Vince Webb's Composing Podcast

How I personally learned to compose music

I discuss the concept of 'composing through improvising' and the 3 main activities which have contributed to my personal development as a composer.

Conversation with a Sample Library Developer (Kirk Hunter)

I chat to Kirk Hunter about his upcoming string library and the business of sampling.

Checking out Concert Strings Adaptive (Kirk Hunter)

I explore the new sample library from Kirk Hunter Studios via real-time improvisation and composing some test pieces.

How to Compose Melodies that "Shimmer"

I discuss a compositional technique I use to create a shimmering flow of notes, blurring the line between melody and accompaniment.

How to stay OBJECTIVE when Composing Music

5 psychological tricks I often use to listen to my work-in-progress track with 'fresh ears' - and decide if it's any good or not!

Creating a Library Music Album from Start to Finish

I talk about the journey of creating 'Classical Passion' - a production music album for Reliable Source which features a live string orchestra.

The Hardest Thing About Composing Music

Writing music for fun isn't always fun - it's easy to lose faith in what you're doing.

Magical String Runs! (Hedwig's Theme)

I break down the ridiculously fast string writing in the opening of the main theme from Harry Potter.

How to Compose Like Chopin (Harmony Lesson)

I look at the first couple of bars of the famous Prelude in Eminor by Chopin and try to extract some useful harmony concepts to use when improvising or composing.

Vintage Hollywood Harmony Lesson (Wizard of Oz)

I break down the harmony of a cue from The Wizard of Oz in attempt to show how you can access a similar sound world in your own compositions.