Orchestration is the art of writing down an existing composition on sheet music for recording or performing by an ensemble.  This differs from transcription in one regard. Whereas transcription involves an audio file only, orchestration involves audio with visual materials to reference.  Usually this is in the form of a midi file provided by a client.  So the orchestrator doesn’t have to burn those extra calories figuring out what pitches are being played – they can simply look at the midi file.

I’ve done an absolute ton of orchestration in my career and its something I take pride in and quite frankly enjoy.  I’m always learning new tricks, and each hour spent orchestrating only adds quality to my own compositions.

Sometimes orchestration involves creating a mockup of a cue in addition to the writing down of the notes – I am adept at both.

Here are some of my favorite cues I’ve orchestrated.  Additionally, I’ve orchestrated most every composition I’ve made.