Music for Movies: the Hollywood Sound

“Norman has played in my orchestra since my earliest scores, and frequently orchestrates for me as well. In his book, he covers the basics of orchestration from the invaluable point of view of one of Los Angeles’ top session players.”
– Michael Giacchino (Oscar, Emmy and Grammy winning composer)

“This book is amazing, I had no idea of the depth and size of the study you made. Congrats on this most needed book!”
– Randy Miller (Orchestrator and composer of more than 30 film and TV shows)

“To any one wishing to become a Composer and or Orchestrator I highly recommend this book. It has been a rewarding experience.”
– Eddie Karem (Orchestrator for John Williams)

“Norman Ludwin, or rather Dr. Norman Ludwin, in addition to all the qualifications that befit him, is also a dedicated teacher, committed to seeing the progress and success of his students. I have been using his teaching material for years, with great benefit, and I am delighted with this new material of his! If you aspire to be a top arranger and/or orchestrator for film music, you are in the right place.” – Zeh Netto (Composer and guitar player)

“To the myriad books and courses available on the art of orchestration, Dr. Ludwin adds his ‘Music for Movies: The Hollywood Sound’. Drawing upon his wide knowledge as a session player, orchestrator, and composer, the author takes the reader step-by-step through the workbook and provides exercises to help sharpen his or her composition and orchestration skills.” – Timothy Rodier (Owner of Omni Music Publishing)

“This book is an exceptionally comprehensive guide for composers, enriched with listening examples, practical tips, and valuable tricks.” – (Feridun Emre Dursun, Sound Designer, Turkey)

What makes the music for movies so special? Why has making music for media become one of the most sought-after careers in the industry? What are the challenges of this profession and how to properly prepare for succeeding at it?

Norman Ludwin, an accomplished American composer and teacher, with over 40 years of experience as a session musician and orchestrator in Hollywood, delves into the core of such questions by focusing on the three fundamental aspects of learning to write music for films: composition, orchestration, and techniques for developing your own material. His hands-on approach cuts though complexities while providing sound foundations and a consistent set of tools of the trade for the modern composer. The information provided is always supported by – and often originates from – a wealth of musical examples, where Dr. Ludwin’s unique analytical style casts light on the path from awareness to creativity.

Topics covered:

• Workflow and process
• Outlining
• Chord Substitutions
• Textures
• Score Reduction
• Development Charts
• Orchestration Insights
• Effective Ranges
• Instrumental Colors
• Doublings
• Orchestration and Arrangement Examples
• Hollywood Sound Secrets
• Orchestration and Motivic analysis of Prélude à la nuit from Maurice Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole

The book also includes a range of exercises, specifically designed to assist readers in honing their orchestration abilities and further developing their musical compositions. All material comes with audio tracks, available online.

Aimed at students and teachers of courses in Film Music, as well as aspiring composers for the media, Music for Movies captures the magic of the encounter between the two arts in a practical, approachable, and well-organized way, essential to make your music writing both meaningful and inspiring.