From Score to Stage: Practical Orchestration, Led by David Moliner

From Score to Stage: Practical Orchestration That Gets Played Led by David Moliner

Course Objective
This course is designed for composers who want to write for orchestra from a practical and professional perspective, not an academic one.

Drawing on his experience as a soloist with top ensembles and orchestras such as the Lucerne Festival Academy, Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Orquesta de Valencia, Orquesta del Principado de Asturias and Orquesta de Castilla y León, as well as his work as a published composer with Universal Edition, David Moliner shares what actually works in rehearsal rooms and on stage today—and what doesn’t.

This course doesn’t teach abstract theory: it gives real, applicable tools so that young composers can approach the orchestra with clarity, technique, and confidence.

Course Content (4 live online sessions)
Session 1 – What Works: Clear, Effective, Musical Writing
• Orchestrating for rehearsal, not just the page
• Idiomatic, balanced instrumentation
• Case studies from David’s current touring orchestral works

Session 2 – What Doesn’t Work: Common Pitfalls in New Scores
• Frequent issues: balance, clarity, dynamics
• When a score becomes a rehearsal obstacle
• Analysis of real-world examples

Session 3 – Professional Notation Techniques: Clarity, Precision & Usability
• Avoiding ambiguity: clear and functional markings
• Effective notation for complex rhythms and textures
• What performers actually need to see
• Examples drawn from real orchestral and chamber situations

Session 4 – How to Present Your Work to a Professional Orchestra
• Score preparation, clean parts, efficient communication
• The composer–conductor–soloist relationship
• How to approach orchestras and build lasting professional ties

Post-Course Opportunities
Between 2 and 6 composers will be selected to:
• Attend real rehearsals with David Moliner as guest soloist during the 2026–27 season
• Meet conductors and artistic directors in person
• Build professional connections with leading orchestras, including:
◦ Lucerne Festival
◦ Teatro Colón Orchestra
◦ São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
◦ Orquesta de Valencia
◦ Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz
◦ Banda Municipal de Barcelona
• Receive individual artistic mentoring from David Moliner
• Get advice and insight on working with major publishers, based on David’s collaboration with Universal Edition

Method & Dates
• 4 live online sessions (includes pre-recorded lecture + live group discussion)
• Dates: Fridays — October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2025
• All sessions will be recorded and available to participants
• Platform: Zoom Premium

 Tuition
• Full course: €240
• 50% scholarship (€120) available for students from Latin America and Africa (proof of enrollment required)

 How to Apply
Send an email to mentoringprogram.moliner@gmail.com with:
• A short artistic bio or CV
• Link to one orchestral score (PDF)

Application deadline: August 31, 2025

A Course About Reality—Not Just Theory
This is not an academic course. It’s hands-on, experience-based, and focused on real-world practice.

You’ll gain the tools to write music that orchestras want to play, understand the dynamics of professional collaboration, and even learn what it means to work with a major music publisher like Universal Edition.

From rehearsal to performance, this course prepares you for the real world of orchestral music.

Contact: mentoringprogram.moliner@gmail.com