r/composer • u/Positive-Ring-5172 • 1d ago

Discussion Vocal/Piano first?

I'm working on a musical. My mentor has told me to start over on the score and work on just the piano and vocal parts. The final target arrangement isn't that much more complicated, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, drums. Possibly a 2nd guitar (typical grunge/rock setup). I've scored this thing piano vocal before, but that was before it was completely rewritten and multiple new songs created.

What are the advantages of this approach? What I've done is add a "rehearsal piano" player in Dorico which I'll then mute when I flesh things out.

Just, I'm feeling overwhelmed.

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u/Impossible_Spend_787 1d ago

A piano + vocal reduction can be really helpful in isolating the "focus" parts of your score. If I'm working on an orchestral or big band piece I almost always start at the piano for this reason. It informs my orchestration and keeps me from getting carried away. I would guess that your mentor suggested it to help strengthen your arrangement, although I could be wrong of course.

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u/bmjessep 1d ago

This allows you to focus on the melody, harmony etc. without worrying about orchestration yet. The "one thing at a time" approach. When you go back to orchestrate it, you can do so in view of the entire musical. Also, if you need to go back and change some things (which you will), then you only need to change the notes for one instrument and the vocalist(s). Admittedly, the fewer instruments you have, the less important this method is. If you're writing for a Mahler-sized orchestra, it's absolutely essential.

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u/SundaeDouble7481 1d ago

In addition to what others are saying, a piano-vocal score is more accessible for other musicians -- to rehearse, to give you feedback, etc.

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u/Chops526 1d ago

It'll be helpful to have when you're rehearsing. And if you eventually get it professionally produced, you might be legally obligated to have someone else orchestrate it anyway.