Dear composers, I'm still in the middle of moving from South Korea to Europe. I will need a few weeks to set up my music studio and recording setup and then I'll continuing making videos <3 Stay tuned!
9 Beginner Mistakes that make your orchestral tracks sound CHEAP, and how you can fix them.
I respect that not everyone wants to watch a 15-minute video, so here’s a written summary. If you can, watch the video for more detail, sound examples and clear instructions how to fix these mistakes.
❌Not using dynamics/mod wheel
Dynamics help you phrase your melodies musically and add gentle swells in your harmonies and textures
Dynamic curves may sound subtle, but they add up if done on every instrument
❌Poor velocities
Put emphasis on notes that carry the rhythm and need to be accented. Reduce velocities on notes that are in-between.
❌Overcomplicating
Keep it simple with just a few main ideas at once. They should compliment and not overshadow each other.
Often, we try to show too many composer skills at once :D
❌Never switching articulations
Experiment with trills, tremolos and marcatos for expressiveness.
Use different short lengths within a phrase (staccatissimo, staccato…) and don’t play short notes with a legato articulations out of laziness <3
❌Low-quality or poorly programmed samples
Poor recording quality, lack of round robins, bad legato transitions or artificial vibrato can make a track sound cheap.
High-quality samples don’t have to be expensive (!!)
❌Acoustic inconsistency
Avoid mixing super dry samples with instruments that carry a lot of room tone.
Same for mic positions.
Feel free to break these rules and experiment!
❌Breathing pauses
Add short breaks to mimic breathing in wind and brass music.
Don't make breaks too long; musicians can play for a while without stopping.
❌Ignoring mixing and production
Mixing and mastering can’t replace solid composition, arrangement and orchestration, but they can make a track sound unpolished and weak.
Use EQ to remove low and low-mid rumble and a compressor to glue instrument sections together a bit more.
❌Relying too much on loops and presets
It’s FINE to use loops and presets, especially if you make music for enjoyment
Try combining, modifying and blending them into your music to turn them into your own sound.
Try adding live elements if you can. A single live-recorded drum or vocal part can have a big effect
What are your most common composing mistakes and how do you overcome them?
Hey composers, long time no new video. I was very busy launching the Become A Pro Composer website (www.becomeaprocomposer.com/) together with its flagship course Orchestral Music Production For Beginners. It also has tons of free content. Seriously, go check it out.
Now I'm back to Youtube! Currently working on a review for Secunda by Wavelet Audio. Super massive throat singing toolkit paired with cinematic sound design. Intro sale goes until March 7. Loving those Emperor Chants! Video coming soon <3
TRACK FEEDBACK STREAM! :) When?: December 23 at 10 PM CET (Central European Time) Duration: ca. 2 hours What's Happening: I'll listen to your track on stream, give feedback and we'll have a great time together! Help out the beginners. Marvel at the experienced ones. And celebrate the talent and diverse styles of the community.
🚀 This is your chance to get opinions and input on your music, learn from peers, and enjoy some amazing music. I'm excited to hear your creations!
The stream is open to everyone. Don't be shy to submit. Especially, if you are a beginner, I'd love to help you.
📤 How to submit your track: Email a downloadable link (like Dropbox or Google Drive) to kevin@becomeaprocomposer.com In the email, include: - Your preferred name - Track name - Track tempo (BPM) - Anything you want us to know about the track, or specific questions/feedback you're looking for. - Try keeping the track length <3 minutes
Supporters who tip at ko-fi.com/kevinkuschel are prioritized. After, I draw randomly from all submissions. Hope this is understandable and sounds fair ❤️
Dear composers, I'm back from holidays all recharged and motivated! Currently reviewing some of the hottest sample library releases this year, so stay tuned. There'll also be more helpful content for beginning composers with a few exciting surprises in the pipeline later this year!
Hope you're all doing well. Keep composing <3 Kevin
Hi composers, just letting you know that I'll be on holiday for the next 6 weeks. No videos during that time, but big plans for when I'm back <3 See you soon!
Kevin Kuschel
Kevin Kuschel
Dear composers, I'm still in the middle of moving from South Korea to Europe. I will need a few weeks to set up my music studio and recording setup and then I'll continuing making videos <3 Stay tuned!
11 months ago | [YT] | 48
View 6 replies
Kevin Kuschel
Most useful free orchestral sample library in your life? Comment!
