How to compose Cinematic Music (in 7 easy steps)

🎵 If you enjoyed this video, make sure to also check out my free training - 'My 3 Secrets to Composing Rich Cinematic Music':

Learn how to compose cinematic music from scratch in 7 easy steps. I'll walk you through the process of composing a cinematic piece of music, including choosing chords, writing a melody, adding structure and choosing instruments. All set out in a simple 7 step process, which you'll be able to use when composing your own music.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro
00:21 - Step 1 - Choosing a Key and Chord Progression
01:47 - Step 2 -Introduce Long Strings
02:58 - Step 3 - Using Short Spiccato Strings
04:09 - Step 4 - Writing a Melody
06:47 - Step 5 - Adding a Counter Melody
07:50 - Step 6 - Using Orchestration to add Intensity
08:56 - Step 7 - Ending your piece as it began
09:21 - Play through of whole piece with notation

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe to the Composing Academy Channel, for more Composing and Music Theory tips and tricks.

Composing Academy is the place to learn how to begin composing your own music. Here you will find easy to follow videos explaining core Music Theory concepts along with various tips and tricks to help you craft that perfect song of cinematic piece of music.

[VoidHxnter]

This is honestly the first tutorial I've seen that isn't just

Step 1: Create atmosphere with a few instruments
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Beautiful track made.

Awesome stuff.

[faxegameplay]

This is the best video on entire internet about it. In 12 minutes you taught me what I have not learned in 4 years. Literally wow!

[carissimealfante]

The counter-melody has to be my favourite element of this whole piece, I can't believe I never thought of using one in my own compositions until now! Great work.

[casualdecay]

As a self taught musician / producer I found this super helpful and easy to follow. I've always been the type of person to just play what I play and haven't bothered too much with accessibility or trying to replicate specific genres / styles, but I'm starting to see the utility in having templates like these as starting points. Great tutorial.

[jordansimmons]

I maybe not in school anymore, but when I discovered composing in the last few semesters of college before dropping out, I’ve been trying to compose, but it has been difficult since I’m always used to just doing my own thing. This is the first video that has actual given me clearer tools and steps to make it easier. I can now compose to my hearts content and make things easier for myself

[frank]

I just took a massive interest in orchestra but had a really tough time finding a video that went through every single layer. Your video is just what I was looking for. Thank you so much for the breakdown. This is so helpful to listen to every single layer sounds. You got a subscriber.

[micwarren]

I really appreciate that you show the music notation at the end. It’s a great teaching tool for voicing and chord progressions.

[petercooney]

Thanks for the mini-master class. Great start to 2022! I shall be playing this over and over to get everything out of it.

[davidjmaggs]

I have only just started creating music on my PC with Acid Music Studio, but what you have done here is, frankly, jaw-dropping. This short composition sounds amazing. I am looking forward to more of your tutorials.

[jimrogers]

This is a BRILLIANT teaching tool! Thank you so much! This is a very easy, formulaic way to learn to compose with sample libraries. So appreciate this one!

[OutandaboutWalking]

This is absolutely incredible! Exactly the tutorial I have been longing for! It’s just perfect. Thank you Simon for sharing your valuable knowledge with us. Please keep these videos coming...

[canaldemais]

This is so good! You explain things so clearly. great channel!

[muddycube-theboringytchann]

As I'm beginning to explore composing this kind of music for my amusement, I find content like this highly valuable - thanks for sharing and keep it coming! :) cheers

[lynic-]

My MIDI keyboard just arrived, I've always loved cinematic music, and you're the first video I've watched to dive into producing music.
You've given me a solid starting point for my journey, your example sounds incredible and I couldn't be more hyped to start playing!
Subscribed.

[Ziro_kun]

Why do I feel like I'm about to go against an army of monsters where I'm the MC fighting alone🗿

[vlddmxg]

I appreciate the score you provided. So often I see videos on how to write for strings with no reference to a score which is very hard to follow. Excellent job!! Thanks!

[enderwiki]

This is the clearest and simpliest explanation of the whole magic behind orchestral music. I was searching the entire YouTube for this blessed video and it appeared when I was about to give up.

[timmy_team_]

Instructions unclear, still sat choosing chords.

[m]

This is such a great video. Not only is it simple and effective, it allows tons of room for individual creativity! Thank you so much for this!

[mcdebugger]

Nice Cubase look with beautiful colors! And very useful tutorial. Thank you! ❤