Level: Beginner

The riff by nature is repetitive so you get it, again and again, you get it reinforced and the rest of the song is built around it like the riff was the skeleton of the song.

This workshop aims to provide you with the necessary abilities to begin composing riffs and arranging a composition around such an important musical element.

Session Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session a successful student will be able to:

• Apply critical listening skills to riff & recurring motifs.

• Extrapolate core musical qualities of a riff.

• Construct a riff within a selected musical genre.

• Apply arrangement techniques around a riff within a track.

Session Study Topics

• MIDI programming

• Rhythmic subdivision and polymeter

• Micro fills and macro fills

• Layering and subtractive arrangement techniques

Requirements

• A computer and internet connection

• A web cam and mic

• A Zoom account

• Access to a copy of Live Suite or Standard (i.e. trial or full license)

About the workshop leader: 

Simone Tanda is a musician, producer, multi-media artist, tech consultant, and educator.

Based across London & Berlin he is currently creating music for his own project, as well as multidisciplinary artists, film, and commercials.