Course Code: MEL 3085
Academic Year: 2023-2024
This course is a continuation of Popular Music Arranging Techniques 1. Students learn the skills necessary to write and orchestrate in diverse styles of popular music for ensembles consisting of a rhythm section, up to three mixed brass and reeds, lead vocal, and up to three background vocalists. Through interactive learning, in-depth listening and analysis of exemplary stylistic models, arranging assignments, computer sequencing, and faculty and peer critiques of their work, students gain the ability to arrange in a broad range of contemporary popular music styles. In the second half of the semester, contemporary styles involving a combination of software-driven "virtual" instruments and "live" instrumental performance are emphasized (e.g., Contemporary pop-rock, R&B, and hip-hop). The course culminates in a complete song-length arrangement combining "live" and virtual instruments.