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Module 1: Introduction
We’ll start off the course by diving into the purpose of the course, how it is intended to be absorbed, and how you can get the most out of the content presented in the following modules.
Module 2: Melody & Harmony
In the second module of the course, we attack one of the core aspects of your compositions head first: your themes. We will look at a variety of ways to level up your theme writing game.
We cover topics such as:
- Mastering inversions and chord voicings for emotional impact
- Levelling up your harmony game with modal interchange and chromatic mediants
- Writing more effective melodies, and repurposing melodic content into a variety of themes
- Writing with drones, and basics of writing in odd metres
- Mastering the use of modes such as Dorian, Mixolydian and Lydian – being able to compose freely with all of them.
Module 3: Ostinatos & Textures
In the third module, we dive into how we can improve the supporting elements that often kick your themes into the next gear: Your ostinatos and textures.
We cover the following topics:
- Creating simple minimal ostinatos
- Creating “neutral” ostinatos based on perfect intervals
- Creating ostinatos based on scales and modes
- Creating ostinatos based on a tonic chord
- Creating ostinatos that move with the harmony
- Creating orchestral textures and atmospheres
- Creating your own pads and ambiences from scratch
Module 4: Track Structure Tricks
In the fourth module, we zoom out and look at your tracks and compositions from a birds eye view, identifying powerful ways to create more engaging compositions. We’ll look at how our ears perceive dynamics, and use contrasts and human perception to maximize the power of each section in our piece.
In this module you will see:
- Tips for making your tracks evolve and grow better
- Why you need to make bolder choices in your tracks
- How to make your final section feel much bigger, without even changing it one bit
- How to write more effective B sections and bridges
- Tips for structuring longer track journeys above 4 minutes, without losing the listener’s attention
- Visually mapping out your track and its dynamics
Module 5: Unleashing The Power Of The Orchestra
In the fifth module, we will focus on a myriad of ways you can utilize the orchestra better in different scenarios, from the softest textures, to massive walls of sound.
In this module you will see:
- How to create lush, beautiful woodwind and string textures
- How to voice and arrange string themes quickly
- How to turn a string theme into a full orchestral statement quickly and effortlessly
- Important principles for bigger orchestral statements
- How to arrange and voice huge choir and brass statements
- Creating effective runs and accents with the orchestra
- Simple tips for using pitched percussion
- Creating soft, velvety quiet textures with sample libraries
Module 6: Beyond The Orchestra
In this module, we will look at some tips and tricks for incorporating non-orchestral elements into your tracks to give them some more depth and momentum.
In this module you will see:
- How I create light driving rhythms, and deeper pulses quickly
- My tips for effective, epic percussion writing
- Tips for incorporating ethnic solo instruments and elements
Module 7: Track Breakdowns & Masterclasses
In this module you will find a couple of track breakdowns, as well as a masterclass covering a wide range of topics from harmony, to arranging, voicing, separation of elements, orchestration and production thoughts.
In this module you will find:
- A 1 hour breakdown of my Areia demo track
- A 1-hour breakdown of my Nucleus demo track
- A 45-minute masterclass on the most common mistakes composers make, and how to avoid them
