more sense to me as manipulating the Dynamics controller calls upon the different Dynamic layers which have been recorded. But, as I say, I totally understand that what’s immediate and intuitive to one user is annoying and fiddly for another and I have plenty of OCD moments with technology too, believe me! Thanks for the kind words, as always.

[@garygimmestad4272]

@@jonobuchananmusic Thanks for the historical part. Dynamic markings in print (for physical instruments) prompt louder or softer dynamics (volume) which then result in timbral effects, a secondary effect. If I were king, my choice would be volume and timbre which are distinctly different (and unambiguous), whereas dynamics and expression are much closer in meaning,.and both are ambiguous. I think I've beaten that dead horse enough now. It is what it is. Cheers!

[@jonobuchananmusic]

@@garygimmestad4272 Thanks Gary, that all makes complete sense. And if it makes you feel any better, I'd happily make you King Of Reassigning MIDI Controllers. Have a fantastic Christmas.