The Guide to MIDI Orchestration by Paul Gilreath was written specifically for individuals who want to achieve maximum realism in their MIDI compositions using samples and samplers. The book is now in its 3 rd edition. Prior editions have collectively sold over 27,000 copies. The awarding winning author has a degree in composition from Stetson University in Florida and has written music for video games, televisions, trailers and four motion pictures.

The Guide to MIDI Orchestration is the only book ever written that instructs composers working with MIDI and samples on how to produce realistic-sounding compositions. It is an easy to read book that includes hundreds of screen shots, notated examples and graphics, all intended to provide a roadmap that will lead the reader through the complex tasks necessary for him produce exceptionally realistic arrangements.

Who can benefit from this book?

• Composers who are new to MIDI orchestration and are just getting into software samplers
• Composers who orchestrate for real instruments but need to hear realistic representations of their work during the composition process. This group can include music/composition students as well as film, television and game composers who routinely are asked to provide demos before the scoring session.
• Advanced composers who produce the majority of their work in electronic form using MIDI and samples. This group can include film, television and game composers among others.
• Composers who predominantly use notation software (Sibelius or Finale) and want to make better emulations of their work.
• Musicians who need help in determining their needs for studio equipment as well as software (DAWs), plug-ins and orchestral libraries.
• Any composer who writes for any sampled orchestral instrument or section--not just composers in the orchestral genre, but anyone who adds a trumpet, violin, string line, sampled choir, snare drum, etc. to their non-orchestral compositions!

How is the book organized?

• Chapters that discuss the sections of the orchestra and the individual instruments that make them up (strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion as well as piano and harp)
• Chapters in which basic to intermediate orchestration techniques for real instruments explained
• Chapters that discuss setting up DAW/samplers specifically for MIDI orchestration.
• Chapters discussing sequencing techniques for each instrument of the orchestra.
• A chapter on studio setup that including computers, mixing consoles, speakers, interfaces, word clock, acoustic treatment etc. This chapter is extremely helpful for anyone setting up a project studio!
• Chapters on how to achieve realistic reverb including virtually every reverb, delay and EQ plug-in currently available (including native DAW, third party, Powercore and UAD plug-ins).
• Chapters on final production techniques including the mix process.
• A chapter of interviews with industry heavy hitters including Eric Persing, Gary Garritan, Bob Katz, Bob Ludwig and many others. These interviews offer the reader great insight into many behind-the-scene elements of library production as well as mastering techniques that can result in higher quality final productions.
• Chapters containing reviews and implementation techniques for virtually every major orchestral and piano library currently in production.

At a glance  

• 704 pages
• Hardcover text
• Full color text throughout
• Includes many score examples (by Gilreath) and hundreds of screen shots to demonstrate the techniques described
• Author is Paul Gilreath
• Publish date: August 2004
• Awarded 9/10 stars in Music Tech and their “Recommended Buy Award”
• The book also features an excellent Resources chapter that includes useful contact information for the industry (magazines, manufacturers, etc.)