Composing and Arranging for the Contemporary Big Band. (Print copy) by
This book follows the creative process from the composition of a tune through further development and orchestration, to a complete arrangement for big band. The music from the CD Prism featuring the GRAMMY(R) Award-winning WDR Big Band and drummer Peter Erskine is the content through which the creative discipline of writing for big band is illustrated and discussed, including melody harmonization for individual sections and full ensemble, writing for the rhythm section, contrapuntal writing, passing harmonies and harmonic embellishment, thematic development, harmonic backgrounds, introductions, interludes, endings, and orchestration, including the use of woodwind doubles and brass mutes. The five original compositions by Bill Dobbins, and his arrangements of three tunes by Peter Erskine, cover a broad range of modern jazz and jazz related styles. Complete concert pitch sketch scores of each composition and arrangement are included, with detailed analytical commentary on the lower half of each page, as well as lead sheets of the tunes on which the arrangements are based. A copy of the Prism CD is included in the book.
The Songwriting Sourcebook. 2nd edn. (Print copy) by
(Reference). Originally published in 2003, and now revised and updated, The Songwriting Sourcebook is the third entry in Rikky Rooksby's bestselling How to Write Songs series. This easy-to-use book will help you write better songs by explaining the art of writing effective chord sequences. It shows: * How three and four chords can lay the foundation for a simple song, and how to move on to progressions using five and six chords * How to give your chord sequences additional color by adding chords that are not strictly in key, including blues chords * How to write chord sequences for songs in minor keys as well as major keys, and how to take progressions into new territories by changing key * How to fine-tune the color of your chords by understanding the emotional potential of sevenths, sixths and ninths All examples come with easy-to-read guitar chord boxes, and the accompanying 20-track audio CD features original recordings that illustrate some of the points made in the book.
Composition for Computer Musicians. (Print copy) by
You might be extremely knowledgeable about the software that you use, have a good understanding of your own genre, and even have a good basic understanding of music theory. However, this does not necessarily mean that you can write effective music tracks. You need another kind of knowledge as well - the knowledge of composition.This friendly guide explains the basics of composing songs and music on the computer using any music using any music creation and recording program, whether you choose Reason, Live, Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Finale, Sibelius, FL Studio, SONAR, or anything else. It's not as hard as it sounds, and this book eases the learning curve so you'll be making music in no time. You'll quickly learn how to program rhythm and drums, create basslines and melodic leads, and use FX and samples. You'll also learn about mixing and mastering your track and distributing it to a mass audience. Composition for Computer Musicians explains it all while showing you the basics of music theory throughout so you'll be sure you're not just making noise on the computer - you're using your computer to make professional-sounding music.
Sound foundations: a source of reference and a guide for aspirting composers. (Print copy) by 
Arranging Songs: how to put parts together.(Print copy) by
(Book). This book is an essential manual of techniques for recording a song. It explores arranging essentials such as grouping instruments effectively, using multi-track recording, artfully layering parts, achieving a good mix, and creating unusual arrangements using common techniques. The accompanying CD illustrates all of the techniques presented in the book. Guitar chord boxes are included for the CD tracks where appropriate.
The Craft and Business of Songwriting: a practical guide to creating and marketing artistically and commerically successful songs. 3rd edn. (Print copy) by
The essential guide for success in songwriting In this comprehensively updated 3rd Edition, John Braheny teaches you the craft of songwriting and then goes behind the scenes of the music business to unearth insider secrets that will make your songs stand out. You'll find exercises and anecdotes to help you: Develop a "songwriter's consciousness" for picking out original ideas Collaborate effectively with co-writers Break into songwriting for film & TV, children's music, and commercials Use the internet to best advantage for pitching songs, networking, and publicity Understand the business of demos and song contracts Braheny also brings you up to date with ongoing changes in online digital song distribution, podcasting, song-pitching services, home recording technology, production music libraries, and web hosting services. It's everything you need to know to make your mark on the world of music!
Lyrics: writing better words for your songs. (Print copy) by
(Book). Lyrics sheds light on all aspects of lyric writing for music and will make songwriters feel more confident and creative when they tackle lyrics. It's perfect for all songwriters: those who don't like their own lyrics and find them difficult to write, experienced writers looking for a creative edge, and those offering lyrics to set to music in a partnership. Topics include channeling personal experiences into lyrics, overcoming writer's block, the right lyrics for a bridge, the separation between lyrics and poetry, exploring imagery and metaphor, avoiding cliches, and more. The book also offers tips on the various styles of lyrics, from protests, spirituals, and confessionals to narratives and comic songs.
The AB guide to music theort part 1. (Print copy) by This link takes you to the Catalogue for books in the West Suffolk College Library
This link will take you to the subject guide for Music Production.
