The roles of musicians, composers, and even producers are commonly discussed. But what about arrangers? The fact is, it’s the arrangers who transform songs, making them into effective and memorable pieces.
Role & Responsibilities
The music arranger’s aim is to transform a simple melody, often written by someone else, into deep, rich, coherent music. They achieve this by adding instruments, adjusting harmonies, and making sure that each individual part works to better the whole. Arrangers are often said to “dress” a song to give it more breadth.
Sometimes, depending on circumstances, an arranger might even steer a song away from the musical direction the original composer had in mind. They may make these changes for commercial reasons, because the performer has changed, or if they think they can enhance the melody further. But this requires a high level of musical creativity and sensitivity.
The roles of a music arranger include:
- Orchestration: The arranger must write parts for each instrument to be included to ensure each compliments the others.
- Adaptation: Sometimes original compositions require adaptation for live performances (there isn’t always an orchestra available on call), studio recordings, or film or television soundtracks or advertisments.
- Rearrangment: This concerns adapting a composition for different ensembles or instruments. For example, simplifying a song for less experienced musicians, or conversely, making it more complex for an orchestra.
The process begins when an arranger receives a simple melody or raw recording. They then have a conversation with the songwriter to better understand their expectations and the direction they want to go.
Next comes the creative phase. The arranger evaluates instrumental options, drafts instrumental parts, and begins to arrange each segment as harmoniously as possible. In the process of this, if the arranger is working with additional musicians or an orchestra, they may need to be present during rehearsals and recordings to make final adjustments.
Skills & Qualifications
The foundation required to become a musical arranger is a solid grounding in music theory. The ability to read sheet music is also important, as it is a critical element of working with other musicians and instruments. Training, while not universal, is highly recommended, as is a mastery of modern music-arranging software.
Necessary musical skills may include:
- Creativity and ingenuity are essential for transforming a melody into a rich composition.
- Listening skills and adaptability are necessary to understand the needs of both songwriters and musicians, as well as the ability to adjust arrangements accordingly.
- Understanding of current musical software and technology.
- A mastery of music theory concepts such as harmony, rhythm, and musical structures.
- An in-depth understanding of scores, as well as the ability to read an write complex musical notations.
Arranger vs Composer
Although they may seem similar at first glance, the roles of a composer and an arranger are quite distinct.
The composer writes the original melody and the basic structure of the music. The arranger then takes those elements an expands them to crate a fuller orchestration and interpretation. Take The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” as an example; Paul McCartney wrote the melody and lyrics, but it was George Martin, as arranger, who added the iconic classical string quartet that gave the song an extra oomph.
In short:
- A composer is responsible for the original concept. They write the melody, lyrics, and basic chords.
- An arranger takes that basic concept and develops the orchestration, harmonizes the melody, and, if necessary, modifies the tempo, dynamics, and structure for a more pleasing interpretation.
The Role of a Musical Arranger in the Music Industry
In today’s music industry, the job of music arranger is more important than ever before. With so many varied musical genres and advances in production technology, arrangers are always pushing the boundaries. They offer a richness and depth to songs of all types, that, without their help, would be simplistic and flat. Their innate ability to understand and adapt to changing musical trends in essential to their role. In pop music, for example, audiences’ tastes in sound and texture is constantly changing, bringing industry standards with them. Keeping up requires an arranger who is versatile and responsive.
Types of Musical Arrangers
Do this the necessity to be versatile, there is a lot of crossover between these times, but as an example, here are several kinds of musical arrangers:
- Orchestral: Adapt compositions for orchestras, considering each section to maximize the grand sounds of an orchestra.
- Jazz: Jazz arrangements often include improvisations, swing rhythms, and utilize big bands or small combos.
- Choral: Arranges music for choirs, appropriately focusing on vocal ranges, harmonies, and choral sound. May work both a capella and accompanied arrangements.
- Film Score: Works with film composers to adapt music for ensembles such as orchestras in movie soundtracks.
- Pop/Rock: Adapts songs for bands, solo artists, or orchestras, sometimes adding electronic elements.
- Musical Theatre: Works with theatre productions, considering vocalists, actors, and the needs of the story.
- Big Band: Arranges music for large jazz ensembles, and must orchestrate unique instrumentation and dynamics.
- Electronic: Adapts music for electronic settings, utilizing synthesizers, drum machines, and digital production tools.
- Brass Band: Focuses on arrangements for brass and percussion instruments.
All genres use the services of musical arrangers, and while many focus on a particular style, many others blend genres and create unique and innovative arrangements.
Want to get a head start on a possible career in arranging? Music theory is the foundation to build that on! Check out what our Music Theory Lessons have to offer and sign up today!