Film Scoring with Aaron R.

I am a professional saxophonist, composer, music producer, and audio designer for games and other non-linear experiences. I strongly believe in the values of listening, improvising (both in music and in life), and treating every instance and detail as a chance to learn. These are the values on which I base my teaching, as well as my own music. For lessons, I offer teaching in the following: BEGINNER MUSICIANS (ANY INSTRUMENT) - Intro to music theory (scales, chords, harmony, rhythm) - Reading music (both with and without your saxophone!) - How to learn your favorite songs and play them for your friends & family. - Basic saxophone technique / creating your sound - Basic Piano technique and harmony. INTERMEDIATE SAXOPHONISTS / COMPOSERS - Exercises and patterns to improve your speed, range, control, and intonation (i.e. "Intermediate saxophone technique") - Intro to transcription ("How do I learn to quickly play what I hear on a song or album?") We'll be looking at some simple solos from the great jazz, blues, rock, and pop instrumentalists. - Intro to composition ("How do I tell a compelling story in a fixed amount of time?") - Intro to Improvisation. (Use your knowledge of music theory and technique to play cool new stuff on the spot during a song!) - Intro to music notation. ("How do I write music down on paper?") Handwritten or via notation software such as Finale and Sibelius. ADVANCED SAXOPHONISTS / JAZZ COMPOSERS - Advanced transcription. (We'll be looking at more technically and musically challenging solos on your instrument to improve technique and understanding of how to master your instrument.) - Advanced music notation techniques using Sibelius and Finale. - How to self-record to practice, using software like Logic and Pro Tools. - Advanced jazz & classical harmony. ("Wait, I thought there were just 3 chords?") - Advanced composition. (Write music for various ensembles, including jazz big band, orchestra, wind ensemble, rock band, choir, or string quartet.) FILM SCORING (BASIC) - Using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Logic, ProTools, and GarageBand. - Recording MIDI instruments - Writing music to video (quickly!) - Scene analysis from a movie (pick your favorite movie scene with music and we'll analyze how the music is supporting it!) FILM SCORING (ADVANCED) - Making your music sound professional (using advanced sample libraries such as Spitfire, 8Dio, Cinesamples, etc.) - Basic mixing techniques using plugins from Waves, Soundtoys, and stock DAW plugins. - Orchestration - Using Synthesizers in your music (or to support orchestral elements). - Basic mastering techniques. - Advanced film music transcription. (We'll transcribe some music from a movie scene and go in-depth about how it's working, talking about mix, orchestration, use of harmony, rhythm, etc.)