[JamesD]

What are some good film scoring books I should look at? I'm not looking for ones explaining the business side, just the technique, orchestration and difference in instrumentation between classical. thanks

[ShadowaterStudios]

I don't know if you can avoid the business side completely with the books, but On The Track gets recommended a lot and used as a textbook.

Kind of specific, but Danny Elfmans Batman: A Film Score Guide is a great analysis of that score. It's part of a great series that covers a ton of classic older and recent film scores.

I have and recommend The Art Of Film Music. It focuses on older scores but goes into a lot of detail in terms of orchestration, counterpoint, harmony, etc.

I'd also recommend Jeff Rona's Reel World and Richard Davis's Complete Guide To Film Scoring, although both spend a lot of time on the business side, too.

I don't have this, but it looks like it may be worth looking at:
Film Music: A Neglected Art

[JamesD]

Thanks for the recommendations, I will check them out. Some real gems there!

[mario]

I bought Jeff Rona's Reel World book years ago and I thought it was really informative. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in music for film.