Some source of information for orchestration stuff?

#1 You might try a local college bookstore and look for the text book for an orchestration class. I'll try to get to the library here and get some names of books and authors..dunno if some of them would still be in print but I'll look anyway

#2 I know you want an online source, but you really can't go wrong with Samuel Adler's "The Study of Orchestration". I used it through college and still find it a valuable reference book. You can get it with an example CD and there is also a workbook to help you learn the material (though I have never seen the workbook I have heard that it is useful).

You really will want a book sometime anyway, as it is easy to flip it open while at the piano or wherever you compose.

#3 You may want to consider a basic music theory book. Most people seem to forget Music does have formulas with structure to create moods, much like color theory (music being argueably much more complex)

#4 ok, thx for ideas guys.

#5 Greg, doesn't that take away the excitement of finding new things urself ?

#6 Music Theory is great for composition and helps one become a more effective composer.

Think of it like art classes at an Art school. You learn how to paint and the formulas of past great artists then when you've aqquired all the skills and knowledge of technique you develop your own style and technique.

#7 The one thing I don't really like about Theory is the stressing of Bach chorales and writing in the SATB form. I know it teaches a lot of useful points but I don't think it should focus as much as it does on chorale writing.

#8 Hey Jiri

This page isn't strictly orchestration but you might find it useful anyway

http://www.shopjt3.com/midi_tips.html

#9 Ok, I'll check it out right now. Thx Benjamin