Using rhythm and texture in film music
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use rhythm and texture to develop an ostinato for a film scene.
Key learning points
- Rhythm and texture are crucial elements to develop when creating music for action scenes.
- Repeating ostinati, driving rhythms and accents can create a sense of energy and excitement.
- Thickening the texture also builds energy and excitement.
- Using these strategies, a simple melodic idea can be developed into exciting music for an action scene.
Keywords
Driving rhythm - a rhythm based on fast, repeating notes, often quavers or semiquavers
Ostinato - a repeating pattern that forms the basis of a piece of music
Accent - an emphasis placed on a note
Texture - how many different layers of sound play at once, and how they interact
Doubling - when two parts play the same melody
Common misconception
Repetitive film music is not very interesting and can't build excitement.
Music that repeats ideas can build excitement if the composer develops aspects of it. By adding layers, changing rhythms and developing the texture, a simple repeated idea can be developed into an exciting musical soundworld.
Teacher tip
Analysing music in action films is a logical extension of and application of the content in this lesson. Watch scenes from the Bourne trilogy, modern James Bond action sequences or other thrillers and challenge pupils to analyse how the music supports the excitement and energy of the scenes.
Equipment
DAW, notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
