Hi Composers,

In this 20 minute video, I show you why harmony is the ultimate preparation for orchestration. Many of us who come from an American tradition will 'learn' orchestration through score study or analysis, and this is a vast 'gaspillage du temps' as we would say in French, as it does not actually lead to liberation.

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A proper training in harmony, not intellectual, but hands-on, gives you the tools to hear the orchestration you want and manage the many, many problems that sprout up. 

Orchestration is like being in charge of a vast kingdom: there are many actors and problems to deal with, and you cannot go thrashing about from problem to problem, with no clear understanding of what is important and what is less important.

In addition, you need as much as possible of the base skills, such as voice leading, and fillling in middle voices, to be on auto-pilot, so you can breathe and think clearly: this is where harmony comes in.

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I recommend watching the entire video so that you can follow the thought process and evidence that I present in its entirety, but if you are pressed for time, the most important sections are "Orchestrating a Climax" and "Voice Leading in Harmony Exercises." Use the chapter markings.

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I hope that you are successful in composing and orchestrating a beautfiul and highly original composition, and do not forget that no matter how good your orchestration is, you still need to get a performance.

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You can leave any questions as a comment in the video itself.

-Barney (updated March 6th, 2026)