Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition from Udemy

Learn how to Master Percussion in Music Composition

Hello and Welcome, all Music Composers & Producers. My name is Mike, and I will now teach you how to create powerful percussion. So that you can add that amazing drive, energy and action into your music compositions.

Get a Complete Guide of Percussion

Create the Sound Palette of Percussion
Design the Colors of Percussion
Dominate the Canvas of Percussion
Master the Performance of Your Percussion Mix

It doesn’t matter what kind of drums and percussion instruments you use in your drum mix. You need the individual parts to be able to cover the full range of the frequency spectrum together.

Think of the classic drum kit when you create your percussion group in your DAW, and add the individual parts into the percussion section.

You need to cover the lows, the mids and the highs. And don’t be afraid of layering, and having several types of percussion per range.

In the end, you will be able to write, perform and design any style of percussion in your music compositions.

My name is Mike, music composer and sound designer since 1998. And I truly love to inspire, motivate and educate creative people like you.

Take Action Now.

Now it is time for you to take action, and dive into the world of powerful percussion for music composition. Let's do this...right now.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Foundations of Percussion

Introduction

ACTION - Active Listening

Master the Sounds

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a complete guide to percussion, covering sound palette creation, color design, and performance mastering, which are essential for music composition

Explores acoustic, electronic, organic, cinematic, tuned, foley, and sound design percussion, offering a broad range of options for composers and producers

Teaches how to cover the lows, mids, and highs in a percussion mix, which is a fundamental aspect of sound design and music production

Includes guides on writing percussion elements, adding expression, and mixing colors of music, which are useful for developing creative and technical skills

Requires learners to actively listen and master sounds, which may require additional equipment not readily available in a typical household or library

Reviews summary

Mastering percussion for composition

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in using percussion for music composition. Many find the content well-structured and the instructor's explanations clear and easy to follow. The focus on different percussion types and how they fit into the frequency spectrum is frequently highlighted as a useful perspective. While some appreciate the practical advice on writing and mixing percussion parts, a few reviewers note that the course covers fundamental concepts and might be less suitable for those already experienced in composing with percussion, suggesting it is best for beginners or those looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.

Includes useful tips for writing and mixing.

"The guides on writing elements and adding expression were practical and useful."

"Tips on mixing the percussion colors were directly applicable to my projects."

"I immediately started implementing the performance techniques in my DAW."

Ideal for those new to composing with percussion.

"As someone new to composition, this course was perfect for getting started with percussion."

"If you're a beginner, this course lays out the fundamentals very well."

"It's a great introduction to the world of percussion for music makers."

Explores various percussion sounds and roles.

"I appreciated learning about the different types of percussion like acoustic, electronic, and cinematic."

"Understanding how different percussion fits into the overall mix was a key takeaway."

"The breakdown of sounds and their placement across the frequency spectrum was incredibly helpful."

Instructor's teaching style is easy to follow.

"Mike explains concepts in a way that's really easy to grasp, even complex ideas."

"The lectures were very clear and concise, making it simple to follow along."

"His teaching approach is fantastic; everything just made sense."

Provides a solid base for percussion in music.

"This course gave me a strong foundation for understanding how to effectively use percussion in my compositions."

"I learned how to build percussion tracks from the ground up, covering all the essentials."

"Great starting point for anyone new to arranging drums and percussion in a DAW."

May be too basic for experienced composers.

"For someone with more experience, the course might feel a bit too fundamental."

"I was hoping for more advanced techniques or complex rhythm ideas."

"It covers the basics well but doesn't dive deep into intricate patterns or sound design nuances."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reviewing basic music theory will help you understand the rhythmic and structural elements of percussion writing.

Browse courses on Time Signatures

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Review note values and time signatures.
Practice rhythmic dictation exercises.
Study basic musical forms.

Study 'Principles of Orchestration'

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Studying this book will provide a deeper understanding of how to orchestrate percussion instruments within a larger ensemble.

