This course is addressed to composers who are already familiar with the following concepts:

• Using a DAW to write music. It can be Cubase, Logic, Reaper, or any other. Score editors like Dorico or Sibelius are not DAWs and will not be mentioned in this course. Of course, you don't need to master your DAW but adding new virtual instruments, and inputting or recording MIDI notes should not be an issue for you.
• Virtual instruments (VSTi). You know what they are, and you know how to work with them using your sampler of choice (Kontakt, Play, Synchron Player, Spitfire Player, ...)
• You have some knowledge of the string orchestra. You know its 5 common sections (violins I, violins II, violas, cellos, and basses), and you know the names of the techniques that they can play. These techniques are also known as articulations in the digital realm (legato, spiccato, pizzicato, etc.)
• A bit of music theory. During the composition module, I will not explain what a chord is, for example.

What you don't need to know:

• Reading sheet music. This is not a music theory course. It is a hands-on technical course.
• Advanced music theory.

To follow this course and practice what you will be learning, you need to have:

• A DAW! I'm using Cubase 11 Pro throughout this course but any other DAW will work just fine.
• One but preferably more strings libraries. To illustrate the concepts, I will be using Cinematic Studio Strings and Spitfire Chamber Strings but any other strings library will do just fine.

The following types of plugins are recommended but not necessary as most DAWs come bundled with them:

• A convolution reverb
• An algorithmic reverb
• A dynamic EQ
• A compressor
• A multiband compressor
• A limiter
• A saturation plugin (tape, console emulation, tube emulation, etc)

If you have any other question regarding what you need, or if you are unsure, simply get in touch and we will sort this out together!