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
View 3 replies
Kevin Kuschel
9 Beginner Mistakes that make your orchestral tracks sound CHEAP, and how you can fix them.
I respect that not everyone wants to watch a 15-minute video, so here’s a written summary. If you can, watch the video for more detail, sound examples and clear instructions how to fix these mistakes.
❌Not using dynamics/mod wheel
Dynamics help you phrase your melodies musically and add gentle swells in your harmonies and textures
Dynamic curves may sound subtle, but they add up if done on every instrument
❌Poor velocities
Put emphasis on notes that carry the rhythm and need to be accented. Reduce velocities on notes that are in-between.
❌Overcomplicating
Keep it simple with just a few main ideas at once. They should compliment and not overshadow each other.
Often, we try to show too many composer skills at once :D
❌Never switching articulations
Experiment with trills, tremolos and marcatos for expressiveness.
Use different short lengths within a phrase (staccatissimo, staccato…) and don’t play short notes with a legato articulations out of laziness <3
❌Low-quality or poorly programmed samples
Poor recording quality, lack of round robins, bad legato transitions or artificial vibrato can make a track sound cheap.
High-quality samples don’t have to be expensive (!!)
❌Acoustic inconsistency
Avoid mixing super dry samples with instruments that carry a lot of room tone.
Same for mic positions.
Feel free to break these rules and experiment!
❌Breathing pauses
Add short breaks to mimic breathing in wind and brass music.
Don't make breaks too long; musicians can play for a while without stopping.
❌Ignoring mixing and production
Mixing and mastering can’t replace solid composition, arrangement and orchestration, but they can make a track sound unpolished and weak.
Use EQ to remove low and low-mid rumble and a compressor to glue instrument sections together a bit more.
❌Relying too much on loops and presets
It’s FINE to use loops and presets, especially if you make music for enjoyment
Try combining, modifying and blending them into your music to turn them into your own sound.
Try adding live elements if you can. A single live-recorded drum or vocal part can have a big effect
What are your most common composing mistakes and how do you overcome them?
1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 5
View 0 replies
Kevin Kuschel
Hey composers, long time no new video. I was very busy launching the Become A Pro Composer website (www.becomeaprocomposer.com/) together with its flagship course Orchestral Music Production For Beginners. It also has tons of free content. Seriously, go check it out.
Now I'm back to Youtube! Currently working on a review for Secunda by Wavelet Audio. Super massive throat singing toolkit paired with cinematic sound design. Intro sale goes until March 7. Loving those Emperor Chants! Video coming soon <3
1 year ago | [YT] | 16
View 2 replies
Kevin Kuschel
TRACK FEEDBACK STREAM! :)
When?: December 23 at 10 PM CET (Central European Time)
Duration: ca. 2 hours
What's Happening: I'll listen to your track on stream, give feedback and we'll have a great time together! Help out the beginners. Marvel at the experienced ones. And celebrate the talent and diverse styles of the community.
🚀 This is your chance to get opinions and input on your music, learn from peers, and enjoy some amazing music. I'm excited to hear your creations!
The stream is open to everyone. Don't be shy to submit. Especially, if you are a beginner, I'd love to help you.
📤 How to submit your track: Email a downloadable link (like Dropbox or Google Drive) to kevin@becomeaprocomposer.com
In the email, include:
- Your preferred name
- Track name
- Track tempo (BPM)
- Anything you want us to know about the track, or specific questions/feedback you're looking for.
- Try keeping the track length <3 minutes
Supporters who tip at ko-fi.com/kevinkuschel are prioritized. After, I draw randomly from all submissions. Hope this is understandable and sounds fair ❤️
Looking forward to this! See you soon :)
2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
Kevin Kuschel
Dear composers, I'm back from holidays all recharged and motivated! Currently reviewing some of the hottest sample library releases this year, so stay tuned. There'll also be more helpful content for beginning composers with a few exciting surprises in the pipeline later this year!
Hope you're all doing well. Keep composing <3
Kevin
2 years ago | [YT] | 20
View 2 replies
Kevin Kuschel
Hi composers, just letting you know that I'll be on holiday for the next 6 weeks. No videos during that time, but big plans for when I'm back <3 See you soon!
2 years ago | [YT] | 12
View 2 replies
Kevin Kuschel
What's your top 3 favorite sample library developers?
2 years ago | [YT] | 10
View 9 replies
Kevin Kuschel
Beginner composers, what's your biggest challenge when composing orchestral music?
2 years ago | [YT] | 4
View 11 replies
Kevin Kuschel
How often do you compose in your DAW?
2 years ago | [YT] | 7
View 3 replies
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