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Tom Schipper

@tomponist.bsky.social
1.4K followers 256 following 166 posts

31 / Award-winning Composer - Film | Games | Animation - Open for work! ✉️ tom@tomschipper.com 11 Orchestration Tips in 8 Minutes 👇 youtu.be/2xB1YasrOu0

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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
If you're curious about what Gamescom is like from a composer/developer's perspective, I made a video documenting my week :). www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2df...
youtube.com
My Week At Gamescom As A Game Composer
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Last February, we recorded the main theme for 'Halve' by @moonleafstudio.bsky.social with an orchestra, and today I finally get to share the end result! :D youtu.be/SkyuBgywS8c
youtu.be
Once, We Were Whole - Main Theme from 'Halve' w/ score
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Composing music is a funny job, and a lot of work happens that I don’t always show… #creativeprocess #composer #behindthescenes
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Hurray! I'll be at Gamescom and Gamescom Dev next week! This year I have the joy of showing off 'Halve' by @moonleafstudio.bsky.social to the world! If you'd like to try our new demo , including loads of new music by yours truly, shoot me a message! See you there! :D
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Orchestral Earcandy is something you can use to make a reverb tail *just* a bit more interesting! 🍭 ...even though it's mostly done with reverb 😄 In this track, this space is an important transition. I wanted to do more with it, so I added a few layers that would just be heard in this empty space!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
And here's part 2 - the climax! I love keeping my sketches simple, so I have plenty of room to try different things, while staying on course!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Going from Piano Sketch to Orchestration! My piano sketches are often very basic, but they provide me with the basic elements I need to get started on the full orchestration. Let's break down the orchestration of the Harmony, Bass, and Melody!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
NOTHING beats a live musician 🎻 Recording a single soloist can elevate a whole piece to the next level. Here's the comparison between a (very good!) sample library and a live performance. When you have the funds and the opportunity, live musicians are always worth it!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
We have been cooking! The music is done (the notes at least), and parts are currently with soloists! I can't WAITWAITWAIT to finally share this with the world when it releases :D
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
What if rhythm could talk? 👀 Odd Time Signatures built of 2s and 3s; short and long beats. Morse code uses the exact same concept. I thought it'd be a great idea to combine these 2, and start spelling out words with odd time signature chains. Can you tell what this excerpt is saying?
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Did a little deepdive in the odd time signatures I used for the final boss music in 'Halve' by @moonleafstudio.bsky.social! Enjoy my very nerdy ramblings on a subject I'm weirdly passionate about!
youtu.be
Using Advanced Arithmetic to Make Boss Music
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
All about that bass! Let's break down how I added some weight in the low register for this string section! Music for 'Halve' by @moonleafstudio.bsky.social #composer #gamemusic #orchestration
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Building the Orchestration Step by Step! 🧱 This cue gets quite full, which is why I slowly introduce the separate elements of the orchestration. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the orchestration of this short snippet!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
One of those days where nothing works, until at some moment you decide "Let's try a different key signature," and you write 1,5 minutes in as many hours.
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Can I Master a String VST in 8 Hours? It can take a while to get to know a new sample library. I challenged myself to see how far I would get in 8 hours, and this is (part of) the end result!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
*screams*
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
When the hard work is done, you can ENJOY the orchestra! At our recent live recording session, we had a couple of 'bonus' takes in the end. We already had everything, so we could sit back and enjoy!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
POV - The orchestra hits the climax on the first take... The first take is always special. Hearing the orchestra play your music is always an emotional moment. I got quite overwhelmed when the climax hit, and was still quite flabbergasted at the end of the take.
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Today is Live Stream day! Tonight at 19:30 CET, we will be recording the Main Theme for 'Halve' (that you can hear in the video below) remotely with an Orchestra, and it will be Live on YouTube! youtube.com/live/qjA0cqf...
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Symmetrical characters, symmetrical melodies! 🎶 In our opening cutscene, we see the characters for the first time. To enhance the symmetrical visuals, I apply the same technique in the music!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
When the low brass is so good, they trigger STANK face.
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Adding COLOR✨to the Forest music! Our Forest level is very bright and colorful - here's how I'm applying the same in the music!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Last summer, I wrote and recorded an interactive combat piece during the course "Writing and recording music for Games" by @awintory.bsky.social at Synchron Stage in Vienna. This week was a highlight of my life, and I'm very happy to finally share the end result! :) www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D27...
youtube.com
Interactive Combat Music - Recorded at Synchron Stage, Vienna
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Adding Music Layers Based on Movement! When you hit the ice surface in this level, an additional layer of music is added that enhances the sense of flowing movement!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Using a Composition Technique to Support the Gameplay! Contrary motion is a common counterpoint technique, and I'm using it to support the idea of symmetry in our game!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
