Arrange Like A Pro

This book takes an in-depth look at the techniques and concepts top arrangers have used to turn songs into massive hits. Niles analyzes hit records from the 1950s to today, and shares his own musical principles used with Paul McCartney, The Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Tears for Fears, and many more.This book is written for everyone. Its direct approach, with examples we can all relate to, speaks to anyone of any level of musical understanding. Recognizing that some of the greatest artists of all time had little or no formal musical training, Richard explains the principles behind arranging hits, rather than the dry theory. He shows you how to get the best results without feeling you have to have a degree (or even a PhD) in music to be able to do it! Whether you are at the beginning of your musical journey or a seasoned pro, there is so much in this book for you. It will open your ears to massive amounts of musical possibilities, expanding the reach of your songs’ arrangement and production.Throughout his career, Richard has collaborated with many giants such as Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Pet Shop Boys, and Cher. Multi-Grammy winner Randy Brecker called his work “accessible yet thought provoking“. Niles’ arrangements are always innovative, exciting and often unpredictable. He effortlessly supports the songs whilst creating unique musical concepts that challenge the listener and once heard, cause them to seek out and explore his extensive body of work!Internationally acclaimed composer, arranger, and producer Richard Niles is known for his work in pop (Paul McCartney, Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Tears for Fears, Grace Jones), jazz (Pat Metheny, Randy Brecker, Bob James, John Pattitucci, Bob Mintzer), soul (Ray Charles, Tina Turner, James Brown, Michael McDonald). He has worked with actors Oliver Reed, Robert Powell, and Jessie Buckley.His arrangements helped “define the sound of pop” (Making Music Magazine), while his work in jazz is “accessible, yet thought provoking” (Randy Brecker). Hits include Left to My Own Devices (Pet Shop Boys), Breakout (Swing Out Sister), and Sowing the Seeds of Love (Tears for Fears).He has led his infamous jazz orchestra BANDZILLA since 1987 performing and recording with such artists as Paul McCartney, Randy Brecker, Leo Sayer, Meat Loaf, Joe Cocker, Pee Wee Herman, and the Pet Shop Boys.His acclaimed solo albums as guitarist/leader, such as his latest, Niles Smiles (2023), are “replete with jazz chops and a pop sensibility.” (JAZZIZ Magazine). In 2024 he released his classical/crossover compositions, Adventures for Cello and Piano featuring classical cellist Dennis Karmazyn and pianist Clive Dunstall.His acclaimed books include The Pat Metheny Interviews, The Invisible Artist, Songwriting – The 11-Point Plan, Polymetrics, From Dreaming to Gigging, Adventures in Arranging, Adventures in Jazz Composition, and Arrange Like a Pro.He has taught at Berklee College of Music, USC, UCLA, CalState (Northridge), Brunel, Academy of Contemporary Music, Leeds College of Music, Vocal Tech, The Royal Northern College of Music, The California Jazz Conservatory, SRH Berlin, The UK Songwriting Contest, and The Musician’s Institute.A composer for film, TV and over 100 TV commercials, in 2019 he recorded orchestral music for Tomb Raider (video game). For 20 years Niles wrote and hosted music documentaries for the BBC. His YouTube channel and Podcast has been called “a unique resource”. He is currently releasing video courses and books for The Pro Mix Academy - Arrange Like a Pro (2023), Masterclass with Leo Sayer (2024). Read more