Beyond the Basics: Layering Articulations in Dorico Orchestral Mockups
Will Edwards, Artist. Creative Problem Solver. Musician
Regardez ce cours et des milliers d'autres
Regardez ce cours et des milliers d'autres
Leçons de ce cours
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1.
Introduction
1:35
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2.
Why Use Layered Articulations?
2:46
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3.
Using Base Switches and Add-Ons
4:49
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4.
Fixing Playback with Exclusion Groups
4:58
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5.
Control Articulations with MIDI CC
6:11
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6.
Build a Layered Expression Map
4:36
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7.
Mapping Your Preferred Dynamic Range
6:34
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8.
Testing Your Map in a Musical Phrase
4:15
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9.
Tips and Project Guidance
3:44
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Le niveau est déterminé par l'opinion majoritaire des apprenants qui ont évalué ce cours. La recommandation de l'enseignant est affichée jusqu'à ce qu'au moins 5 réponses d'apprenants soient collectées.
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À propos de ce cours
Class Overview
In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to build layered articulations in Dorico using base switches, add-ons, and MIDI CC. If you’ve ever struggled to combine legato, dynamics, and accents in a single expression map, this class will give you a clear and effective path forward.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this class, you’ll be able to:
- Understand the difference between base and add-on switches
- Use mutual exclusion groups to prevent clashing techniques
- Layer articulations using MIDI CC for precise playback
- Build and test complex, multi-layered expression maps
- Shape dynamic range and expressive nuance using CC values
Why You Should Take This Class
Layered articulations are essential for realistic playback in Dorico. Many composers stop at basic techniques—legato, staccato, pizzicato—but the real magic happens when you combine them thoughtfully. In this class, you’ll gain tools to move beyond simple switches and design flexible maps that can adapt to expressive, nuanced writing. Whether you’re mocking up a film score or refining a concert work, this knowledge will help your playback feel more lifelike and compelling.
You’ll also learn a practical method for testing your maps in context, so you can debug and refine as you go. This module is grounded in real-world workflow and offers you immediate, professional-grade results.
Who This Class Is For
This class is ideal for composers and orchestrators using Dorico who are ready to go beyond the basics of expression mapping. You should already be familiar with how to assign playback techniques and create simple maps.
Materials/Resources
You’ll need a working installation of Dorico (Pro edition recommended), one or more sample libraries that respond to key switches or CC, and a basic working expression map to build on. Template files and example maps will be provided.
Rencontrez votre enseignant·e
I'm a fulltime media composer with a passion for music and programming. I have honed my skills as a production engineer, gigging artist, and I'm an academically trained film composer at Berklee College of Music. I delight in crafting powerful and immersive audio experiences for TV, films, video games and media. Dedicated and curious, I possess over 20 years of expertise in computer programming, proficient in C#, Java, and Lua, as well as experience with implementation software (game audio), sound design tools, and techniques.
Core Competencies:
Music Composition Sound Design Audio Editing & Mixing DAW Proficient (Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton) Middleware/implementation (Wwise) Production and Adaptive Score TechniquesI specialize in bridging the gap between music and techno... Voir le profil complet
Projet de cours pratique
Project Overview
In this project, you’ll create a short musical phrase in Dorico that uses two articulations layered together—for example, a legato line with a bold attack or a sustained note with a tremolo overlay. This is a powerful technique for composers who want to make their virtual instruments sound more expressive and lifelike.
You’ll learn how to use Add-On Techniques in your expression map and, if needed, how to trigger a second patch on another channel to simulate layering.
Your Goal
Write a 1–2 measure phrase using your favorite sample library, then configure your expression map so that two articulations trigger at the same time—one as a base (like legato), and one as an add-on (like marcato, bold, or tremolo).
What to Do
1.Open a new Dorico project or use an existing one.
2.Choose a base articulation (like legato or sustain).
3.Choose a second articulation to layer on top (like marcato, staccato, or tremolo).
4.Update your expression map using either:
- An Add-On Technique
- A secondary channel assignment if needed
5.Notate a short phrase that uses both articulations together.
6.Play it back and tweak your settings until both techniques trigger cleanly.
What to Share
Post the following in the Project Gallery:
- A screenshot of your Key Editor in Dorico, showing both techniques in action
- A screenshot of your expression map entry
- A short audio clip or video of your playback (2–6 seconds is perfect)
- A quick note about what you learned or improved
Helpful Tips
- Use libraries like BBCSO, VSL, Spitfire, Iconica, or NotePerformer—anything with multiple articulation options.
- If using a second channel, remember to assign it in the Endpoint Setup window.
- Not sure how to build the map? Rewatch Lesson 4 or 5 in this module for a step-by-step demo.
Challenge Variation (Optional):
Try layering three techniques (e.g., legato tremolo sul pont) using a combination of base, add-on, and channel routing.
Notes attribuées au cours
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