SOUNDFLY MAINSTAGE
Orchestration for Strings
Arrange and compose your own original pieces for the string section of an orchestra.
Creating a string arrangement is the most powerful way to make a piece of music soar. Whether adding an epic string part to your latest pop song or composing for a classical quartet, there's so much you can do with these dynamic instruments.
This five-week course is all about helping you compose and arrange for violin, viola, cello, and bass. We'll look at the individual instruments of the bowed string family and explore a specific textural framework for creating better arrangements. Along the way, you'll get personalized feedback on your work from an expert Mainstage Mentor. By the end, you'll understand how to create monophonic, polyphonic, chordal, and homophonic textures, and have a portfolio of original works ready to unveil at your next performance.
Ian Davis
Composer, Arranger, Art Rocker
Ian is a composer/arranger/teacher living in Brooklyn, NY. He's written orchestral arrangements for such indie luminaries as Feist, Daniel Rossen, My Brightest Diamond, Landlady, and others. He plays and tours with Landlady and Relatives. He is an associate teaching artist with the New York Philharmonic's Very Young Composer's program. His music can be heard at www.ianmclellandavis.com
More About Ian
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4 Weeks Left to Join the Next Session
- Unlimited access to interactive and video content
- Weekly feedback and support from an expert Mainstage Mentor
- Downloadable course pack with extra resources
Price $249
Write arrangements for a string quartet
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to confidently write original music or arrangements for string instruments.
Study the Particulars of Each Instrument
We start by exploring the specific sounds, ranges, and dynamics of each individual string instrument.
Master a Texture-Based Approach to Arranging
We practice and explore four important textures to facilitate composing and arranging.
Create Your Own Portfolio of Works
We include multiple writing prompts to get you composing and building your portfolio right away.
Practice Writing Various Bowing Techniques
We look at how bowing techniques can inject dynamism into a performance and practice writing them.
Are you an educator? If so, you can access educator discounts. !
GET PERSONAL SUPPORT & FEEDBACK FROM A MAINSTAGE MENTOR
Our expert mentors do whatever it takes to ensure that you achieve your musical goals for the course and leap forward in your learning.
Ian Temple
Composer & Pianist
- Composer marrying piano, strings, & electronics
- Multiple video soundtracks, including award-winning film
- Has had works performed at major venues across three continents
Mahea Lee
Multi-Genre Composer
- Contemporary Writing & Production grad from Berklee College of Music
- Classically-trained pianist with 25 years experience
- Composition experience in classical, jazz, pop, & contemporary genres
Course Outline
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
It has been a genuine pleasure to work with the Soundfly team. Their music chops combined with their ace design put them way out ahead of the competition.
Ethan Hein
MusEDLab, New York University
I highly recommend this colorful tour through the string family. It's packed with clear, memorable examples and whimsical humor. The original arrangements alone will inspire new and experienced orchestrators alike.
Kris Nolte
Educator and Orchestrator
I'm amazed at the quality of feedback and value this course provides. Soundfly is onto something really good here.
Mark Strozier
Student, Kansas City
MORE INFORMATION
What will I learn in this course?
You'll learn about the quirks of the individual instruments of the string section, the violin, viola, cello, and contrabass, and how to compose for all of them, individually and all together. By the end of this course, you'll have your own portfolio of original works ready to show off.
Are there any pre-reqs?
The expectation is that you already know how to read and write music notation. If you don't, you can always check out our free course for a quick refresher. No prior knowledge of the string section or orchestra is necessary.
What do I get as a Mainstage student?
Mainstage courses are for students really committed to taking their art to the next level. You'll receive access to the online material, plus an in-depth weekly check-in with a personal advisor who has extensive experience in the subject. This "Mainstage Mentor" will help you stay accountable to your goals and offer detailed weekly feedback on your work.
What does it mean that the course starts on July 19?
As soon as you purchase a course at any level, you can start exploring the course material immediately. On July 19, the session begins, which means you'll begin a guided experience that includes weekly activities, feedback from Mainstage Mentors, and much more. This is intended to help you stay accountable and get the feedback you need to succeed.
Will there be future sessions of the course?
Yes! We plan to run new sessions roughly every two months. Check back shortly for firm dates, or sign up for a Soundfly account to receive email updates about course dates and new course launches.
How do I give the course as a gift?
Soundfly courses make great gifts for the music lover in your life. To purchase a course as a gift, first sign into your Soundfly account, or create a new account for you (the purchaser). Then, pick the course you'd like to purchase, fill in your information, check the box below the credit card form saying you're buying the course as a gift, and click to pay. You'll shortly receive an email gift certificate that you can give to a friend.
How do I sign up for a course using a gift certificate?
Create your own Soundfly account, navigate to the course you've been gifted, and click to "buy now." On the check out page at the bottom of the form, you'll see a field where you can enter the code on your gift certificate. Enter the code, no credit card info needed, click "Apply," and enjoy the course!