How to Write Music, Part 2

In the previous How to Write Music post we discused the two main approaches to writing music, the Outside-In approach, working from the outside or the big picture (structure, instrumentation, duration, etc.) and the Inside-Out approach, developing a motif, hook, riff, etc. Regardless of which starting point you choose, some point you will need to decide between static and dymanic for any given musical element. What do I mean?

Static describes any element that remains constant or changes very little over the course of the piece. A vocal solo for soprano with piano accompaniment remains static in terms of instrumentation if both produce sound throughout a song. Dynamic, of course, means change. Change may be applied to rhythmic patterns, harmonic progressions, tempo, dynamics, and more. Static and dynamic are opposite poles of a continuum such that we must speak in relative terms. The texture of a minimalist composition from say, Philip Glass, is more static than the storm and stress of a Beethoven symphony.

To improve your music listening skills, as you listen, try to identify what musical elements are dynamic and which are more static. Is there a particular rhythmic patter that defines the piece? Is there an element of ear candy used throughout? Does it change during the bridge?  

To go to the next post in this series, click here.