Writing for the Percussion Section

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As a beginner composer, do you struggle to write effectively for the Percussion Section? In this video I breakdown the basics of writing and orchestrating for a Percussion Section, including a brief description of the main instruments. I then take you through an orchestral piece detailing various Percussion writing and orchestration techniques, to help you get the best sound from the section, alongside my recommendations for Percussion sample libraries for beginner composers. 



00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Low Drums Overview (Timpani, Bass Drum, Taikos, Surdos)
04:12 - Mid Range Drums Overview (Toms)
04:35 - High Drums Overview (Snare Drum)
05:04 - Metals Overview (Cymbals, Tam Tam/Gong)
07:24 - Example of writing for Low Drums
09:46 - Example of writing for Mid Range Drums
11:08 - Example of writing for High Range Drums
12:38 - Example of writing for Metals
14:11 - Whole piece with Orchestra
16:23 - Recommended Percussion Sample Libraries for beginners
19:06 - Outro

Recommended Percussion Sample Libraries

Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover

Project Sam The Free Orchestra

Spitfire Audio  Originals Cinematic Percussion

Audio Imperia Nucleus Lite

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