LATEST CLASS

writing a video game theme with live orchestra

Here's my story: I started late, didn't grow up playing an instrument, and couldn't afford music school. Today I'm a full-time composer, and in this class, I'll show you how you can get there too.

I recently wrote a theme for an upcoming video game, and we recorded it with a 54-piece orchestra. In this class, I'll be taking you through every single step of my process: from coming up with an idea, to fleshing out a fully-developed sketch; from composition to orchestration; how to set up an orchestral template and create a realistic mockup in your DAW; mixing, mastering, and finally: creating expressive parts for the stage and how to supervise a live recording session as a composer.

So grab a drink, get comfy, and welcome to my small little corner of the universe. Let's write a video game theme!

Class outline

Here's an overview of the course, with each of the topics we covered:

INTRODUCTION

  • Full Piece
  • My Story on Becoming a Composer
  • What This Course Offers You
  • The Client Brief
  • Structure and Development

STARTING THE IDEA

  • The Importance of Writing at the Piano
  • Coming Up with the Main Melody

Writing SECTION A

  • Choosing a Key
  • Adding Chord Extensions
  • Adding Suspensions and Resolving

Writing SECTION B

  • Modulating Changing Phrase Spacing 
  • Adding New Chords
  • Adding the Countermelody

Writing SECTION C

  • Adding a "Continuation" Key
  • Evolving the Melody
  • Evolving the Countermelody
  • Creating the “Final Statement”

ORCHESTRATION

  • The Piano Sketch Tells You Everything!
  • Using the Score Pad
  • Adding New Harmonic Support
  • Adding Rhythm and Motion

MOCKUP

  • Creating an Orchestral Template
  • Mic Positions are Your Friend
  • Modulation and Expression
  • Perform Each Part Yourself! (No Drawing)
  • Group Routings and Reverb
  • Mixing and Mastering

LIVE RECORDING 

  • Preparing the Score and Parts
  • The Importance of Legibility and Notes
  • Supervising the Recording Session
  • Recording Stems
  • Mockup vs. Live Recording

download links

Click here to download the class materials. It includes the full score, recording session materials, my Cubase template, and the finished track. 102 MB

want more?

I'm making this class 100% free for anyone who wants access to it. If you'd like to delve deeper, we do these classes every other week for premium members of the site. You get the classes, access to our weekly meetups, 1-on-1 coaching sessions with me, livestreams of my daily work, and more. Sign up today!