Alexander Releases Writing for Strings Program
 November 20, 2004
Traditionally available at only a few select music schools, Alexander Publishing has released to the public the first of two training programs: Writing For
Strings/Living Music Book Level 1. This new course is based on 30 lessons and includes QuickTime videos, MIDI files, a
sample library, recorded audio examples, PDF scores, a thesaurus of Orchestral Devices, a text on Orchestration, and can
be supplemented by a mentor program, live recording sessions and summer workshops.
Created by Peter Lawrence Alexander, the Writing For Strings/Living Music Book Level 1 program is specifically designed to be used
with either a high quality professional MIDI keyboard or a computer with a sequencing program and software sampling library.
Students on a budget are encouraged to use the new Garritan Personal Orchestra which gives the student everything needed to do the
lessons. Those more advanced and professionally driven are encouraged to consider the Kirk Hunter Concert Strings to supplement
their learning experience.
Starting with the opening lessons and using a MIDI keyboard, students record existing violin, viola, cello and bass lines from the
classics, which they can then compare to budget recordings from LaserLight or Naxos. This way the student discovers what strings
sound like in each register and how to properly phrase for strings. As an added bonus, they can hear how realistic sampled strings can
sound in each register.
Through the first half of the lessons, students progress through principles of string orchestration and referencing scores. In the
second half of the lessons, students are taught specific arranging techniques that are then applied and recorded with five songs they
chose from different music styles. ?
In addition to the course's 30 comprehensive lessons, students get Quick Time videos of string bowings created by Dr. Michael
Hopkins of the University of Vermont, a solo strings sample library in GigaStudio format (which imports into major software
samplers), MIDI files of the major examples, bonus audio lessons for additional demonstrations, analysis of a student recording
session, 15 PDF scores, and for electronic orchestration, a Thesaurus of Orchestral Devices derived from Debussy's Jeux de vagues
movement from La Mer as performed by composer for the BBC Andrew Blaney, a graduate of Bournemouth University in England.
The training materials are supplemented with Mr. Alexander's revision of Rimsky-Korsakov's Principles of Orchestration which has
been endorsed by winners of both the Academy and Emmy Awards.
Students wanting assistance in this section of the Writing For Strings lessons are eligible for the Mentor Program which provides
them with an average of seven lessons with qualified professional instructors.
Alexander Publishing's Writing For Strings program also solves a major problem for both schools and students alike. Since an
overwhelming majority of music composition majors around the world rarely get to hear their final projects performed by a live
orchestra, much less a string ensemble, Alexander Publishing has initiated affordable Recording Sessions that enable students to get a
1-2 minute work recorded for around $250 USD.
Writing for Strings/Living Music Book Level 1 is an independent self-study training guide that can be purchased by individuals and
licensed by any college. Two packages are available from either $159 USD or $179 USD. The 845-page Revised Rimsky-Korsakov's
Principles of Orchestration by Peter Lawrence Alexander is the required text and is available as either a printed book in a 3-ring D-ring
binder or as a downloadable PDF.
Writing For Strings Level 2 will be available in 2005.
For more information, visit their web site at www.alexanderpublishing.com. | 
