Compose Thrilling Orchestral Runs

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[@ZachHeyde]

Want more free music tips? Check out my 5-step film scoring guide here! bit.ly/zhfreebie

[@wildflute]

A small note from an actual instrumentalist: choose the scales based on how we actually play and learn our fundamentals and not by whether it’s symmetrical on a keyboard. ‘Octatonic scale’ is a diminished scale and we do work on those but for gawdsake, unless it’s strictly necessary harmonically, use chromatic or the basic diatonic scale the piece is in. It does not enrich my life to have to flare my tendinitis over a twee scale decided by computer and not by understanding of how instrumentalists function. We are humans not robots. Make fast things predictable because most of the time we have one rehearsal at best to nail these things. I will add that the orchestration suggestions here are spot on. Thank you for listening to my TEDTalk!

[@matthewlafountain3018]

I was thinking the same thing. Octatonics are much easier on strings (w open strings helping) but these runs of symmetrical half-whole at this tempo is hard on keyed wind instruments.

[@Musicisair715]

Hey hey... We compose, you play. Shuuuuush. The true goal is nothing more than to make your fingers cry.

[@wildflute]

@@Musicisair715 It does seem that way a lot of the time!

[@gkgyver]

So, basically you learned a hard to play instrument and complain about it.

[@wildflute]

@@gkgyver Dude. It’s not hard to play per se, but all instruments require practice to get to a professional level. That being said, there are things that are idiomatic to each instrument in an orchestra and a professional composer will learn what these things are for each instrument. In my opinion they ought to go further than that and learn what it’s like to actually play in an orchestra and read music in this kind of ensemble. This is what made the greats great. Modernly, John Williams knows how to make each instrument sound it’s best and his shit is HAAAARD but never, ever ridiculously out of idiom for the instruments.

[@FishOscine]

THIS IS A BLOODY MASTERCLASS!!! I've spent 2 hours on this video alone, pausing, trying, replaying. Thank you!

[@jimrogers7425]

The descending runs are very reminiscent of what Carl Stalling did in Warner Brothers cartoon scores. It gave me pause to smile at how this technique evokes the speed of a chase. Great video! Thanks!!

[@rmhmusic3621]

Carl Stalling? Wow. Did you know him, Jim? When I was a kid (6yrs) I took violin lessons with his wife. I think her name was Gladys?

[@jimrogers7425]

@@rmhmusic3621... no I didn't, but I heard a lot of his compositions daily and also got CD 'The Carl Stalling Project' as well as the second one... just like watching the cartoons. It shows you just HOW IMPORTANT the music track was in the early WB cartoons!!

[@sandygrungerson1177]

or the interminably annoying employment of the same by "composers" like danny elfman

[@KontramanN]

Bassoonist here- velocity wise that's no problem at all. 7:08 The bassoon is a much more versatile instrument than you would expect. Very often people are not daring enough with using the bassoon resulting in boring to play parts. Anyway- great content!

[@ZachHeyde]

Great to know, thanks for sharing!

[@TheSoundConnoisseur]

The first example with the run going downwards, I had to listen to that 100 times. It was beautifully done.

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

Super helpful to have it broken out like this! I absolutely love that last example. It took me right back to watching the old Warner Bros cartoons as a kid. One thing that many of your viewers may not be aware of is that you can’t just write octatonic for harp willy-nilly. They’re limited to seven pitch classes per octave. You can write it for two harps, omit one of the notes, or live with a virtual harp sound.

[@JustKevVideoStorage]

I've struggled to find a good runs video forever, and then this video just shows up in my sidebar. This is everything I needed. Thank you!

[@ZachHeyde]

So glad to hear it!!

[@emilyrln]

This is really useful! I've only ever written melodies, harmony, and basic accompaniment (chords and arpeggios lol), but I've been branching out more recently and this is exactly the sort of info that helps me incorporate more complexity into my music. Excellent video! You've earned my sub 😊

[@ZachHeyde]

Thanks Emily!

[@electronicheart29]

6:04 I recognize this sound from some parts of the soundtrack of Monsters Inc, one of my favorite soundtracks. It’s amazing to learn how compositional techniques are similar between different composers, yet with each composer’s own style.

[@captainbeastazoid7084]

Great video! I have a bachelor's in composition and I wish the professors at my university were this clear and succinct.

[@DmitriPchelintsevComposer]

I was going to write that octatonic scale gliss is impossible to play on a harp, but then I've noticed that you've omitted the Db 😁

[@wildflute]

Yes, but he didn’t mention it. Maybe a primer on how instruments actually function would be a useful series for him to do!

[@metrabyte1282]

@@wildflute I would love that! I struggle to compose for instruments in a believable manner.

[@LG-bi1sr]

Stuff like this are so valuable. It can bring so much energy to your piece and also function as a link between modes or keys or sections. Great work!