POV - the main theme plays when you get a new ability! JOIN US - We're recording the Main Theme with orchestra, and you can join us for the recording live stream on February 23rd @19:30 CET!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Developing a Melody! ✂ Breaking up your melody into shorter sections can help you extend your compositions! youtube.com/shorts/cprL7...
youtube.com
Developing a Melody! ✂
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
On February 23rd, at 19:30 CET, we will be recording the main theme of 'Halve' with an orchestra, and you can join us! I have booked a Remote Shared Session with the Budapest Art Orchestra and will stream the entire session live on YouTube! youtu.be/1Kr4nkWTKYw
youtu.be
JOIN US - Recording Orchestra on Live Stream for our Game!
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Implementing a big Boss music Sequence this week. Wrote it mostly linearly (with a few breaks for transitions) to get the music out first. Spent the morning yesterday splitting it out into smaller sections and getting those working in Wwise. And it works!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Orchestrating a Quirky Character 🙃
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Writing music for 'Halve' by @moonleafstudio.bsky.social is a blast! In this video, I'm summarizing a list of orchestration, composition, production, and music design techniques that I'm using in shaping the game's musical identity, that I hope will inspire you to shape yours! youtu.be/ok1QtHFWUIU
youtu.be
10 Ways to Level Up Your Video Game Music
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Blowing into an Oboe reed is one of the single most humbling experiences you can have
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
The Agility of the Bassoon! The bassoon is such a great instrument, capable of producing many beautiful colors across its registers. Let's see how the bassoon can play quick, intricate parts!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Brass and percussion! 🎺🥁 Percussion is an excellent tool for supporting rhythmic brass sections! Make sure to use low, mid, and high percussion to make it stand out!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
I'm currently writing one of the hardest cues I've ever written, and it's so rewarding. Progress is practically a crawl, but it's so worth it. Can't wait to share the full thing once it's done.
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Last summer, I participated in a game music course by @awintory.bsky.social . During the week, we were tasked to write a piece of interactive game music, which we recorded at the Vienna Synchron Stage. This week was one of the highlights of my career so far. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HNk...
youtube.com
Driving 1000 KM to Write Orchestral Game Music
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Orchestrating a waltz only to see it get rejected.
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
How I orchestrated a Main Theme! I've had the immense pleasure of writing music for an animated series over the last few years. This is a quick orchestration breakdown of the main theme! #composer #orchestration #filmmusic
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Flutes and oboes go great together! Doubling or adding an oboe an octave lower gives great color to a melody! #composer #orchestration #woodwinds
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Vibrato trick to add detail! 🎻 Some libraries allow for crossfading between vibrato and non-vibrato. Using this can add some great detail to exposed string lines! #composer #gamemusic #orchestration
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
MASSIVE UPDATE! 🏡 After a very long process, I'm thrilled that I moved out of my apartment in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago. This also means I'll be leaving the room that I've used as my studio for the last 7 years. (1/5) youtu.be/Va2QAoD2JTU
youtu.be
A Fresh Start - Leaving my Studiio After 7 Years
YouTube video by Tom Schipper
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Trills and tremolos are a great way to add interesting textures to accents, crescendos, and longer passages! Music work-in-progress for @moonleafstudio.bsky.social ! #composer #orchestration #gamemusic
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
I swear it’ll all make sense
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Weird Time Signatures ⏰ I love me some weird time signatures, but sometimes you need to jump through some hoops to make it work 😅
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
It’s almost time for one of my favorite weeks of the year, where the whole game industry descends on Köln. Can’t wait to attend both devcom and gamescom again, to meet old and new friends, and to go on my usual lap(s) through the merch hall! See you there!
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Reposted by Tom Schipper
Austin Wintory @awintory.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
It was a real privilege teaching this class this past week in Austria, as part of the Hollywood Music Workshop. I gave the students an interactive music assignment on Monday, we recorded it all by Friday at the Synchron stage and was listening in Wwise by Saturday. And they all crushed it!!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
What an incredible week this has been. I’m immensely grateful to @awintory.bsky.social and the Hollywood Music Academy for a GREAT week of lectures, culminating in the amazing experience of conducting my own work at the Synchron stage in Vienna!
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Made it to Baden and got it up and running! The trip here has occupied me so much that I’ve hardly been able to get excited about the week. Now that I’m here and all set up, the excitement is well and truly kicking in. Can’t wait for tomorrow 😍
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Greetings from my well tucked-in PC and me. On my way to Baden 🇦🇹 - splitting it in 2 days on the way there
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Tom Schipper @tomponist.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Beyond excited to announce that I will be attending the Hollywood Music Academy in Baden, Austria next week for the ‘Writing and Recording for Games’ masterclass by @awintory.bsky.social ! Can’t wait to learn from Austin, who is one of the composers I see as a huge role model.
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