How to Compose Super Mario Galaxy-Style Music

How do you actually make music sound like Super Mario Galaxy?

In this video, we break down how to compose a Mario Galaxy-style soundtrack using EastWest ComposerCloud+. From lush orchestral strings and soaring brass to hybrid synth layers and cinematic percussion, you’ll see exactly how these elements come together to create that iconic Nintendo-style sound.

We walk through the full composition step-by-step, including:

🎻 Building the foundation with layered strings (Hollywood Strings 1 & 2, Fantasy Strings)
🎺 Writing expressive melodies with cinematic brass
🎹 Creating hybrid textures with synths, pads, and trailer piano
🥁 Adding energy with orchestral and hybrid percussion
🎮 Designing classic video game elements with modern production techniques

You’ll also learn how to blend orchestral and electronic elements (hybrid composing), layer instruments for depth, reinforce melodies with synths, and shape your sound using the OPUS engine.

Whether you’re scoring for games, film, or just want to capture that epic, whimsical Mario-style sound, this is a complete breakdown of how to do it.

Products used:

Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition
Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra
Hollywood Strings 2
ICONIC
Forbidden Planet
ProDrummer
Stormdrum 2
Stormdrum3
Symphonic Orchestra

Get ComposerCloud+:
https://www.soundsonline.com/composercloud

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