The Art of Arranging Music

When music is arranged, it is transformed from one form into another. This can be as simple as transposing a song or as complex as a full orchestration. A good arrangement takes time and careful planning to implement, and requires creativity, logical thinking, and attention to details.

From Jazz Arranging, by Norman David (Ardsley House Publishers, 1998)

Arranging is the practice of designing musical works; it follows composition chronologically. Composer and arranger are often the same person.

An arrangement can be described as music that is planned and diagrammed in advance of performance. Arrangers must be well-rounded musicians with adequate knowledge of composition, theory, and instrumentation. Their craft is fueled by inspiration and soul power—it involves a sense of daring, spontaneity, and a considerable amount of self-confidence...

Successful arrangers are also researchers who, when necessary, investigate and listen to music styles unfamiliar to them in order to complete projects in a professional and satisfying manner. Although it does not create a musical style, arranging molds the music within a style...

I specialize in high-quality music arrangements of any type. I am experienced in a wide variety of musical styles, and can easily train myself in unfamiliar styles to suit your needs

I pride myself on creating a clear, well-formed score that is easy to read and free of any errors or ambiguous notation. I adhere to the highest standards in all of my typesetting. I use the Finale, by Coda Software, or Sibelius for all my arrangements.

Types of Arrangements

"Arranging" covers a wide variety of topics, including the following

• Lead Sheets
• Transposition
• Transcription
• Part Extraction
• Piano Reduction
• Orchestration
• Vocal Arranging
• Miscellaneous Arranging
• Music Engraving

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