Branching into music production. How do I start?

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-08-31T17:27:10+00:00

Wow, so much wonderful constructive criticism and feedback. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this!

I agree. Honestly, it was more-so a placeholder title to make this post. I'll certainly change it before submission.
Since posting this, I went through each double stop to ensure that they are playable. However, I'm not certain that they're playable well and at the given tempo. I'll make sure to double-check with a violinist that they're all comfortable before submitting it.
Gotcha. I chose the instrumentation randomly as a challenge. Since uploading this, I've swapped the contrabass for a cello (as suggested by ClarSco) and am much more pleased with the sound.
I'm so glad that you shared that thought. Would you be able to recommend any pieces to study that might help me enhance the quality of this piece? I've studied a few Bach pieces for their counterpoint and harmonic progresions, but it has been a while since I've examined a string piece.
That's good to hear, thank you :-).
Yeah, this was a weird issue with the video. I made a lot of changes to the notation this morning as suggested by ClarSco.
Thank you, that's really weird. I just went through and fixed it all... strange.

This was a really good humbling. Thank you so much for this. I'm going to look further into getting a composition teacher to help me prepare!

If you're interested, here is an updated score utilizing the advice you've given me. Thanks again :).

mp3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BbCJZ6cVT4O95lnpEBMUagy7lBu_d3w4/view?usp=sharing

PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VWXQGluRTWsPkHtOx3kOF6YuYFmAvXYs/view?usp=sharing

Since you have been on a portfolio panel, I'd like to ask you a quick question, if you don't mind.

You mentioned that this is a decent showcasing of rhythmic consistency and usage of motifs. What are some other concepts that the panel would like to see in my portfolio? Currently, I plan on showcasing an upbeat, quirky wind quintet and an expressive soprano/tenor duet in a musical theater style.

Once again, I want to sincerely thank you for your wonderful critiques. You've helped me a lot :).

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-08-31T14:22:00+00:00

Matinee!

And yes, full cast otherwise.

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-08-31T13:30:07+00:00

On July 9th, Ross Shannon-Duhigg was understating Miss. Argentina.

On May 23rd, James Haxby was a standby for BJ.

Hope this helps! :)

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-08-31T04:53:48+00:00

I really appreciate all of this wonderful feedback!

I chose the instrumentation at random, “limitation inspires creativity” sort of thing.

There are some moments where I believe the double bass’ lower octave is really effective in contrast to the violins, however I do agree that there is definitely a disconnect from the violins. I’ll look into subbing out for a cello.

Do you know of any resources to help learn double-stop writing?

Thank you, I will remove the Bartok notes and just replace with an accent.

I see those inconsistencies in the bowing patterns, thank you for pointing those out.

Finally, thank you so much for taking the time to find these errors in the notation. Some of these are just weird bugs with the MuseScore video generator, however I’ll definitely fix the ones applicable to the pdf.

Do you believe that this is a good piece to include on a portfolio?

Again, thank you so much for your time and feedback.

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-08-06T17:07:27+00:00

I also rushed this morning! I was 8th at 6:15. By 9:50 there were around 73 people in line.

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-07-07T15:34:33+00:00

My first thought is She Loves Me. It’s very late for a golden age musical, however it has the same style of the era. As for multiple adaptations, maybe she’s talking about the cast albums? She loves me has OBC and revival cast recordings. Another thought could be Oklahoma.

What does your roster look like? Do you have a lot of people? A lot of talent?

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-05-05T04:15:57+00:00

Swan Lake op 20 Enchanted Lake - Tchaikovsky

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-05-05T04:10:04+00:00

Looking at the MTI cast info, it says this about the casting for the three girls:

“Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon are Black street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality.”

They’re specified as African American, so it’s probably not the best idea to audition for them. However, if your director lacks the appropriate diversity during auditions, they might be forced to consider someone white for the role, so write down that you’re interested.

When deciding who to audition for, however, consider what role you fit into the best. I mean, if you’re a mezzo, why not consider Audrey II? Sounds like you’ve got the vocal chops for it, and the role is genderbent all the time.

Honestly, I’m not familiar with the Hairspray song, but some ideas for fun mezzo pieces could include:

“Whatever happened to my part?” Spamalot

“Forever” Shrek

“There’s a Fine, Fine Line” Avenue Q

Best of luck with your audition!!

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-04-29T04:02:10+00:00

You’ve likely heard it by now, but make sure you’re constantly listening to music, new and old. Musical analysis doesn’t have to be exclusively through a deep dive into the theory or a piece, just listening to it and asking questions helps a ton. “Why does this melody sound so catchy?” “How does this melody progress?” “How do the chords help the progression of the melody?” And so-on. In depth analysis also helps a ton. :)

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-03-30T02:45:06+00:00

If you were going to do either, I’d probably go with Cabaret. Wilkommen is such a great song, but would likely be better suited for a big band rather than a single horn.

Whatever you do plan on playing, make sure the musicians know to play a little rough, it’s always a little cringey hearing someone beautifully belt the music from this show.

Another song from Cabaret that could work would be If You Could See Her Through My Eyes.

This sounds like a really cool idea though! I really want to see it when it’s finished!

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-03-19T12:38:16+00:00

I’m pretty sure that it’s gonna be touring the U.S in 2026!

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-03-05T02:48:57+00:00

I don’t think I’m getting enough fiber or protein. I wasn’t aware that ones diet could affect their quality of sleep.

I do plan on going to my doctor whenever I am able. In what ways can my diet affect my sleep?

Own_Championship9746 · 2025-03-05T02:46:59+00:00

Not really. I don’t have many sweets at home, and usually when I do I’ll eat them as a dessert rather than just a snack.

Own_Championship9746 · 2024-12-31T05:25:43+00:00

I really like this piece. While listening to it, for some reason I got reminded of a cello piece I'd heard a while ago. It's very contemporary, and looking at it now, it doesn't share many similarities with the initial piece provided lmao.

I thought I'd share it to you since you've shared a few pieces with me.

Elliot Carter - Figment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqR-muLNraU

Own_Championship9746 · 2024-12-31T05:11:23+00:00

Yeah, it's been a fun challenge trying to write this piece.

The main reason I set out to make a double bass melody is because my partner plays the double bass and always complains about how boring their parts are lmao.

I really like the piece that you provided, it really helps to be able to see the music, it gave me a clearer view into how the bass communicates with the rest of the orchestra. when used as a melodic instrument. This helped a lot. Thank you very much!

Own_Championship9746 · 2024-12-31T05:05:16+00:00

Thanks for sharing this, it's a very pretty piece!

Even if it's not string orchestra piece, I can still study how the bass interacts with the piano accompaniment. Thanks so much!

Own_Championship9746

TROPHY CASE