Creating Epic Heroic Themes
In this Groove3 video tutorial series, production pro Gary Hiebner reveals how to produce epic heroic musical themes, perfect for film and video productions, as well as gaming titles!
Videos
• Introduction (03:44) - Gary welcomes you and gives an introduction to what Epic, Heroic Themes are, plus a demo of the song is played that will be covered in the series.
• Instrumentation (08:20) - In this video, Gary gives a run though of the project and the instruments used in the Heroic composition. Having a starting template like this can really help your workflow.
• Heroic Chord Progressions (04:35) - Explore some key heroic chord progressions, great for a starting point for your compositions.
• Coming Up with a Motif Theme on Piano (06:22) - In this video, see how to use the piano to come up with some motif theme ideas over the chord progression. Gary also gives a great tip on how rising intervals are used to get that classic hero theme.
• Building Up the Rhythm (15:31) - Now take a look at how to build up the percussion rhythm for the composition.
• Converting the Melody to the Solo Horn (08:31) - In this video, see how you can move your rough melody line across to the solo horn for creating an introduction section in the arrangement.
• Using the Horns Ensemble for the Melody (09:35) - Here, we develop the melody further, by orchestrating it out through the brass ensemble section.
• Adding Brass Staccato Stabs (04:28) - Explore how to use the brass to compliment the percussion by using short, staccato brass lines.
• Add Counter Brass Melody (04:02) - In this video, take a look at how you can add counter brass melodies into your arrangement, to create more interest in the song.
• Orchestrating the Strings Over the Melody (12:50) - Discover how to orchestrate out the strings to the different sections within the string ensemble.
• Modulate the Composition (18:03) - Gary now shows how you can modulate your piece to another key. This is a great way to heighten the intensity of the composition!
• Adding Fast Extra String Ostinati Parts (09:17) - To Accompany the new key change, see how to add a fast string obstinate on top of the other instrumentation, adding extra pace to the song.
• Rock Electric Guitars (05:25) - Most modern Heroic song incorporate other elements to give you a Hybrid Orchestral composition. In this video we take a look at how electric rock-style guitar can give extra power to the piece.
• Rock Drums (06:38) - To accompany the rock guitars, it also works well to add in some rock-style drums over the other percussion.
• Adding Sound Design Elements (08:39) - Other elements that work well in Hybrid, Epic Heroic pieces, are synth pads, drones, and pulses. Gary shows you how these can be used in the arrangement!
• Orchestral Swells & Impacts (11:59) - Another way to add tension to these compositions is to use orchestral swells and big impacts. This video walks you through the different types of elements to use.
• Bringing Life with Reverb (05:57) - Often you'll be working with different instruments and sample libraries. A great way to bring life to the arrangement is to use multiple reverb units and send your tracks to them. This video guides you through this process.
• Adding in Choirs (11:52) - Choirs add a great human element into MIDI Mockup styles of productions. Discover how to add expression to your song with Choirs!
• Outro & Tempo Changes (10:01) - See how to finish off the arrangement with an Outro, and how tempo adjustments can add extra interest and impact to the arrangement.
• Applying Mix Processing (06:26) - This video takes a look at the type of processing effects you can use in your composition to make it sound finished and professional.
• Create VCA Master Faders (04:31) - Gary finishes off the course by showing you how to use VCA Master faders to better control the mixing of the different sections in your song.