How do you decide which instruments to include in a composition, and what factors influence your choices?

I see each piece of music as a story needing to be told.

Whichever instrument I choose really depends on the backstory of the project; the characters, their culture, who they are as people, what they feel, what their beginnings, middles and ends are, the atmospheres, the places, the events; just the overall vibe. I see each piece of music as a story needing to be told and each instrument is a single voice within the story conversating with the other voices (instruments). It's a beautiful process for me!

There is a cultural construction for scenes and situations with music, so certain instruments are associated with things or situations. I usually try to innovate with something, but there is no way to escape this soundscape. Good historical research is always welcome in this type of situation.

I choose the instruments that sonically work to convey the message of the music.  Generally, there are sets of instruments you would use for lower middle and high registers. I think of it as a painting.  You plan instrument palettes for your track's background, middle-ground, and foreground.  The most significant consideration is to utilize the clients' desired instruments in the composition.

I mostly do video game music, so a lot of it is decided by the scene. Is it a mysterious forest? Thats going to mean acoustic guitars, harps, woodwinds and strings. A dystpotian future? Maybe synthesizers and drum machines will be used. 

When someone requests a song, I will ask them "if you could not create music for this but legally use any piece of existing music, what piece would you us?" This helps me get in their head for what they imagine. I try not to just do 'pastiche' but I definitely get a clear idea of what they expect and that influences what instruments would be used.

I usually go with whatever fits the vibe I’m going for. It all depends on the mood, the style, and how the instruments complement each other. Sometimes I just experiment until it clicks!

I choose instruments based on the emotions and story I want to convey through the composition. I think about the mood and atmosphere I want to create and how each instrument will bring out the depth and feeling of the piece. I consider the project’s needs and try to select instruments that resonate and complement each other and the overall tone we're going for with the project.

When choosing instruments for a composition, I focus on the tone of each instrument and how they blend together. The tone sets the emotional foundation, so I select instruments that complement each other and create the desired atmosphere. I consider the unique timbres and how they interact, ensuring that the combination enhances the overall sound. My aim is to craft a cohesive and expressive arrangement where the tones of each instrument tie together seamlessly, bringing out the full depth of the composition.

Depends on the mood and message I want to convey. With my extensive experience in composing, I consider the genre, the emotional tone, and the story the piece is telling. For instance, I might choose a piano for its expressive range in a sentimental piece or opt for strings to add depth and drama.