Explanation of tuning, shifting, and double-stops.
Practicing transposition for instruments like the Clarinet in Bb, Horn in F, and Trumpet in Bb.
The accompanying workbook offers targeted exercises that transform theoretical knowledge into practical scoring skills. Core Content and Structural Breakdown
The Technique of Orchestration by Kent Kennan: A Masterclass in Orchestral Writing
Kennan emphasizes the physics of sound. Following the natural overtone series, he teaches that chords should be spaced widely at the bottom (low registers) and tightly at the top (high registers). Packing intervals closely in the bass clef results in a muddy, amateurish mix, a trap Kennan explicitly helps students avoid. 💡 Strategic Doubling The Technique Of Orchestration Kent Kennan Pdf
Orchestration is the art of assigning musical notes to various instruments within an ensemble. Unlike simple instrumentation—which defines what the instruments can physically play—orchestration dictates how those instruments interact, balance, and color a musical piece.
Detailed descriptions of every standard orchestral instrument, covering ranges, transpositions, and unique technical characteristics. Sectional Writing: Guidance on scoring for specific families, such as the String Orchestra , woodwind sections, and brass groups. Advanced Techniques:
The book categorizes percussion into definite and indefinite pitch instruments. It guides the reader through proper notation and the atmospheric use of rhythm.
Spacing your MIDI chords according to Kennan’s acoustic principles reduces frequency masking, resulting in less equalization (EQ) work during the mixing stage. Explanation of tuning, shifting, and double-stops
If you are ready to take your composition skills to the next level, I can help you dive deeper into specific orchestration techniques. Let me know if you would like to:
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and their auxiliary variants (Piccolo, English Horn, Bass Clarinet). The text highlights the vast differences in tone color across different registers of each instrument.
"The Technique of Orchestration" by Kent Kennan is a practical, pedagogical book that introduces orchestration fundamentals for composers, arrangers, and students. First published in mid-20th century and revised in later editions, it emphasizes clear, usable descriptions of instruments, their ranges, timbres, technical limits, and practical scoring techniques. Kennan’s approach balances musical examples with concise technical guidance, making the book a staple in many composition and orchestration courses.
The Technique of Orchestration by Kent Kennan: The Definitive Guide for Composers and Arrangers Core Content and Structural Breakdown The Technique of
Kent Kennan was a composer himself, and his writing style reflects a composer's pragmatism. He avoids overly academic jargon in favor of direct, descriptive language. He is famous for his "Rules of Thumb"—practical advice such as:
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Written in a direct, accessible style suitable for both beginners and advanced orchestrators.