Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
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In the past 24 hours, we have 6 new thread(s), 13 new post(s) and 56 new user(s).

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  • A new user

    V
    V
    Hi! Everyone,
    My name is Tanuj and I am an international student studying music technology in the UK from India. A year back I came to know about VSL and sampling and ever since was taken by storm. I love film music and really want to get into it. But, I think I know too little and need some help to get going somewhere.

    Firstly, I would like to ask a very important question that haunts me every other night. I cannot read and write music - how big a problem is that? In India as a child, I did not have the opportunity to learn western classical music and now I am 21 and doing a technology based course (Electroacoustic music). Is it possible to use Sibelius or something like that even if you dont know much about music theory?

    At the moment, I am using two Pc's. One for Pro tools LE Digi 002 rack and the other for gigastudio 3 orchestra. I got the Epic horns library recently and work with that and the default VSL samples included in the pacakage. I am now going to invest in the Complete Pro edition. Will I be able to use the performance tool with that? Is it advisable for me to buy that library or will it be a waste of money? I really want to do this kind of music from the bottom of my heart but I have difficulties because I dont know enough. Also, whats the best way of using VSL - any tips for starters? Where should I start and what to try out? You can listen to some of my music on www.tanujtiku.com in the my music section. And please do comment on it if you guys have time.

    I think, I have asked too many questions in this thread. Please do reply and help me out. Other questions, I will ask later.

    Thanks a lot.
  • W
    W
    Welcome Tanuj!
    Nice looking website you have there. I quickly listened to your demo's, just before I'm out for lunch, and first impression is that the compositions are quite nice. I love fun and abstract things, so I was particularly enthused by the Are You Listening sound 'collage', and I like the Indian Classical also (altough a bit redundant - but the atmosphere is quite striking).

    Programmation could improve vastly, but that's an area where I also am struggling and learning.

    ...so welcome!
  • J
    J
    Indeed, learning to read and write music is not the ordeal that some make it out to be - just do it, and you will be much happier. [H]
    Since you are in the UK right now, it is a fairly simple matter to find a tutor from one of the colleges who can give you a few lessons, starting with notation and then getting into theory and harmony and such. It is entirely possible to learn all this on one's own, but if you are just starting and are unsure of where to begin a good instructor will guide you in the right direction and accelerate your development.
  • DietzD
    VSL Team
    DietzD
    Welcome Tanuj,

    Although it helps a lot, you don't necessarily _need_ to be able to read western notation to use our samples properly. A good ear and a strong vision is actually all you need, as there are mighty MIDI-sequencers that give you detailed access to every aspect of a musical performance in real time, without urging you to see a classical score. Programs like Cubase SX, Nuendo, Logic, Performer or Cakewalk offer plenty of MIDI-facilities to get your ideas realized.

    Be aware that many people consider the Vienna Symphonic Library to be a "new" instrument that you will need to practice a little bit to get "fluent". The results are worth the effort, I'd say [;)]

    All the best,

    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
  • H
    H
    I can't read or write music, but after a few test sketches, I can tell that I would benefit from learning. I will probably teach myself though as I usually do.

    One thing you can do which I have found useful, is to go to this site...

    http://www.classicalarchives.com/

    they have thousands of midi files of all sorts of classical music, you can then open one up in cubase or whatever and plug in the necessary instrument patches. Granted some of these won't sound great since things like a legato or alternation won't come across, but you will get the feel of it. Or if that sounds too horrible, simply listen to a real recording of it and follow along with the midi file.

    -BW
  • H
    H
    Tanuj,
    While you're thinking about which direction to take, you can access several
    websites that give you the fundamentals at least. Learning to read music isn't as complicated as learning a language. Basic knowledge of notes, staves, simple harmonies, chords, etc. are important, but easily and quickly learnt for the motivated.
    All this and a few other aspects are the basics, and from there you'll have the opportunity to access much information from many places, and able to read it. Like any pursuit, practise is essential, and the fundamentals of music are no different.

    I wish you good luck, and success!

    Regards,

    Alex.
  • DietzD
    VSL Team
    DietzD
    I almost forgot to point you to the huge amount of information concerning orchestral instruments on our site. Just click on the "Instruments"-link on our start-page (in the right top corner) to access the largest on-line collection of instrumental knowledge.

    HTH,

    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
  • M
    M
    why not get a private teacher to bring you up to speed?. if your ears are good, that's the most important part, so you're probably farther along than you might think already. just don't buy into self-imposed limitations and you'll get there before you know it.