Peter Alexander

I posted this in another section of the site, but here's a partial list of new orchestration books you might want to check out. You can find these at TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Music Books, Keyboards and Audio. http://www.youngcomposers.com/forum/orchestration-books-18645.html#post280472 Professional Orchestration Volume 1 - Solo Instruments & Instrumentation Notes Professional Orchestration Volume 2A - Orchestrating the Melody Within the String Section Professional Orchestration Volume 2B - Orchestrating the Melody Within the Woodwind and Brass Sections (shipping Spring 2009) Professional Orchestration Sketchbooks Professional Orchestration Online Classes Instant Composer: Counterpoint by Fux Online Classes Street Smart Guides to Logic 8 Street Smart Guides to the Bach Chorales Composition Titles by Percy Goetschius

Volume 2B will be shipping soon - Orchestrating the Melody Within the Woodwind and Brass Sections

Here are some orchestration books you may not be aware of: Professional Orchestration Volume 1 - Solo Instruments & Instrumentation Notes Professional Orchestration: Volume 1 by: Alexander Publishing - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander Professional Orchestration Volume 2A - Orchestrating the Melody Within the String Section Professional Orchestration: Vol. 2A by: Alexander Publishing - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander Professional Orchestration Bundles Prof. Orchestration Bundles - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Professional Orchestration Sketchbooks Prof. Orchestration Sketchbooks - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Professional Orchestration Online Classes Orchestration - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Music Books, Instant Composer: Counterpoint by Fux Online Classes Counterpoint - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Music Books, Street Smart Guides to Logic 8 Street Smart Guide to Logic 8 - PDF by: Alexander University, Inc. - TrueSpec Systems - from Street Smart Guides to the Bach Chorales Street Smart Guide to the Bach Chorales by: Alexander Publishing - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander Composition Titles by Percy Goetschius' BOOKS: Composition - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Music Books, Harmony Series BOOKS: Harmony - TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Music Books, We also have digital audio workstations and complete orchestral sample libraries. TrueSpec Systems - from Alexander University, Inc. - Music scores, Music Books, Keyboards and Audio Thanks, Peter Alexander

Everyone works differently, and it often depends on the kind of composition you're writing, but I think the best way is to write the melody first, and get it polished. Once the melody is done that's your roadmap. After that, work out the chords (harmonization) then do a starting bass line. Once that's done, you have your basic roadmap completed and can then determine your next steps.

I teach online with basic harmony and counterpoint. I also run, but don't teach, an online orchestration course.