[@lionmane3288]

absolutely love the orchestration in every one of these examples, great job

[@LoneWolfAudio0524]

I've always wanted to learn to do runs like this. I've always just used patches in my VSTS, but this video was really helpful in explaining how to actually DO them. You did a great job explaining and I can't wait to go and try it myself.

[@BrianMagnan]

Awesome video. As someone who is still learning the subtle nuances of orchestral scoring this was an awesome learning experience.

[@ckm3865]

One of the best orchestration videos I’ve ever watched

[@mathmusci]

No idea how I ended up watching this video, but it is awesome - thanks so much for this content!

[@kell_0741]

I had the sparkle, chord, and melody but I needed some woodwind flourish and had no idea where to start, this helps so much!

[@steven4217]

This is so wild! Great job!!!

[@hedgy369]

love boat theme (ascending ) , You're The First, The Last, My Everything (descending)- both into first verse.

[@thomaswindfeld728]

This was really cool….. and so much over my head😂🎉

[@Av414ncheTMC]

That's awesome! What sample libraries do you use for your orchestrations?

[@tpl6963]

a good one is the kontakt library: tokyo scoring strings. and keyscape for piano. for me, tokyo scoring strings has some latency issues which make it hard but that might just my being a noob

[@Av414ncheTMC]

@@tpl6963 Well, latency isn't really a problem, but more of a little inconvenience. Even if you can't adjust latency knob within the library, you can shift the notes in piano roll. Thank you for advice, I'll look into it

[@cjp68]

Hi Zache, excellent instructions. Your attention to detail is amazing. I have playing around with this idea lately and had no success. I look forward to returning home later tonight to get in front of my Studio Pc and trying these steps out. You mention a Patreon page? What kind of content do you offer your members? Ideas and instructions like this would worth some money to me.

[@davewestner]

I can't believe how interesting this video was considering I do music that has absolutely nothing to do with this kinda stuff. Thanks for putting it together. That was a well spent 15min.

[@TheSoundConnoisseur]

Do you want to know what really baffles me ?that I’ve only seen two of your videos, and I already want to subscribe to your premium. I have never even considered this with anyone else. But I’ll pay the price for what you’re teaching. Somehow Grasps my mind perfectly.

[@ZachHeyde]

That's super kind, thanks so much!! 🙂

[@bjrnslader5907]

Dude thank you so much this is exactly what I've been needing to make fuller sounding cinematic scores

[@AngadUday]

One of the most precise videos about runs. Thank you for this!

[@yvanroustan4426]

Very instructive, thank you ! for the next : Compose Good Percussions (How, when and why did you use timpani, tubular bells...)

[@rockyblaqmuzik]

This is a PHENOMENAL tutorial using the Octotonic Scale, thank you!!

[@kappabravomusic2101]

3:04 Very lovely run with the cymbal.

[@karlaskmusic]

Your content is so good, Zach! Thanks for sharing these techniques.

[@JuanAMatos-zx4ub]

Excellent video! I could watch another hour of runs haha

[@grantmoon689]

This is a brilliant insight Zach, these sound so good. Thank you.

[@joegrado]

Thanks Zach for the video. I was actually working on orchestral runs with my teacher when I found your video. Great examples!

[@gabbe5130]

Okay John Williams!! YOU ROCK

[@dfizzbom]

Hollywoodwinds, cinestring runs, action strings, cinestring harp. I'm super lazy, lol. Although they take some noodling to get right too. But, there it is.

[@mikescofield]

Very interesting and very helpful. Thanks!

[@ZachHeyde]

Want to know all of the VSTs, plugins, and hardware I'm using? Check out my FREE Gear List below 🤓 bit.ly/zhfreebie

[@tsongyt7539]

I only use 2 techniques but didnt know its many as this. I learned a lot

[@RichardAlbertMusic]

You‘re golden Zach!

[@jenssieckmann]

Superb video. Your channel is getting better and better. What I like especially is its applicability. Precise tips to enhance compositions /orchestrations in/for a very specific case.

[@ZachHeyde]

Thank you Jens!!

[@Franck_Hoffmann]

So good!!! So clear!!! ❤I'm wondering how much prep or post-production you put into it. It feels effortless! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ZachHeyde]

Thanks Franck! It's gotten faster over the years :)

[@WillPA-X]

Great video! I would love to see you cover Final Fantasy in your ‘composing like’ series! Nautilus from Final Fantasy XIII by Masashi Hamauzu is an incredible piece that you should definitely check out! (also has runs similar to these!)

[@nRGmusicproduction]

Your stuff is GOLD Zach. Thank you soooo much for this lesson!

[@ChristianBrown-sc3pk]

Very Informative Thank You

[@marcxstation]

Thanks for giving solution to the struggle I was having yesterday ❤️

[@marcvandammemusic]

Great video !! Thanks for sharing these techniques. It could be great to get the midi files of these exemples 😁

[@francobuzzetti9424]

you can learn this in the time it takes to download the 100tb in libraries

[@gtholt2816]

Never been able to do runs but this has helped so much, Thankyou!!!

