Tips

[NDSMASTER8]

Hi,
Just like I'm sure you are I'm a HUGE Nintendo fan and love this site !!!! I'd also like to compose for this site but I'm not all too talented at it... Any tips on how to arrange music would be appreciated!!!
Thanks!
NDSMASTER8

[HugoMeister]

Well....you have to have a knowledge of how to read music. The notes, articulations, layers, etc.

Then, if you're looking for a simple arrangement, try to find a really simple Midi for the song you want to arrange. Open that Midi with Finale Notepad (or whatever program you have) and use that info to arrange a song that's playable, sounds like the original, and isn't really messy lookin.

That's how I started out. Hope this helps.

[Brawler4Ever]

Also: You're not alone, NDSMASTER8. I am the EXACT same way.
Try simpler songs that most others overlook: one I've wanted to do is "get heart"(heals one health) from treasure chest from Zelda: OoT.
It's nice and easy, and most others overlook it. So, I suggeest doing songs like that. Just be sure to tell them what songs you're working on in the In-ProgressThread. 

[evilsqueaky]

Start out with midis for arranging they don't require that much skill. Practicing with midis will give you a better ear for music. Or at least that's how it worked out for me.

[Gaab4Ever]

good that this topic starded, because i wanted also to begin with arranging

[Shadoninja]

If you have your keyboard around your computer, try to get the main melody of each song that you play.

[Sirus]

try playing by ear
if you know that the next note gets higher or lower keep experimenting
if you get the melody like what everyone else said  write it down if your computer isnt near and then transfer it to finale you can also experiment on finale but i dont recommend that 
if youre stuck, try listening to the soundtrack or find a midi and use that to help
DONT COPY DIRECTLY FROM THE MIDI
thats well... against NSM laws
well i dont think this helps
but keep experimenting and good luck

[razer84]

wow, i thought i was the only person who couldn't arrange...

[KefkaticFanatic]

Try simpler songs that most others overlook: one I've wanted to do is "get heart"(heals one health) from treasure chest from Zelda: OoT.

I'm actually pretty certain we don't accept sound effects, but you could do that just for practice.

[HugoMeister]

He means "Open Small Treasure Chest". You know, it plays a really simple tune.

[Brawler4Ever]

Try simpler songs that most others overlook: one I've wanted to do is "get heart"(heals one health) from treasure chest from Zelda: OoT.

I'm actually pretty certain we don't accept sound effects, but you could do that just for practice.

Hoji did "Open Small Treasure Chest" from LoZ: OoT.
Here's what I'm talking about:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?t0dl5xixjf1

If you get a heart piece (heals one heart) from a Treasure Chest, this song plays for a second. It actually goes faster, but this was done quickly.