Rhythmic Offset of Key Motifs

Rhythmic Offset of Key Motifs In order to keep a composition interesting, try to rhythmically offset your motif now and then. If you’re melodic idea is based on a motivic idea being placed on every downbeat of a bar, try moving that motif to a different rhythmical...

Finding Thematic Material

Finding Thematic Material Finding the right thematic material and having both parties (you and your customer/director) agree on it can take quite some time. When you present possible themes, it is common today to present them in their best shape as directors very...

Orchestral Intransparency

Orchestral Intransparency It is in the nature of orchestral music to not be able to hear every instrument clearly in the mix. Some instruments like woodwinds even regularly “drown” in tuttis and their only purpose is to add to the ensemble sound. This is actually a...

Melody Notes as Chord Extensions

Melody Notes as Chord Extensions When harmonizing melodies, it can sound musically more interesting to place key notes of the melody higher up in the chord structure (like 7th, 9th etc.) than playing around root, third or fifth. Eg. you have a melody sequence of...