Contemporary Orchestration for Digital Audio Workstations

This course covers advanced sequencing and orchestration techniques in the electronic and hybrid realms of production for acoustic ensembles. Its main purpose is to expose and guide students to writing and production of polished and high-quality original compositions for small to large acoustic ensembles through the use of advanced sequencing techniques and electronic tools. Through a detailed survey and hands-on practice of the major software orchestral libraries, the course integrates all the techniques involved in creating electronic and hybrid polished productions for rhythm section, small ensemble, big band, and studio orchestra. Content includes advanced sequencing techniques such as groove quantization, layering, tempo variations, advanced use of MIDI control changes, and alternate MIDI controllers. The students will learn multilayering of acoustic and electronic instruments; translation into the electronic realm of phrasing, articulations, and performance-related markings; controlled detuning; and horizontal/vertical timbre variation. In addition, through a series of original writing assignments for large ensembles and rhythm section, the course will focus on merging the gap between the composition stage and the final electronic production by covering the mixing stage of the hybrid production process focusing in particular on multireverb placement and variable equalization.