Arranging reggaeton
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I have arranged my reggaeton piece using repetition, contrast and build-ups.
Key learning points
- Reggaeton usually repeats musical ideas extensively.
- It maintains interest by creating musical contrast. This includes varying the texture, dynamics and instrumentation.
- Composers build energy through the use of build-ups.
- One technique we can use to create a build-up is a low-pass filter sweep.
Keywords
Musical contrast - When there are differences between sections we would describe this as musical contrast.
Low-pass filter - A low pass filter is an effect that removes higher pitched frequencies from a sound.
Filter sweep - When we gradually remove high or low frequencies to create a build-up, this is called a filter sweep.
Build-up - A build-up is a gradual increase in aspects of the music (e.g. dynamics, pitch, texture) that creates an increase in energy.
Common misconception
It is important to constantly create variety and change in a composition.
We have to balance variety and repetition. Too much variety makes a piece sound messy and incoherent, too much repetition and it becomes boring. Try to find a happy medium between repeating ideas and varying things (e.g. the texture).
Teacher tip
Pupils may decide to develop their composition beyond the scope of this lesson. Things that could be effective are: the addition or rapping; the addition of singing; addition of live instruments (given necessary hardware and expertise); addition of pre-recorded loops from the DAW.
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