It can be tempting, exciting, and thrilling at the thought of jumping into the recording studio to record a concept album. After all, there’s something incredibly exciting about hearing your score come to life and sharing it with the world. But is it the right move for every project? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of recording a concept album before your musical hits the stage.

In my work with new musicals in development and theatre composers, I often am asked if the musical should have a cast album first, or work towards a staged production. Certainly if you're writing a musical, the staged production is the end-goal, no? A cast album is a tempting idea, especially if you’ve poured your heart into creating a new musical and want to share your songs with the world as soon as possible. Let's explore reasons for and against recording a cast album before you receive a staged production.

Ever wondered what makes a musical sound like a musical? In my latest blog post, I break down some of the key musical techniques that are commonly used in theater, such as the minor iv chord and shifts into double time. Whether you're a composer, a theater fan, or just curious about what sets this genre apart, this post takes a straightforward look at the elements that give Broadway its distinctive sound. It’s about understanding how these techniques come together to create the music we instantly recognize as musical theater, without all the extra flair.

Do you have a script, score, and some recordings but aren't sure where to turn next with your musical or play? Then keep reading! Over the past several years, a community of producers, theatre enthusiasts, investors, and dedicated thespians has been working together to assist emerging writers in refining, sharing, and staging their shows. I've put together a list of 5 exceptional organizations in 2024 that are truly making a difference for theatre creators.

This legal safeguard not only preserves the integrity of their work but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and rewarding career in the ever-evolving music industry.

Music notation software is an essential tool for composers, arrangers, and musicians, and knowing how to use them is a must for anyone serious in the music industry. It allows them to create, edit, and share sheet music quickly and efficiently. With so many music notation software options available, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the best music notation software options available. These are in no particular order and aren't ranked! Each software brings with it their own challenges, strengths, and weaknesses.

Musical theatre composers are the creative minds behind the songs and music in a stage production. Composing for musical theatre is a challenging task that requires a great deal of skill, talent, and creativity. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for musical theatre composers to help create successful and memorable productions.

Music transcribers notate music by ear, or with the aid of special music software, from audio or video files. These audio files, also referred to as source materials, should be of high quality to guarantee accurate, speedy, and cost effective transcriptions. Occasionally, we receive audio files that comprise incomplete songs, music with no tonal center, poor performances, and lyrics that conflict with the script.

The short answer is “when your show is ready”. The first question I’ll ask you is, why do you need orchestrations right now? Have you staged your musical or had it performed in front of an audience? Has it been through a workshop and several readings with rewrites and revisions? Do you have more interest in your show other than friends and family? Is your script and score formatted and ready for the next plunge?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions from our clients. It goes something like this... "Can you arrange this for orchestra?". Let's first define the difference between the two. Sometimes, in a musical theatre setting, the orchestrator can also function as an arranger and vice versa.

You have your story, the script, and moments in your show where songs are to occur. Now what? Maybe you're staring at a blank piece of staff paper or an empty Logic Pro session waiting for creativity to strike. Here are some tips on crafting a song for musical theatre. 

What is a piano vocal score and why is it so important? A piano vocal score is a notated piece of sheet music that contains the essential elements and bare bones of a musical.