View Principles of Orchestration (Dover Books On... on Amazon

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Read the sections on percussion instruments.
Analyze orchestral scores to see how percussion is used.
Experiment with different percussion combinations in your own compositions.

Read 'The Art of Drumming'

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Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of drumming techniques and styles, enhancing your ability to compose effective percussion parts.

View Extended Play: Sounding Off from John Cage to... on Amazon

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Read the sections on different drumming styles.
Practice the exercises in the book.
Analyze the drumming patterns in your favorite songs.

Three other activities

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Explore Advanced Percussion Techniques

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Following tutorials on advanced percussion techniques will expand your sonic palette and inspire new compositional ideas.

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Search for tutorials on specific percussion instruments or techniques.
Follow along with the tutorials and practice the techniques.
Incorporate the new techniques into your compositions.

Compose a Short Percussion Piece

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Composing a short percussion piece will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course and experiment with different sounds and rhythms.

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Choose a specific style or mood for your piece.
Experiment with different percussion instruments and sounds.
Write out the percussion parts using standard notation or a DAW.
Record or program the percussion parts.

Create a Percussion Sound Library

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Creating a percussion sound library will give you a collection of unique sounds to use in your compositions and deepen your understanding of sound design.

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Record a variety of percussion instruments and sounds.
Edit and process the sounds to create unique textures.
Organize the sounds into a library for easy access.
Experiment with using the sounds in your compositions.

Career center

Learners who complete Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Percussion Instructor

A Percussion Instructor teaches the fundamentals of drumming and percussion instruments to students of all ages and skill levels. They develop lesson plans, assess student progress, and provide guidance on technique and musicality. The course titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" can give a percussion instructor a wider and deeper understanding of the elements, and it discusses the particulars of percussion. By taking this course, a percussion instructor may gain insight into the sounds of percussion, from the acoustic drum kit to sound design hits. With the knowledge gained from the course, a Percussion Instructor helps students master the performance of percussion, so that the student can add amazing expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Percussion Instructor

Drum Programmer

A Drum Programmer specializes in creating realistic and dynamic drum patterns using software and electronic instruments. They often work with music producers and composers to enhance the rhythmic foundation of their tracks. The course titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" helps you master percussion in music composition. By taking this course, a drum programmer will be able to create powerful percussion. Because the course gives a complete guide of percussion, it may be useful to Drum Programmers.

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Sound Designer

Sound Designers create and manipulate audio elements for various media, including films, video games, and interactive installations. They are responsible for crafting the sonic landscapes that immerse audiences in the experience. Sound design can be improved greatly through percussion fundamentals. The course teaches learners how to create the sound palette of percussion. The course teaches how to design the colors of percussion. By taking this course, a sound designer will be able to dominate the canvas of percussion.

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Musical Instrument Designer

A Musical Instrument Designer conceptualizes, designs, and prototypes new musical instruments or modifications to existing ones. They often combine artistic vision with engineering principles to create instruments that offer unique sounds and playing experiences. The course teaches how to create a sound palette of percussion. By taking this course, a musical instrument designer will be able to see the canvas of percussion. The course may be useful because it goes over instruments like the electronic drum kit. This knowledge can better inform the design of new musical instruments.

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Video Game Composer

A Video Game Composer creates the music and soundscapes that define the auditory experience of video games. They work closely with game developers to craft scores that match the game's atmosphere, action, and narrative. As the course is titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition", this role allows composers to bring layers of energy to their games. The course teaches how to create powerful percussion so that you can add drive, energy, and action. Given the course's guide to writing elements and adding expression, it may be useful for a video game composer to take this course and learn how to write expression and mix colors of music.

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Music Producer

A Music Producer oversees the recording, mixing, and mastering of music tracks, ensuring the final product meets artistic and technical standards. They collaborate with artists to shape their sound and bring their creative visions to life. As the course is titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition", this role requires music producers to add dynamic movement to their productions. You may benefit from knowing that the course guides learners to write elements, add amazing expression, and mix the colors of music. Taking this course may be useful for Music Producers and may help them to deepen the integration of percussion.

