FMT 
In mm. 1-2, you may wonder why the lowest cello note is written as a D♯ instead of an E♭. The notes E♭ and B spell an augmented 5th interval, which is somewhat awkward to read. By using the enharmonic equivalent (D♯), the interval becomes a 6th, which is much easier for a cellist to … Read more
Pedal Points for a dramatic build-up In this episode, we demonstrate using pedal points for a dramatic build-up in your piece! [Study Pack] This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games. Polyrhythm vs Polymeter Both polyrhythm and polymeter are techniques used to combine different rhythms simultaneously in music. This adds complexity and creates more interesting rhythmic patterns. Polyrhythm Polyrhythm involves combining … Read more
Emulate Harp Dampening Using VST Instruments Here’s a short but incredibly powerful tutorial on how to mimic harp dampening using a virtual instrument. Presented by the renowned Robert Davis! [Study Pack] This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video … Read more
In the image above, the piano begins in the low-mid register with an ascending phrase using a few notes from the D Half-Whole Diminished Scale. With the sustain pedal down, one by one the notes accumulate into a harmony. The last note in the first measure (A♭) is a tritone away from the bass note … Read more
(Click here to view the part 1 of the series) Ostinato – Adding Instruments Ex. 1-1-C In Ex.1-1-C, we continue doubling to fortify the sound of our piece. Piano and viola double the cello ostinato, with the viola playing an octave higher. The sharp attack of the piano adds more bite to the staccato strings. Low … Read more
Characteristic Note of a Mode The characteristic note of a mode is a defining note that helps us distinguish one mode fromanother. Due to the ubiquitous use of major and minor keys in Western music, Western listeners are somewhat conditioned to the sounds of major and minor scales. Therefore, when we hear a mode, we … Read more
Click here to access the complete editions of music scores (PDF), score analyses (PDF), and HD music examples used on our website. This post was brought to you in collaboration with our partner site Behind the Score. Discover the Harmony Secrets of Modern Film and Video Games. Embracing Multiple Hats: The Modern Composer as Composer … Read more
Creating Orchestral Runs Made Simple In this episode, we demonstrate sketching transitional orchestral runs that can be used effectively in your piece. Click here to access the complete editions of music scores (PDF), score analyses (PDF), and HD music examples used on our website. This is an excerpt lesson taken from Behind the Score. Full video … Read more
When it comes to harmonizing your music, exploring captivating techniques can elevate your compositions to new heights. One such technique is the use of cluster voicings. These voicings can be employed effectively throughout an entire passage, especially in action-driven scores where they have a significant impact. Cluster voicings offer a rich and dense harmonic texture, … Read more
