What is a Good Book to Learn Orchestration From?

Orchestration is a complex and nuanced field that requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and mentorship. While books are valuable resources, they should be used in conjunction with hands-on experience and guidance from experienced professionals. Here, we discuss some of the best books available to help you embark on your orchestration journey.

The Importance of Practical Experience

As the great composers and orchestrators of the past have shown, mentorship and practical experience are crucial in mastering orchestration. The hands-on practice and one-on-one feedback from a knowledgeable mentor can significantly enhance your understanding and proficiency.

Standout Books for Orchestration

Although no single book can teach orchestration in its entirety, there are several excellent resources that can provide valuable insights and guidance. Let's explore some of the top options:

Don Sebesky – The Contemporary Arranger

For those interested in jazz and contemporary arrangements: Don Sebesky's "The Contemporary Arranger" is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from jazz and pop recordings to Broadway shows and film soundtracks. With over five decades of experience, Sebesky offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. The book comes with a CD featuring examples from the text and is spiral bound for easy reference.

Forsyth – Orchestration

For beginners and those looking for a foundational understanding: Richard William Forsyth's "Orchestration" is a standard text that has been widely used by music students. Although the book is considered somewhat outdated, it still offers a valuable starting point for those new to the field. You can find the text online with commentary by Alan Belkin to enhance your understanding.

Rimsky-Korsakov – Principals of Orchestration

A classic with a historical perspective: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Principals of Orchestration" is a seminal work that has stood the test of time. Though it is dated, it remains a valuable resource. Look for a version that includes commentary by Alan Belkin to provide contemporary insights and relevance.

Kennan and Grantham – The Technique of Orchestration

A beginner-friendly reference: Kent Kennan’s "The Technique of Orchestration" serves as an excellent guide for beginners. It provides a clear and concise introduction to the art of orchestration and is a great starting point for those looking to build their skills.

Adler – The Study of Orchestration

For advanced learners and professional composers: Samuel Adler’s "The Study of Orchestration" is a comprehensive resource for those looking to advance their skills. It is widely regarded as a standard text for composition students and professional composers, offering detailed tutorials and practical exercises.

Online Resources and Courses

In addition to books, there are numerous online resources and courses that can enhance your learning experience. Alan Belkin and Thomas Goss offer online courses that provide valuable guidance and support as you develop your skills in orchestration.

Conclusion

While books can be invaluable tools in your journey to learn orchestration, they should be used in conjunction with practical experience and mentorship. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice and the guidance of experienced professionals, you will be well on your way to mastering the art of orchestration.