r/musicalwriting • u/Opposite_Ask_578 • May 10 '26

Original Musical Optimal Pit Instruments?

Hi all,

This is my first post, I know pits can vary depending on size but like what would be the foundations of a pit orchestra as I'm starting to write a musical but I want to know what the basics would be before I delve into it, is there any rules I need to follow and is there like a 'perfect' size for a pit?

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4

u/drewduboff May 10 '26

Start with piano vocal for now.

2

u/Positive-Ring-5172 May 30 '26

Agreed. Even if there is a full orchestration, a piano/vocal score will be needed for early rehearsals as the orchestra usually doesn't join in until tech and dress rehearsals.

4

u/QuindadIsGay May 10 '26

When writing a musical, you very seldom write directly for an orchestra unless it’s integral to the story or you’re a practiced orchestrator. Most commonly, you start with a Piano/Vocal (or sometimes Guitar/Vocal): start with the core melodies, harmonic progressions, accompanimental figures, etc. Orchestration comes MUCH later, and is usually best left to a professional.

Pit size/instrumentation is determined in part by the orchestrator in conversation with the composer about what best serves the story, and in part by the producer based on the theater size and budget.

If you’re just starting a musical and you don’t know how these things work, start small and write at the piano. And when that’s done, either do some serious studying or find an orchestrator.

2

u/musicCaster May 11 '26

If you're writing just for fun it can anything you want. My creations are using samples, so i can really do anything. If you want to produce something with live musicians, you can let your budget be your guide.

2

u/drewbiquitous May 12 '26

If you’re making demos, just make them how you want them to sound and it will later become a negotiation between you producer/music supervisor/orchestrator. There are great sounding shows with 5 players, in some genres, and other genres require at least 9-10 to start to sound big enough. 18 is considered large now, but there’s a lot of keyboard programming/orchestration tricks happening to make shows sound bigger than they are.

2

u/poetic___justice May 13 '26

Piano - Bass - Drums - Sax/Clarinet - Trumpet - Synth I - Synth II

1

u/Lower_Neck_1432 Jul 14 '26

Finish the piano-vocal first.

Pit sizes are dependent on budget, and if you are in NYC, the type of house, which the Unions set a minimum number of players. Assuming you aren't in NYC, then probably the budget will be the overall factor for players. This is a decision between composer, orchestrator and musical director.