(Berklee Guide). Learn to use strings in your compositions and arrangements! From romantic chord pads to powerful grooves to gut-wrenching passionate melodies, strings do it all. This book presents time-tested techniques and contemporary developments in writing and arranging for strings. You'll learn strategies for authentic writing in many different styles and find ideas to take your personal sound forward. Discover voicings that work best for each project and explore the intricacies of bowing. Hear articulation approaches from pads to chopping in the online audio examples. See how other composers have used strings to heighten the impact of their music in the written examples. Make your work stand out with the drama and depth that well informed string writing can bring. You will learn: * The tunings, range, and timbres for the violin, viola, cello, and bass, including standard instruments and common variations, including acoustic, electric, and synthesized string instruments and sections * Bowing techniques and possibilities * Characteristic articulations and sounds, such as vibrato, pizzicato, sul tasto, trills, tremolos, and harmonics * Timbral and rhythm effects, such as chop technique, ponticello/feedback, portamento, and falls * String-section arranging techniques, such as melody/countermelody, fills, pads, and comping * Stylistic nuances of genres such as American roots, Celtic, jazz, rock, klezmer, eastern European, Gypsy jazz, and swing * Mic, recording, and live sound techniques for capturing the best string sounds for both acoustic and electric instruments

As in the earlier editions, the emphasis is on the practical fundamentals of orchestration. The Sixth Edition has been expanded and revised to reflect new developments in instruments and orchestral practice, and a new listening compact disc has been added that contains selected examples of orchestration.

Principles of Orchestration, with Musical Examples Drawn from His Own Works is a book by a famous Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, member of the group of composers known as The Five. The book presents a notable attempt to show all of the nuances of orchestration. The author describes everything one needs to know about arranging parts for a string or full orchestra. The book is concise, articulate and excels at being both a book of reference and a book of general knowledge.

This book is written from a composer's point of view and is intended to be a reference book for the analysis of arranging techniques. Its aim is to help composers and arrangers improve their compositional skills as well as their understanding of various musical styles. Through a study and analysis of the scores and styles of the master composers, the author gives a broad view of the music of both the past and of the present. This allows the musician to navigate within the contemporary music scene with an essential awareness of and appreciation for all genres of music. the skills and concepts taught in this book will help the aspiring arranger harmonize melodies and write counter-melodies quickly and efficiently utilizing various combinations of instruments and voices, whether for pops orchestra, television, or recordings, according to the demands of modern commercial music.

The Must-Have Guide for Songwriters Writing Better Lyrics has been a staple for songwriters for nearly two decades. Now this revised and updated 2nd Edition provides effective tools for everything from generating ideas, to understanding the form and function of a song, to fine-tuning lyrics. Perfect for new and experienced songwriters alike, this time-tested classic covers the basics in addition to more advanced techniques.Songwriters will discover: • How to use sense-bound imagery to enhance a song's emotional impact on listeners • Techniques for avoiding clichés and creating imaginative metaphors and similes • Ways to use repetition as an asset • How to successfully manipulate meter • Instruction for matching lyrics with music • Ways to build on ideas and generate effective titles • Advice for working with a co-writer • And much more Featuring updated and expanded chapters, 50 fun songwriting exercises, and examples from more than 20 chart-toppings songs, Writing Better Lyrics gives you all of the professional and creative insight you need to write powerful lyrics and put your songs in the spotlight where they belong.

(Berklee Guide). Write for a horn section! In this book, you will learn how to add saxophones and brass to a rhythm section ensemble. You will learn the capabilities and characteristics of the most common instruments, and how to order them effectively. You will also learn the different roles that a horn section can serve in your ensemble. Audio tracks demonstrate the key concepts, as exemplified in a complete score.

Arranging Tunes for Solo Banjo is designed to help players develop a solid understanding of arranging fundamentals for five-string solo banjo. In particular, this book takes an in-depth look at chord melody playing. Examples include popular melodies from the American song book in the keys of C, G and D. Thebook presents tools and techniques to help you create beautiful and intricate arrangements, with lessons on diatonic chords, altered chords, cyclingtechniques, and rhythmic variations. This introduction to arranging for the banjo will expand your knowledge of this instrument and its capabilities. The book comes with accompanying audio available for download online.

Are you a violinist who is curious about "going electric" but have no idea where to begin? This book will walk you through the process of choosing an electric violin, shopping for an amplifier, and using effects pedals. The book also covers improvisation in the genres of blues, rock, and funk. Chopping and other rhythmic techniques for bowed string instruments are explored, as well as playing in a band, rock string arranging and working with DJs. "Plugging In" will open new worlds of creativity for you as a string player and help you find your own voice in this brave new world! Includes access to online audio and video.