Creative Coding
Modern Orchestration Masterclasses / Viola: acoustic articulations and how to reproduce them with music software
Covers the viola's range and acoustic articulations, from legato and pizzicato to harmonics and double stops, then how to reproduce them convincingly using sample libraries, SWAM instruments and CC controllers.
Course overview
Learning outcomes
Begin to write playable and idiomatic music for the viola, whether for an IRL musician or a VST
Create realistic viola lines, for solo and section, using VSTS (including Spitfire's BBCSO and SWAM's Viola 3) with an understanding of range, articulations, dynamics, expression and modulation
Communicate as a composer with a viola player (by understanding what can reasonably be asked of the instrument and what experimental techniques might be possible)
Who is this course for?
- • Musicians who want to begin work with orchestral instruments
Requirements
- • A computer and internet connection
Course content
Masterclass Material
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Masterclass Material
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Chapter 1: Modern Orchestration Masterclasses: An introduction to writing for the viola - Articulations
16 videos
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Chapter 1: Modern Orchestration Masterclasses: An introduction to writing for the viola - Articulations
16 videos
1. Anatomy of the Viola
Checking access...2. Range of the Viola
Checking access...3. Legato
Checking access...4. Vibrato
Checking access...5. Staccato (tenuto_spiccato)
Checking access...6. Marcato_accent
Checking access...7. Pizzicato (regular and Bartok_snap)
Checking access...8. Tremolos_Trills
Checking access...9. Col Legno
Checking access...10. Double Stops (and triple_quadruple)
Checking access...11. Harmonics
Checking access...12. Glissando_Portamento
Checking access...13. Sul Pont, Sul Tasto, Flautando
Checking access...14. Mutes
Checking access...15. Extended Techniques
Checking access...16. Qualities of Different Strings
Checking access...
Chapter 2 / Modern Orchestration Masterclasses: An introduction to writing for the viola - Articulations
38 videos
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Chapter 2 / Modern Orchestration Masterclasses: An introduction to writing for the viola - Articulations
38 videos
1. Using Reverb
Checking access...2. Mixing
Checking access...3. Volume dynamic balancing
Checking access...4. VCAs
Checking access...5. EQ & Distortion tips
Checking access...6. Working with Sample libraries
Checking access...7. Spitfire BBSCO Discover Legato
Checking access...8. CC Controllers
Checking access...9. Solo Viola Samples
Checking access...10. Staccatos and 'shorts'
Checking access...11. Glissando portamento
Checking access...12. SWAM Instruments
Checking access...13. Size of instrument CP
Checking access...14. Walkthrough programming controllers (cc)
Checking access...15. Expression
Checking access...16. Velocity
Checking access...17. Avoiding high expression values
Checking access...18. Bow position bow pressure
Checking access...19. Flautando
Checking access...20. Double stops
Checking access...21. Open strings finger positions
Checking access...22. Bow on bow off
Checking access...23. Drawing automation
Checking access...24. Play modes timbre pitch advanced menus
Checking access...25. Vibrato Rate
Checking access...26. Up bow down bow
Checking access...27. Sordino mute
Checking access...28. String resonance and open strings
Checking access...29. Pizzicato col legno cont.
Checking access...30. Making ensembles groups of SWAM violas
Checking access...31. Pitch
Checking access...32. Reverb
Checking access...33. Menus expressivity
Checking access...34. Tremolo
Checking access...35. String resonance open strings
Checking access...36. Pizzicato col legno
Checking access...37. Making groups ensembles of SWAM violas
Checking access...38. Pitch ensembles
Checking access...
Instructors

Helen Noir
Helen Noir (she/her) is a London-based soprano, composer, orchestrator & producer. She writes soundtracks for film, fashion and theatre, most recently for Joseph Wilson's Isn't it a Beautiful World, which premiered at BFI London Film Festival in October 2021. She works specifically with directors and designers to take music from initial composition through recording, orchestration, production and mixing. She also performs regularly with cult performance art group Theo Adams Company, and is an operatic session vocalist.
