Arranging Resources
Welcome, my name’s Toshi and I have been an arranger for over a decade now. When I got started I didn’t really know what I was doing and just followed what my teacher’s told me. Through many years of trial and error I found methods which worked for me and as a result I’ve been able to earn a living through arranging. I want others to have this experience too, and part of that is sharing the knowledge I’ve found valuable. So as a result, I’ve decided to create online resources that anyone can read.
These resources don’t cover every facet of arranging and are specifically the techniques I use most often. My approach may not allign with yours, which is totally fine, this is just what works for me. I hope you enjoy the resources and if you want to know more on a particular topic or have specific questions, feel free to reach out via the email form at the bottom of the page.
I regularly am adding to this page so if you’d like to be alerted when I’ve added a new resource submit your email address below.
Harmony
How Intervals Create Emotion
Intervals are the foundation for Western music. They create tension and resolution, and most importantly they can be combined together to make more complex colors. Learn more…
The Trick to Writing a Functional Chord Progression
What’s something that Mozart, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder and Sinatra have in common? All of their chord progressions function using the same set of rules. Learn more…
Harmony Techniques That Arrangers Often Forget About
What can you do when you’re faced with adding color to a chord progression but the context means you can’t rely on your usual tricks? Use lesser known techniques such as modal interchange and functional substitution. Learn more…
