Scoring with Spitfire's FREE orchestra - a crash course in writing orchestral music with samples!

BBC SO Cubase Project file, finished track and full index down below!

Spitfire Audio's free orchestral sample library, BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover. Award winning composer Guy Michelmore puts it to work, scoring a fantasy film cue in Cubase 10.5. This in depth tutorial shows you a range of key techniques for making any sample library sound more realistic. How can a tiny 220mb, free orchestral sample library complete? Find out! It's a long one but see the index below for a quick guide. Stick with it because it's a complete 50 minute micro course in sampled orchestration as well!

Download the finished Cubase project file here:

0:00. Start
1:57 Let's look at the template
3:03. Using multiple articulations
4:07. Changing articulations with keyswitches
5:53. Using controllers
6:35 Using instruments groups for easier mixing
7:29. Having the basic idea
11:50 Quantizing
12:17 How to use multiple midi tracks to control one instrument
15:50 Adding strings and using different string articulations
16:55. Editing CC or midi controllers in Cubase
17:30 Filling out your arrangement and adding extra voices including celesta
19:09. Using step input in Cubase
20:45 Creating harp glissandi with samples
25:25. Adding woodwind to your arrangement
29:45 Adding orchestral percussion to add excitement
33:00. Using layered articulations to add realism
33:40 Adding a main theme with french horns, violin 1 and a counter melody
42:16 How to create realistic string runs using layering and step input

- - - - How To Write Music - - - -
How To Write Music explores the fundamental skills that underpin every great piece of music whether it’s a song or a film score, string quartet or video game sounds track.

[ThinkSpaceEducation]

Getting Started With Music Theory: Free course!

A brand new mini-series, teaching you the basics of music theory.

[kjstudios]

this guys chaotic energy is just the type i need to teach me music. i love it.

[marcellovalle]

"If you got a carrot and paint it green, it wouldn't make it a cucumber." As a non native english speaker, I am considering to add this to my repertoire and use it all the time.

[AnthonyJResta-tqxv]

I've been a full time producer and composer for three decades and i've never seen so much useful information in one hour or in one place EVER. I'm actually a superfan now. i will be experimenting with this template. I'm having spats with logic and protools lately and feel like cubase might be the next era. This is an astounding display of creative and educational expertise shared with humility and taste. I can't tell you how rare all that is . I'm a canadian working in west hollywood. i don't need to say much more. :) bravo maestro and thrilled and honored to meet you. AJR

[DonCS]

I love your enthusiasm, Sir. The best way to improve is by learning from someone who is passionate about their craft.

[joeharrisoncomposer]

"This is such a long video, oh god!"
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THAT. I watch your videos every morning with my cup of coffee, and to be honest I love it when the videos run a bit long. It's one of the main ways I "decompress" before I get to work.

[stxejn]

Watching videos like this is very humbling. Many times while trying to compose music I think "Oh the top artists do so well and my ideas fall through" but seeing you make mistakes and correct them, or go a different route that leads to something better is awe inspiring and confidence boosting. A lot of times we forget that its okay to make mistakes, because through those failures we find success.

[MiloPaulus]

I loved that you were conducting behind your desk while the virtual orchestra was playing.
I also do this, and I always feel like a crazy person. Good to know I'm not alone, hahaha

[el-bov]

200mb, you say? Blimey! Sounds really good!


And you win 'tip-of-the-month' for that gliss transpose trick.


Thanks!

[TimothyVechik]

Thank you for your honesty in composing and being unafraid to show us the missed notes, the chord exploration, and the constant refinement of ideas of varying levels of 'goodness' until we arrive at something that really works.

[designator]

"What I've got is five chords, and one of 'em's wrong."
Well ain't that the truth.

[SpookyOrchestra]

I love this dude he's like that cool uncle that makes music, let's you sit with him and gets you involved in his music ...

[Harrysound]

Omg the layering thing with the shorts and longs. Genius. I’ve been trying to get that attack out of my long lines for a couple of years now. Thank you

[OddTillTheEnd]

Very Elfman-esque, love seeing a track like this created in basically realtime!

[oldmate]

I love your 'warts'n all' style of videos. It's nice seeing you tinker around and questioning yourself whilst also showing us the mistakes as it's all part of the process

[jamesgrahamcomposer]

Doubling the short articulations with the tremolos for the string runs is a fantastic tip to keep in mind. Thank you!

[kibe]

My man just composed the whole Wall-E soundtrack in front of our eyes for free in less than a hour.

[huplove]

"I've always got to think of the player, think of them breathing." As a woodwind player, you might be the only composer who allows us to breathe...

[jennifergala]

In order to use all these amazing virtual orchestras you need to know counterpoint and harmony. I am glad I found an educated composer on this platform that know his craft. Is even rarer in Hollywood. I bought the BBC Discover library and I did a mockup with Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe on my channel and it sounds amazing. Thank you for the video.

[claudep.]

"Are you my clients or are you my friends?" LOL you Guy are the absolute best!