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Learn to Use Colorful Harmony
Move past diatonic harmony and learn to use borrowed and altered chords
Improve Your Orchestration
Learn arranging and orchestration techniques that can be applied to any style
Discover the Essence of Japanese Music
With guest lectures on shakuhachi and koto, as well as melody and harmony techniques
Learn to write music for Anime and JRPGs!
From acclaimed composers Ryan Leach and Gavin Leeper comes the eagerly awaited expansion of "The Legend of Otoe: Composing Music for Anime and JRPGs". This sequel triples the original course, adding both Level 2 and Level 3 to Otoe's musical journey!
In Level 2, "Set Out for Adventure," you'll master advanced harmony concepts like modes, borrowed chords, and the essential Japanese harmony techniques inspired by jazz theory. Learn to write melodies in parallel 4ths and 5ths, instantly evoking the signature sound of Japanese music. Then, dive into orchestration with a focus on woodwinds, learning how to blend them seamlessly into your arrangements.
Level 3 takes a darker turn, pushing beyond functional harmony. Explore quartal and quintal voicings beloved by Joe Hisaishi fans, delve into diminished and augmented chords, and unravel the mysteries of non-functional harmony. Enhance your percussion skills and discover how to incorporate traditional Japanese instruments into your compositions.
As a special treat, enjoy exclusive guest lectures from instrument masters Zac Zinger on the shakuhachi and Yoko Rekano Kimura on the koto.
Elevate your anime and JRPG composing skills to new heights with this immersive, expanded journey through The Legend of Otoe!
Ryan Leach
As an 8 year old growing up in South Australia, Ryan started studying guitar so that he could play Beatles songs, which marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for music. Now an award winning composer for Film and TV, his music has been heard on every major network with clients including Disney, The California Lottery, MTV, Lowe’s, Rainn Wilson's SoulPancake, and the Netflix Original film Candy Jar. Before branching out as a freelance composer, Ryan earned a degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music and worked as assistant to veteran composer Michael Levine at Hans Zimmer's Remote Control Productions.
Gavin Leeper
Gavin Leeper is a composer and a music educator. His YouTube channel explores the music of Japanese anime and video games through the lenses of jazz harmony and classical orchestration.
He was previously a band leader for jazz and math rock projects, studied Economics at Stanford, and worked as a Data Scientist at Spotify Japan before taking the plunge on a music career.
Today, he's composing music for video games like "Secret of Moonlight" and "Rotomagnet," while also teaching students from around the world.
Check out the Trailer
Your Journey Through The Course
The course is organized into the following chapters:
This course is divided by the following steps:
Advanced Tonal Harmony
Dive deeper into the rich harmonic world of anime and JRPG music. This section explores sophisticated tonal techniques that give Japanese compositions their distinctive sound. You'll master concepts like modes, borrowed chords, and altered chords.
Ryan and Gavin break down complex harmonic structures found in beloved soundtracks, teaching you how to apply these techniques in your own work. Through practical examples and original compositions, you'll learn to create the lush, emotive harmonies that define the genre.
The core of this section focuses on extended chord progressions and harmonic substitutions. Discover how to use these tools to add depth and interest to your compositions, creating the immersive musical landscapes that transport listeners to fantastical worlds.
- modes
- borrowed chords
- complex harmonic structures
- extended chord progressions
Arranging for Woodwinds
Step into the vibrant world of woodwind orchestration, an essential element in bringing anime and JRPG scores to life. This section focuses on harnessing the expressive power of flutes, clarinets, oboes, and bassoons in your arrangements.
Gavin and Ryan guide you through the unique characteristics of each instrument, demonstrating how to write idiomatic parts that showcase their strengths. You'll learn essential techniques for working with the woodwinds as individuals and as a section.
Master the art of using woodwinds to enhance melodies, provide harmonic support, and add that magical touch to your compositions.
- woodwind orchestration
- instrument characteristics
- idiomatic writing
Non-Functional Harmony
Embark on a journey beyond traditional harmonic rules as we explore the fascinating realm of non-functional harmony. This advanced section pushes the boundaries of conventional composition, introducing you to techniques that create the ethereal and often mysterious sound of modern anime and JRPG music.
Ryan and Gavin demystify concepts like quartal and quintal harmony, diminished and augmented chords, and impressionism. You'll learn how these approaches can create striking emotional effects and evocative soundscapes that defy traditional analysis.
Through carefully crafted examples and guided composition exercises, you'll gain the confidence to break free from standard chord progressions, opening up new worlds of harmonic possibilities in your music.
- quartal harmony
- quintal harmony
- dimisnished and augmented chords
- impressionism
Orchestral Percussion
Unlock the power of orchestral percussion to add depth, rhythm, and excitement to your anime and JRPG compositions. This section delves into the vast array of percussion instruments and techniques that can elevate your music from good to unforgettable.
Gavin and Ryan offer insights into effectively incorporating both pitched and non-pitched percussion into your orchestrations. You'll learn how to use timpani, cymbals, snare drums, and more to enhance dramatic moments, underscore action sequences, and add subtle texture to quieter passages.
You'll master the art of using percussion to drive your music forward, create tension, and infuse your work with the epic scale expected in modern anime and JRPG soundtracks.
- pitched percussion
- non-pitched percussion
- enhancing dramatic moments
- underscoring action sequences
Traditional Instruments
Immerse yourself in the authentic sounds of Japan as we explore the integration of traditional instruments into modern anime and JRPG compositions. This unique section introduces you to the evocative tones of instruments like the shakuhachi and koto.
Guest experts Zac Zinger and Yoko Rekano Kimura guide you through the characteristics, playing techniques, and cultural significance of these instruments. You'll learn how to write effectively for them, blending their distinctive timbres with Western orchestral elements to create truly captivating fusion scores.
Through practical demonstrations and composition tips, you'll gain the skills to incorporate these instruments authentically, adding a genuine touch of Japan to your musical storytelling.
- the Koto
- the Shakuhachi
- playing techniques
- cultural significance
- blending with western elements
Course Curriculum
Walkthroughs
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