By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Create orchestral MIDI mockups that sound exceedingly realistic, by maximizing the potential of current orchestral sample libraries, professional MIDI editing techniques, and tools found in modern DAWs, and mixing tools like reverb and EQ

• Evaluate the qualities of, and appropriate areas of use for, current orchestral sample libraries, based on sound quality, playability, and stylistic versatility and application

• Configure and modify existing sample libraries to enhance their performance and maximize their potential effectiveness across a wide variety of uses

• Solve common MIDI mockup problems that often detract from a realistic orchestral sound, such as repeated notes, woodwind and string runs, the “organ effect,” and unnatural instrument balances

• Configure a complex orchestral sequencing template, based on professional standards for performance, workflow, and delivery requirements

• Manipulate sample library articulations using a variety of touchscreen solutions, and/or real-time MIDI input methods, that interface with current DAW articulation management systems

• Utilize mixing concepts and techniques specific to orchestral mockups, such as blending different sample libraries, spatial placement, managing multiple microphone layers, and managing room- or noise build-up

Syllabus

Lesson 1 Orchestral Mockup and Sample Library Fundamentals

Lesson 2 Basic Template and Reverb Setup

Lesson 3 Woodwinds

Lesson 4 Brass

Lesson 5 Percussion, Harp, and Piano

Lesson 6 Strings (Part 1)

Lesson 7 Strings (Part 2)

Lesson 8 Reverb and Room Placement

Lesson 9 Template Building and Articulation Management

Lesson 10 Stereo Panning and Audio Routing/Stem Concepts

Lesson 11 Final Mixing and Mastering

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements

Completion of Film Scoring 101 or equivalent knowledge and experience is required. Students should have:

• Solid piano/keyboard skills.
• A strong familiarity with orchestral music and the instruments of the orchestra.
• Knowledge of instrument transpositions, and the ability to read a transposed score.
• Familiarity with basic MIDI concepts, including note messages, velocity, and continuous controllers.
• Experience with MIDI sequencing in a DAW such as Cubase, Logic, Digital Performer, Reaper, or Pro Tools. Students should have a generally strong operational ability in their DAW, including configuration, organizing tracks, and basic recording and editing of MIDI data
• An understanding of basic audio concepts in a DAW, including routing and bussing, setting up send effects using aux tracks, and recording/bouncing audio files.

Recommended Textbook(s)

• The Guide to MIDI Orchestration 4e by Paul Gilreath
• Acoustic and MIDI Orchestration for the Contemporary Composer 2nd Edition by Andrea Pejrolo

Film Scoring Rig:

• This course requires either studio headphones or monitors, but having both is highly recommended.

Instructors

Andreas Bjørck

Author & Instructor

Originally hailing from Norway, Andreas Bjørck is a US-based composer, producer and remix artist. As a composer, Andreas has specialized in scoring documentaries for film and television. He has also scored a wide variety of short films, commercials, promos, and corporate videos. His most recent work includes the score to FEMMEfille, a feature length documentary by acclaimed director Kiki Allgeier, the PBS/NOVA documentary special, Hunting The Elements, and the PBS documentary, The Gene Doctors. Andreas is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, with a degree in Film Scoring and Electronic Production and Design. He is a former staff composer, sound designer and engineer Verité Music, the premier commercial music house in Boston.

What’s Next?

When taken for credit, Orchestral Mockups in Film Scoring can be applied towards these associated programs:

Associated Certificate Program

• Film Scoring Technology Graduate Certificate

Associated Degree Major

• Master’s Degree in Film Scoring