Creating Sounds from Scratch: A Practical Guide to Music Synthesis for Producers and Composers

by Andrea Pejrolo, Scott B. Metcalfe

Overview

Creating Sounds from Scratch is a practical, in-depth resource on the most common forms of music synthesis. It includes historical context, an overview of concepts in sound and hearing, and practical training examples to help sound designers and electronic music producers effectively manipulate presets and create new sounds. The book covers the all of the main synthesis techniques including analog subtractive, FM, additive, physical modeling, wavetable, sample-based, and granular. While the book is grounded in theory, it relies on practical examples and contemporary production techniques show the reader how to utilize electronic sound design to maximize and improve his or her work. Creating Sounds from Scratch is ideal for all who work in sound creation, composition, editing, and contemporary commercial production.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199921898
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/02/2017
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Andrea Pejrolo is Chair of the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is the author of Creative Sequencing Techniques for Music Production (Focal Press, 2005, Second Edition 2011) and Acoustic and MIDI Orchestration for the Contemporary Composer (Focal Press, 2007).

Scott Metcalfe is Director of Recording Arts and Sciences at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
About the Companion Website
Introduction

Chapter 1: How did we get here?
Chapter 2 - Understanding Sound and Hearing
Chapter 3: The Tools of the Trade
Chapter 4: Subtractive Synthesis
Chapter 5: Frequency Modulation Synthesis (FM)
Chapter 6: Additive Synthesis
Chapter 7: Sample-based Synthesis
Chapter 8 — Physical Modeling
Chapter 9: Wavetable and Granular Synthesis

Index

Editorial Reviews

"Creating Sounds from Scratch follows a revolutionary approach to sound design that is specifically designed for contemporary producers, songwriters, and composers. The idea of opening the exciting world of sound design to every music artist is refreshing and inspiring. This book allows anybody to quickly understand and practically create original sounds for a variety of contemporary music styles and genres. I recommend the book to anyone who desires a deeper understanding of how to make original sounds and to intelligently manipulate presets on software or hardware synthesizers. A reference book that is a must-read for any contemporary musician."—Thomas Dolby, songwriter, synthesist, and author of The Speed of Sound

"In 1597 Thomas Morley published A Plain and Easy Introduction to Practical Music. Now Pejrolo and Metcalfe have done the same for electronic synthesis, creating a comprehensive and accessible guide for the 21st century musician, a companion to the great orchestration books of the past. With the current seamless melding of hardware and software, the entire history of synthesis techniques from the field's very beginnings is available for all; the authors cover every development, with detailed applications illustrated by current technology. A must for electronic musicians in any style."—Robert Carl, Director of Composition, the Hartt School, University of Hartford

"Encyclopedic in scope and thoroughly well organized, Creating Sounds from Scratch provides detailed historical information, including rare photos of key people, instruments and gear, essential sound design insights, and extraordinarily lucid and practical advice throughout. The companion website with video tutorials and audio examples, along with ongoing updated content from authors Perjolo and Metcalfe, truly make this a must have resource for producers and composers alike."—Ken Steen, Professor of Composition, the Hartt School, University of Hartford

From the Publisher