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Debreved
In this post, I’ll explain how to clean up a MIDI file and import it into notation software to create a clear and organized sketch for the orchestrator. On major film projects, music preparation houses like JoAnn Kane Music or Fine Line Music Service typically handle this process for us. However, when I was starting out, I did all of this myself and developed a range of tips and tricks to make the workflow as efficient and painless as possible. Fun fact: before my career…
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A few months back, I gave an in-person talk about my piece and blog post, Error Code 7, for the Academy of Scoring Arts. Many people were interested but could not be in LA, so I am happy to announce a Zoom version next Friday, July 26 at 10am (PDT). Recorded at the iconic United Recording Studio A, Error Code 7 demonstrates many of the concepts I discuss in this blog. During this Zoom session, I will go through the piece and post and answer…
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You will notice that on my desk I have a pretty unique layout of input devices, but everything is there for a reason. I spend many hours sitting here working and have developed and refined this setup over the years. I am also always trying out new toys, anything to make work easier, faster, and more ergonomic, all of which allow me to be more creative. Note that this setup is totally geared towards orchestrating and arranging. While I do use it to compose, if…
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I am pleased to announce that on October 25th, 2018, the inaugural DeBreved Orchestration InSensitive workshop/master class/clinic/seminar/corroboree will take place! Four people will be selected to spend a day with Tim, talking about orchestration, technology, and workflows with a focus on what it is like to orchestrate studio film scores in 2018. The Insensitive (workshop/master class/clinic/seminar/corroboree) attendees will be expected to already possess a working knowledge of the orchestra, and to have skills on notation programs and DAWs. Professional experience in the film world is not…
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 This post and its companion, Jazz Notation - the Default, present the material from my talk on January 11, 2014, at the Jazz Education Network Conference in Dallas, Texas. In my previous post on jazz notation, I discussed some of the ways that understanding the band's default performance practice can help you to write cleaner, more effective notation. Here are a few more tips for producing scores that are easily readable and will get you the performance you want. ChordsOne thing that people seem…
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This post and its companion, Jazz Notation - Drums and Chords, present the material from my talk on January 11, 2014, at the Jazz Education Network Conference in Dallas, Texas. Thank you to Makemusic for their sponsorship. Introduction I get a lot of scores sent to me by composers and arrangers both young and old. I see a lot of things that do not need to be on the page, or are written in ways that are way more complicated than necessary. A lot of…
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There are many books and internet resources out there. Some are a little dated or express the opinion of only one person (a bit like my blog!) but it is worth reading as many as you can. Please let me know of any more really good ones to add to the list. One of the most concise I have found for use as an everyday reference is Alfred's Essentials of Orchestration by Dave Black and Tom Gerou. This is a no-nonsense book that has the…
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I will be moving all of my finale tips to this page. Please note all examples are done using Finale 2011. For examples of how to do some of these things in the 'other' program, Philip Rothman of NYC Music Services has kindly translated them. Here they are. Scores Large Time Signatures 1. Document Options> Fonts>Notation: Time (Score) = EngraverTime 40 Plain 2. Document Options> Time Signatures. Set top symbol to 0, Bottom to -290 (EVPUs) 3. Plugins>Scoring and Arranging>Global Staff Attributes. Turn off Time…
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In Part III of my chat with Endre Granat, we discuss how the bow can be used to change the color of the sound. Sul Tasto and Sul Ponticello are demonstrated as well as how bow speed and pressure effect the sound. Make sure you check out Part I and Part II of Endre's interview and Guide to a Good Bow Job and It's the Pizz.
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In Part II of my chat with Endre Granat, we discuss some of the mechanics of playing a stringed instrument and Endre demonstrates standard bowing techniques. He breaks them down into three categories. Legato Staccato 'Bouncing' Legato is the default bow stroke; no additional notation is needed apart from slurs if you want more than one note per bow. Staccato is a short, fast stroke where the bow starts and ends on the string. 'Bouncing' is a stroke where the bow starts and ends above,…
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