08/17/06

Multimedia, self-pacing course is based on Rimsky-Korsakov's

(August 18, 2006) — Garritan Libraries has launched a free online orchestration course based on Rimsky-Korsakov's classic text, Principles of Orchestration. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's genius for orchestration is unsurpassed, and there may be no better source to learn about orchestration than from the teachings of the great Russian master himself. Principles of Orchestration is acknowledged by many colleges and universities to be the essential, authoritative text on orchestration.

A knowledge of orchestration is indispensable for many musical endeavors using Pro Tools, including film scoring, composing for interactive games, arranging, mixing, teaching, and much more. This online course embeds around 275 animated scores in its 26 lessons, allowing participants not only to see the scores online, but hear music as it follows the score. The courses are supplemented by online discussion forums for each lesson, providing participants an opportunity to learn from orchestration experts, and share work examples with others. Due to the nature and content of the course, learners are expected to have basic knowledge of instruments in the orchestra and must be able to read music.

"This is our way of giving back to the musical community," states Gary Garritan. "Our commitment to the musician does not end with simply selling a product; we also want to encourage the knowledge and skills that allow musical talent to flourish. After researching various educational options, we decided there’s no better way to learn orchestration than to provide the ultimate book on orchestration presented with interactive, real-time examples.”

The course recently started and it’s also possible to pick up the lessons at any point, review older lessons, and participate in the forums 24/7.

The scores were realized with Garritan Personal Orchestra which works as an RTAS plug-in in Pro Tools.

To access the course, go to http://www.garritan.com and follow the link. Or, go to http://www.northernsounds.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=77

Syllabus
Lesson 1 - GENERAL REVIEW - Strings & Woodwinds
Lesson 2 - GENERAL REVIEW - Brass, Percussion & Other Instruments
Lesson 3 - MELODY - Strings - Melody in Stringed Instruments
Lesson 4 - MELODY - Strings - Grouping in Unison
Lesson 5 - MELODY - Strings - Doubling, Thirds & Sixths
Lesson 6 - MELODY - Woodwind - Melody in Woodwind
Lesson 7 - MELODY - Woodwind - Unison & Octaves
Lesson 8 - MELODY - Brass - Melody, Unisons & Octaves
Lesson 9 - MELODY - Different Groups of Instruments Combined
Lesson 10 - MELODY - Different Groups of Instruments (Cont.)
Lesson 11 - HARMONY - General Observations
Lesson 12 - HARMONY - String Harmony
Lesson 13 - HARMONY - Woodwind Harmony
Lesson 14 - HARMONY - Woodwind - Several Parts & Duplication
Lesson 15 - HARMONY - Brass Harmony
Lesson 16 - HARMONY - Combined Groups - Wind & Brass
Lesson 17 - HARMONY - Combined Groups - Wind & Brass (cont.)
Lesson 18 - HARMONY - Combined Groups - Strings & Wind, Three Groups
Lesson 19 - COMPOSITION - Orchestrating the Same Music
Lesson 20 - COMPOSITION - Tutti
Lesson 21 - COMPOSITION - Soli
Lesson 22 - COMPOSITION - Range Limits, Transference, Alternating Chords
Lesson 23 - COMPOSITION - Volume of Tone Qualities, Repetition, Sfz, Emphasis
Lesson 24 - COMPOSITION - Cresencdo and Diminuendo
Lesson 25 - COMPOSITION - Effects, Rhythm & Color
Lesson 26 - VOICE & ORCHESTRA - General Overview