An in-depth look at the historical foundations and the compositional development of the étude, and why musicians still use them today!
Tag: arranging
articles about/relating to arranging music
“Descended From Myth” — RJD2 on Playing With Loopy Math (Video)
In this lesson from RJD2’s From Samples to Songs course, we learn how RJ approached one of his most beloved tracks with a conceptual mindset.
What Songs Are You Embarrassed to Admit That You Love?
Ep. 31 of Themes and Variation covers some hardcore guilty pleasures with Soundfly Mentor, composer, and educator, Lavender Looi.
What Songs Are Gateways Into Enjoying Jazz?
Ep. 30 of Themes and Variation features Peter Martin, jazz pianist and composer, educator, and founder of the e-learning site, Open Studio.
“Synthetic Substitution” — How RJD2 Samples Soul Records
In this lesson from RJD2’s From Samples to Songs course, we explore how he approaches soul records and one cut in particular… Tune in!
What Songs Do You Recognize in the First 5 Seconds?
In Ep. 29 of Themes and Variation, we tackle that age-old combination between nostalgia and familiarity. Enjoy our chat with Brian Funk!
What Are Your Favorite Songs That Do Something Incorrectly?
Ep. 28 of Themes and Variation features our conversation with composer and songwriter Lora-Faye Åshuvud (of Arthur Moon) on “incorrect” music.
RJD2 on the Art of Sampling (Video)
In this video premier from RJD2’s new course on Soundfly, he talks about the legacy and art of sampling from a creative, composing standpoint.
What Songs Made You Want to Study Music?
We recorded Ep. 27 of “Themes and Variation” in a livestream featuring NYU’s music-technologist, Ethan Hein. Enjoy the conversation!
“Smoke and Mirrors” — RJD2 on Crafting a Dramatic Reveal (Video)
In this video borrowed from RJD2’s new course on Soundfly, he explains the arrangement mechanism that drives his song “Smoke & Mirrors.”