Hello, So I’ve been meaning to compose a soundtrack for a game that my friend is working on. However, despite the fact that I’ve been playing music for years, I know very little on how to actually produce a soundtrack. I’ve read the FAQ and know a bit about some of the programs used for audio editing (like Protools, Sonar, etc…). However, what types of programs would I go about using for actually arranging + playback? Basically, I’d like to make full orchestra music without having an actual orchestra. How would I go about doing this? The only program I can think of that kinda does what I’m asking is Guitar Pro (composition + midi exporting). Are there any high-quality midi composers/arrangers? Anyhow, any help would be greatly appreciated, given my request even makes sense. Thanks in advance!

Quote: However, despite the fact that I’ve been playing music for years, I know very little on how to actually produce a soundtrack.

The first thing to realize is playing and composing are two radically different animals. I know some folks that can play circles around anyone. They're professional musicians that play in symphonies and teach at major colleges. And they suck at composition. :P Likewise I know musicians that cannot play very well but can write excellent music. It's a give and take and depends on your innate talent and how hard you're willing to study and work at it. Give yourself some time to learn and grow if this is your first venture into composition. Reference other soundtracks that really inspire you and/or work for the game your friend is making. Pay very close attention to what the composer(s) do in each situation and learn from that. See how they use common thematic material to build continuity and identity. Listen, listen, listen.

Quote: How would I go about doing this?

The programs you listed are all very capable of doing this. Pick one that suits your fancy and your end goals and start working with it. You may need to read up on how each program does things or names things differently but they're all pretty similar (at least in basic theory).

Quote: Are there any high-quality midi composers/arrangers?

Most of the pros, myself included, arrange their own material. You could possibly contract out someone to do this for you but I feel there is great value in learning this skill on your own.

Thanks,

Nathan

The way I went about it was to start with straight midi. Once I got to a point where I was composing things that sounded like songs, I started writing the first of three 30 minute midi compositions that had loose story to them (you can listen to them here for study purposes if you like: freewebs.com/artimusbena--for god's sake, play these in anything but quicktime, and pay the stories no mind, they've changed drastically) I composed those using noteworthy, and sometimes anvil studio to construct melodies (utilizing the graphical interface it has).

You'll notice that each one is at least twice as good as the last. Obviously, I learned as I went, but it took me nearly a year each for the second two. I started writing for indie 2d rpgs when I was just barely good enough. I think the overall message here is that practice is your best friend, and just as nsmadsen says, always be listening to the techniques used by experienced composers.

My recent one used virtual instruments, you can listen to that as well - myspace.com/eponymsoundtracks

If you want to write soundtracks, as opposed to stand-alone songs, you'll do well to learn about the use of themes and composing each piece to serve the purpose of the story.

If you REALLY want to learn the ropes of writing orchestra, this is a great resource:
http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=77

But honestly, I suggest getting a ton of experience first, so you have a handle on what's being said there.

[Edited by - Artimus Bena on April 18, 2009 4:17:13 AM]

Hi,
As nsmadsen said, there is a big difference between performing and composing. Well, in order to compose, Music Theory, Harmony, Instrumentation, and Orchestration knowledges are necessary..We can add other things like Counterpoint, styles, etc..I assume that you wanto to compose orchestral pieces for soundtracks. However, the levels of these structures depend on person's ability, I cant say anything about that..You will need to have such those things..You can partly take related music courses.
In the other side, getting high quality sound is totally different from composing. We can call it "technical"..You can use Sample libraries recorded at high quality..They cant be as good as real recording. However, they are better than synth sound libraries. For example, East West Quantum Leap sound libraries..I can recommend 24 bit and multi mic position recorded samples..Your mixes will be louder and free phase cancellation..Basicly, 24 bit recording is nearly 10 decibel higher than 16 bit recording. You can use Music notation program to bridge the software sequencer, like Finale or Sibelus (musical knowledge is mandatory).
Morever, as Artimus Bena gave a related link for orchestration, it is really great and useful.
I hope it would help you.
Best wishes,

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