Orchestra Scoring Tutorials

This tutorial is a basic guide which will help you create well-written, easy-to-read orchestra scores.

This sample orchestra score illustrates the use of many of the techniques discused in the scoring tutorial and the scoring guidelines section of this website. A live orchestra recording of each page of this score can be heard by using the player located below the bottom of the score page.

This example of a winning orchestra score was written by 2009 Composium winner John Callahan, age 17 from Marianna, Florida. A live orchestra recording of each page of this score can be heard by using the player located below the bottom of the score page.

This tutorial covers written and dynamic ranges and bowing techniquies for the string instruments. Sample audio recordings illustrating the full range of each instrument can be heard by using the player located at the bottom of each page. Sample recordings of string bowing techniques are also provided.

This tutorial covers key transposition, and written and dynamic ranges for the woodwind instruments. Sample audio recordings illustrating the full range of the piccolo, flute, oboe, Bb clarinet, and bassoon can be heard by using the player located at the bottom of each page.

This tutorial covers key transposition, and written and dynamic ranges for the brass instruments. Sample audio recordings illustrating the full range of the F horn, Bb trumpet, trombone, and tuba can be heard by using the player located at the bottom of each page.

This tutorial provides sample audio recordings illustrating the written and dynamic ranges of the glockenspiel, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, chimes, and timpani, plus dynamic ranges and special techniques for the snare drum, tom tom, bass drum, tambourine, wood block, cow bell, triangle, cymbals, gong, and wind chimes.

This tutorial provides sample excerpts of harp parts from scores by Ravel, Vaughan-Williams, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and Shostakovich.

Possible careers in music composition.