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Arranger

An Arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different instruments, ensembles, or performance styles. They create new arrangements that retain the essence of the original piece while adding their own creative touches. The course titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" teaches students how to master the sounds, colors, and performance of percussion instruments. By taking this course, an Arranger may learn how to add new colors of music through the use of percussion, and improve the way they write the elements.

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Film Composer

The role of a Film Composer involves creating original music scores that enhance the emotional impact and storytelling of films. This career requires a deep understanding of musical arrangement, orchestration, and the ability to synchronize music with visual elements. This "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" course helps film composers to master the creation of powerful percussion. Given the course's instruction in creating sound palettes and designing the colors of percussion, it may be useful for film composers to take this course and better understand the integration of percussive elements into film scores, adding depth and excitement to cinematic works.

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Studio Musician

A Studio Musician is a versatile instrumentalist or vocalist who performs on recording sessions for various artists and projects. They must be able to adapt to different musical styles and deliver polished performances under pressure. The course titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" may be useful as the studio musician looks to understand how to dominate the canvas of percussion. Percussion is a broad term for many genres. The course teaches how to master the sounds, colors, and performance of percussion. A Studio Musician could find the course useful in this regard.

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Orchestrator

An Orchestrator arranges musical compositions for orchestras or other instrumental ensembles, assigning specific instruments to different musical lines to create a full and balanced sound. This role often requires a strong understanding of musical theory, instrumentation, and arranging techniques. The "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" course may be useful as the Orchestrator seeks to understand how to dominate the canvas of percussion. The course teaches how to master the sounds, colors, and performance of percussion. An Orchestrator could find the course useful in this regard.

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Music Editor

A Music Editor is responsible for assembling, synchronizing, and refining music tracks for films, television shows, and other media. They work closely with composers and directors to ensure the music enhances the overall storytelling. As the course is titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition", aspiring music editors may find it helpful to find and arrange powerful percussion tracks. The course teaches how to add drive, energy, and action into music composition. The course also mentions that learners will master performance.

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Audio Engineer

An Audio Engineer specializes in the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering audio. They operate and maintain recording equipment, manipulate sound levels, and ensure high-quality audio output, making them responsible for the final sound. As the course is titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition", working in audio may benefit from a deeper knowledge of specific instruments. The course covers mastering the sounds of percussion. Because the course goes over the electronic drum kit, an audio engineer may find this course useful to them.

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Jingle Writer

A Jingle Writer composes short, memorable musical pieces for advertisements and promotional materials. They must be adept at crafting catchy melodies and lyrics that resonate with target audiences. The "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" course may be useful as the Jingle Writer seeks to understand how to dominate the canvas of percussion. The course teaches how to master the sounds, colors, and performance of percussion. A Jingle Writer could find the course useful in this regard.

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Music Supervisor

A Music Supervisor selects and licenses music for films, television shows, and other visual media. The Music Supervisor must possess a strong knowledge of music licensing, contracts, and copyright laws. The course titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" may be useful to a music supervisor who needs to be aware of the various options for percussion within a musical score. Given the course's instruction in mastering sounds and colors, it may be useful for music supervisors. The course teaches active listening.

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Ethnomusicologist

An Ethnomusicologist studies the music of different cultures, examining its social, cultural, and historical contexts. This career often requires advanced degrees such as a master's degree or doctorate. The course titled "Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition" may be useful, since the study of different cultures in different parts of the world may require a mastery and a passion for percussion. The course discusses organic percussion and cinematic percussion. By taking this course, an Ethnomusicologist may gain insight into a variety of cultural sounds.

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Master Percussion Fundamentals for Music Composition

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Mastering percussion for composition

Activities

Career center

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