[@hedgiehogUK]

Hi… bassoonist here, and not a professional one. Just to note that both times that you indicated the bassoon would struggle (playing a run because we're a lower register, or a run because we don't play things that quickly often) you're mistaken. We're as versatile, swift and adept as any woodwind instruments; don't let our 3+ octaves range fool you. If you're composing for DAW, fine; but maybe with these references to real orchestral instruments, knowledge might need a tune-up. Good video.

[@MusicManDre]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing!

[@ObsessiveCostumingDude]

Fantastic video, examples, and discussion - thank you! :)

[@harshitrathore5976]

Thanks Thanks thanks🤩

[@zoundbiestudio4021]

Man this video is brilliant. THanks a ton Zach!

[@obszczymucha1337]

Fantastic content. Pure practical stuff, no rambling. Thank you!

[@Roan256]

I am impressed by your ability to teach. You are really good.

[@shadowgod-tunes]

This video was really helpful. Thank you for creating it. This will help me improve my abilities.

[@cacauceluque]

Great tutorial as always! Thank you for this great tutorial! 👍

[@vicsol75]

Brilliantly! Every new lesson inspires me!

[@spaceflows]

Amazing tutorial! Thanks so much for creating this.

[@andressarmiento384]

Great stuff, and the overall presentation was so good as well! Straight to the point, but with enough detail to get a lot of value out of this video

[@GiancarloCordon]

such a great video!! I've always wanted to have learn this and add it to my productions... never thought I'd be happy to say this, but... "THANKS ZACH FOR GIVING ME THE RUNS!" 😂

[@antekketna7080]

Unique, complex sound. Good skill

[@mylesmercer3883]

This is a great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Danielalynch30]

The bonus example sounds a lot like a bit from Daugherty’s Metropolis Symphony!

[@elijahjflowers]

Thank you!

[@wintrasight7525]

Thank you Zach your videos are really helpful.

[@ProAudioIQ]

Very cool Thank you!

[@LukaGroulx]

Loved that video!! Very helpful thank you!

[@SpacedOutDoonie]

6:03 reminds me of the matrix score called navras juno reactor

[@Mopsie]

This is insanely good! Thanks so much! Instant sub!

[@Bashanvibe]

New here!!! This makes so much sense the way you explain it!!!

[@sheddybhulji8196]

excellent video thanks

[@MASimonish]

Love this, thank you for sharing!

[@jacekkarlowski]

Opened up a new avenue for me, thanks man.

[@aleksamrkela831]

The video I needed to see. Love the presentation. :D

[@MSpotatoes]

I love your channel already and I only just found it. Great video!

[@alontrigger]

Great video, thanks Zach! Could you please specify which libraries you're using here? Especially the strings. Thanks!

[@ZachHeyde]

Cinematic Studio everything!

[@alontrigger]

@@ZachHeyde wonderful, I thought so!

[@lightbug6103]

This is really helpful. Thanks!

[@ModernGuitar]

Very nice examples. Thanks Zach !

[@sashaalexander1833]

Amazing video, thank you VERY much!

[@bnarvaeza]

Great video!

[@keystoanotherworld]

Awesome thank you for sharing.

[@johncostigan6160]

Very instructive. Lovely harmonic content. Cool

[@byronhenze]

Great tips here, thanks for the video!

[@seanfourie7]

Thank you for your knowledge Zach

[@jennymecham]

Great tips, thank you!

[@AnandAryan17]

Good work loved the runs and the composition

[@FleshgodApocalypse]

This is brilliant!

[@praveenchaddha]

truly awesome clip. Thanks!

[@KevinKuschel]

Thanks, Zach! Super helpful.

[@nyttliv4938]

THANKS FOR THE ABSOLUTE BEST VIDEO REGARDING ORCHESTRAL RUNS ! One question - In the Video - after 3.27 and forward you uses Violin 1 and 2 - If I ubderstand theese violins are from Cinematic Studio - Sre they from Cinematic Studio strings or from where more exactly ? Would really really apreiciate an answer - because they sound truly amazing !

[@trblmkr5139]

first time seeing ur content.... new subscriber. love it

[@ScoringStageEu]

great tutorial - thanks

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Interesting stuff, ZACH. Thank you!

[@officalj2productions290]

I love It Here!!!!

[@JirkaMucha]

Great video, thanks. A lot of people here ask what bank you used. Is that a secret? Is it Studio Strings? Marcato?

[@ZachHeyde]

Thank you! Cinematic Studio Series--all of the VSTs I use is in the gear list in my description 🙂

[@wietzejohanneskrikke1910]

Which articulations are you using for the string runs?

[@TheCueTube]

This is really great, Zach!