Music Vlog 09-23-11: Composition Part 5: MIDI 1 (Strings)

[ClarkJeep]

Hey, very nice presentation and information. It's inspiring to see how others work, their world, their music, their methods. So thanks a bunch. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

[houseofblackbirds]

@ClarkJeep Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the vids. I figure we can all learn from each other, and by putting it all out there, I figure it can only elevate the level of our industry.

[PatPlein]

I've only watched a few of these but they're good. I've priced EWQL's soft synths but avoided Vienna Instruments because they're very pricey if you get the extended versions and I know that if I bought the smaller versions I would not be satisfied with them. I just wanted to tell you to keep up the good work. Do you have any experience with EWQL;s stuff? If so, what do you think of it as compared to Vienna Instruments.

[houseofblackbirds]

@PatPlein I have the Silver Library, released back in 2005 for Kontakt format. I did eventually get RA and Stormdrum (also Kontakt), but I haven't used them much. And I have heard too many bad things about PLAY to bother upgrading or buying anything new. It comes down to what sound you prefer. I personally like Vienna, so I put my money there, plus the support seemed a lot better. If you are making the music you like, and the sound works for you, then keep on writing! Thanks for watching!

[TheForestHedgehog]

And also CC11 (Expression) only change volume, but not timbre like CC1 do =(

[TheForestHedgehog]

There is a trick to do nice sounding violins run. Just mix a bit of tremolo violins.

[houseofblackbirds]

@TheForestHedgehog That sounds like an intriguing idea. I wonder if that would work on those fast runs...

[TheForestHedgehog]

@houseofblackbirds I was experementing with runs on Hedwig's theme by John Williams and it really gives those buzzing smeary sound just very close to the original. (sorry for my english it's not my native language)

[houseofblackbirds]

@TheForestHedgehog I will have to give that a try. It's always tricky to get those really fast violin lines to sound convincing. I did a video a while back about my version of Harry Potter's crazy violins that I did for the Fine Bros. I may revisit that and remaster it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[LastInLineTheBand4]

wow I watched this all the way through, and you really have to know your music to be able to do this. I had no idea what you did in that program though hah, looks REALLY confusing. But it does interest me. I am currently a senior in high school, I've been in band for 4 years. Just started taking music theory. Hoping to go to a music college soon. But yeah, to be able to know all of this must take a lot of work.

[houseofblackbirds]

@LastInLineTheBand4 You are going to love learning theory. It may seem overwhelming at first (I know I felt a lot of "WTF?!?" in the first year or so), but in retrospect I could have learned even more if I had tried harder. It really pays off to just learn as much of it as you can. And eventually all that stuff just seeps into your being and becomes part of who you are. You may not remember all of it, but you'll be amazed at how much you do. Best of luck!

[LastInLineTheBand4]

@houseofblackbirds @houseofblackbirds Yes dude, I know what you mean, we're learning the basic solfeg and such unfortunately since its my 1st year of theory. Very simple stuff haha, because its the BASIC solfeg. But yeah I really wanna learn all this stuff you're doing, seems like a lot of hard work. But in the end I bet it pays off. By any chance do you take requests to make original pieces? because I make films and such, and I cant use copyright music haha,going to apply for partnershipsoon!

[2102ofSpirit]

I must confess that I don't know anything about composing music but I enjoy watching & listening to your Music Vlogs. And I am looking forward to the completion of this piece, it sounds beautiful. Thanks, Joe.

[houseofblackbirds]

@2102ofSpirit Thank you my friend. I'm glad you enjoy the videos.  I am also excited for the entire piece to come together. It has been a lot of fun so far.

[thelinktotheinfo]

LOVE UR SHIRT!!!!! and what type of copy paper did you use on the printed score?

[houseofblackbirds]

@thelinktotheinfo Thanks! I loves me some Zelda. For the score I just used plain old legal-sized 20lb copy paper. If I were making an official copy (with proper notation markings) I would go with better quality and heavier weight, but for my own purposes it serves me well. Thanks for watching!

[ChaoticCanineCulture]

Love these videos, I'm just starting as a music industry major and these really help me break down the structure for composition class :D

[houseofblackbirds]

@ChaoticCanineCulture Glad you are enjoying them. If you want to study structure and form, particularly Sonata form, listen to Haydn symphonies. The sections are really clear and his development is really clever and inspiring. I always liked having them playing while I was studying, or drinking wine.

[yungmatt009]

cool

[houseofblackbirds]

@yungmatt009 Thank you!