Using technology to refine a composition
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify ways to use technology to refine a composition, and can use some of these effects to refine my own composition.
Key learning points
- Technology can be used in many different ways to refine a composition. These vary between musical styles.
- Common tools to use across many styles include reverb, EQ and volume automation.
- In modern styles (e.g. pop and electronic genres) songwriters often use echo, filters, chorus, auto-tune and sampling.
- It is generally best to use these tools subtly, but in some cases it can be appropriate to use them at higher levels.
Keywords
Reverb - an effect that creates the impression of a sound being played in a more ‘echoey’ space
Volume automation - a DAW tool that allows you to gradually increase or decrease dynamics within a track
Balance - the relative volume of the different parts; creating effective balance is crucial when composing
Chorus - an effect that makes it sound like more than one voice or instrument is playing the part at the same time
EQ - a process that adjusts the sound frequencies within a track (short for 'equalisation')
Common misconception
Digital effects should only be used in modern genres.
It is appropriate to use digital effects in older genres, but generally this should be done subtly to be idiomatic. Common examples include adding a small amount of reverb, adjusting the timbres with EQ and using volume automation to create balance.
Teacher tip
This composition is a useful starting point for exploring: EDM features; vocal processing and sampling; writing a hook; writing vocal melodies; harmonisation; using synthesisers and drum machines; creating a build-up; pop chord sequences and bass lines; structuring a pop song; developing texture.
File needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - EDM track (audio) 5.8 MB (MP3)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
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