Orchestration Question 7: Getting Unstuck

[@Tfrne]

Thomas simply has the best channel on KZbin. He deserves so many more views than he gets.

[@caterscarrots3407]

You mention "Symphonitis". I had the opposite problem last year, Symphonic Anxiety. I was at the point where I could write a decent orchestral arrangement of say a Beethoven piano sonata or Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart, but with my own works, I would always be like "Wait, is the flute going to be audible? Should I transfer from flute to piccolo? Are the trombones going to be too intense for what I'm aiming for?" to the point that it overwhelmed me and limited me to chamber music(large chamber music mind you(sextets and up), but still chamber music and solo only). That is, until July of this year. I started with a march for orchestra in July. I got some amazing feedback on it, not at all what I was expecting for a first orchestral piece. I was told that my march would sound amazing played live. I guess my orchestration of pre-existing pieces paid off. And now I'm working on an orchestral suite with 9 movements. With every score I'm getting ever closer to confidence with writing a symphony and maybe writing a symphony will happen next year.

[@kyle-silver]

I really liked what you said about outlines and deadlines, but I'd like to add that for me at least, revision is almost more important than writing. In the software world, the goal is to build something that "works" as fast as possible, and then go back to revise and polish several times. I find myself writing in much the same way: I'll put something I'm not particularly proud of on the page just so it's there, and then go over it again and again until it's presentable

[@anaitslimane]

Thanks a huge load Thomas. I don't know if you realize how much uniqueness and quality there is in your videos! I am a completely illiterate music doer, and I basically learned everything (the little I know about orchestral music) from your videos. Keep them up!

[@OrchestrationOnline]

You're extremely kind! Thanks for making my day. :) The best is yet to come...

[@maxtofone]

Thanks a lot Thomas for this very insightful video about "Getting Unstuck". Best, Max

[@prckrevofficialchannel1911]

Thank you for this! I am often hit by creative block ( strangely enough almost each autumn) and I use this time to listen to as much music as I can, study a lot of pieces and practice my theory , and organize projects for the year to come. I try not to think at all about composing. Each time I end up getting out of this experience with fresh ideas and i somehow reinvent myself to a certain degree. On the other hand, having a deadline during this period can be extremely stressful!

[@daniels.segura8993]

I love this channel. Thank you!

[@georgepalmer3220]

Well that just hit the nail on the head. What an eye opening experience.. It explains so much now!!!

[@OrchestrationOnline]

+George Palmer Good to hear it, full speed ahead now George!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Dear Sir, you are an inspiration.

[@sagarkapoor9892]

Thank you so much for this. I am very conservative when it comes to listening to music, reading books and watching movies. I don't know but I have a fear of sourcing ideas from various things that I expose my mind to. I don't mind getting to know that what I have created has been done earlier, but to find out that I knew about it and did it subconsciously bothers me. I have this huge debate going on inside my head. This, has really helped in clearing stuff up. Thank you sir. I really appreciate what you are doing for all of us. Really.

[@kelafornia]

Added this to favorites. Great stuff!

[@chrisshavard]

6:48 YOOOO I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN. Please make that video; your videos perfectly illustrate the issues we all face when working with our creativity.

[@Evangelionism]

*I must say*, the moment I saw the stick-person sitting beside his engaged partner, a staff sheet, and whilst eating popcorn, I giggled. The analogy is, however, very effective and resonates with my young ears.

[@michaeljeffry3639]

How does it work for composers of marches?

[@pascal62]

thanks!!

[@MrMinorChord]

What is the general amount of time you usually have to fulfill a contract?

[@OrchestrationOnline]

+Jacob Hall Every contract is different. Sometimes I have months to plan ahead, other times people want it done yesterday. Generally speaking, longer times for concert music, shorter times for film. I'll make another video question out of this soon.

[@gregoryborton6598]

What do you do when people want it done now? Does it affect the quality of music you output?

[@OrchestrationOnline]

The bigger the rush, the higher the charge, the more contracts I have to set aside. That's understood by most pro clients.

[@OrchestrationOnline]

And no, I wouldn't accept a contract whose short time span would result in inferior work.