Film music

• What is one purpose of music in film?

  To create or enhance a mood
• What are some frequent effects used by film music composers to create or enhance a mood?

  • A repeated OSTINATO pattern
  • Sustained notes of LONG DURATION
  • TREMOLO strings
  • A CRESCENDO with gradually increasing DYNAMICS
  • Increasing TEMPO (Accelerando)
  • PITCH getting higher
  • The use of SILENCE before dramatic moments
  • Unusual harmonies (minor, DISSONANT, CHROMATIC CHORDS)
  • DISCHORDS and DIMINISHED CHORDS
  • IRREGULAR TIME SIGNATURES (5/4, 7/8)
  • Rapid Scale Patterns
  • INTERRUPTED CADENCES
  • The use of the TRITONE (Augmented 4th)
  • Low pitch brass and strings for a "dark sound"
  • Percussive metallic sounds
  • SUSPENSIONS that don't resolve
  • Frequent changes in DYNAMICS
  • Electronic sounds and synthesisers
  • SAMPLED SOUNDS
  • Effects like REVERB or DISTORTION
  • Unusual instruments (e.g., Theremin)
• What is film music described as?

  Descriptive Music that represents a mood, story, scene, or character
• What is a Leitmotif in film music?

  A frequently recurring short melodic or harmonic idea associated with a character or event
• How can Leitmotifs be used in a film?

  They can be changed to hint at future events or heard in the background
• What is the purpose of repeated sections of music in film?

  To link different parts of the film together and provide continuity
• What is MONOTHEMATIC film music?


  Film music based upon a single melody
• What is MICKEY-MOUSING in film music?

  Music that mimics every small movement in animated films
• Why do film music composers use CLICK TRACKS?


  To help them time their music exactly
• What is the role of commercial music in film scores?

  • Helps sell the film
  • Often used in opening or closing credits
  • Can return in the background later
  • Examples include 'big songs' in James Bond films
• What is unexpected juxtaposition in film music?

  Using music that the listener wouldn't normally expect to hear
• How do film composers influence the pacing of a scene?

  By using fast music in action sequences and slow music in romantic scenes
• How do film scores illustrate geographic location or historical period?

  By using traditional instruments associated with a particular country or time
• What was the state of early film soundtracks?

  Early films had no soundtrack and music was provided live
• When did soundtracks first appear in films?

  At the end of the 1920s
• What was the trend in film music during the 1950s and 60s?


  Film producers tried using operas and ballets
• How is film music produced today?

  • Blends popular, electronic, and classical music
  • Suits the needs of the particular film
  • Contemporary composers create music that can take on a life of its own
• What is the purpose of music spotting in film music production?

  To decide where music is to feature in the finished film
• What are Cue Sheets in film music production?

  Documents containing accurate timings of all dialogue and action descriptions
• What is the function of Click Tracks in film music?

  To facilitate the accurate synchronization of music to events
• What is diegetic film music?


  Music within the film that both characters and audience can hear
• What is non-diegetic film music?

  Music that is "put over the top" of the action for the audience's benefit
• What are the musical features of film music related to pitch and melody?

  • LEAPS (DISJUNCT MELODIC MOVEMENT) for "baddies"
  • STEPWISE (CONJUNCT MELODIC MOVEMENT) for "goodies"
  • RISING MELODIES for increasing tension
  • CHROMATICISM for weirdness
• How do LEAPS and STEPWISE movements in melodies convey different emotions in film music?

  LEAPS convey weirdness and "baddies," while STEPWISE movements convey happiness and "goodies"
• What is the effect of rising melodies in film music?

  They create increasing tension
• What is the purpose of displaying sequences in film and animation?

  To pre-visualize a motion picture, animation, motion graphic, or video game sequence.
• What are the two types of film music?

  • Diegetic Film Music
  • Non-Diegetic Film Music
• What is diegetic film music?


  Music within the film that both characters and the audience can hear.
• Give an example of diegetic film music.


  A car radio or a band in a nightclub.
• What is non-diegetic film music?

  Music that is added over the action for the audience's benefit, which the characters cannot hear.
• What is another term for non-diegetic film music?

  Underscore or incidental music.
• What are the musical features of film music related to pitch and melody?

  • LEAPS and CHROMATICISM for "baddies"
  • STEPWISE and DIATONIC melodies for "goodies"
  • RISING MELODIES for tension or triumph
  • FALLING MELODIES for hopelessness
  • "BIG THEME" in Westerns
  • Interval of a FIFTH in Sci-Fi soundtracks
• How do rising and falling melodies function in film music?

  Rising melodies increase tension or triumph, while falling melodies decrease tension or indicate hopelessness.
• What type of melodies are often used in Westerns?

  A "BIG THEME" played on sweeping strings.
• What is the significance of the interval of a fifth in Sci-Fi film soundtracks?

  It has a "bare, open and sparse" sound quality that matches the theme of outer space.
• How does rhythm function in film music?

  • FAST rhythms for chases
  • SLOWER rhythms for hesitation
  • IRREGULAR rhythms for threats
  • REGULAR rhythms for safety
  • OSTINATO rhythms for repeated sounds
  • SYNCOPATION and CROSS-RHYTHMS for tension
• What does a fast rhythm indicate in film music?

  It indicates chases and hectic situations.
• What is the effect of legato articulation in film music?


  It creates a flowing sound for happier situations.
• What is the purpose of accents in film music?

  To emphasize violence.
• What are the common time signatures used in film music?

  • 2/4 or 4/4 for Marches
  • 3/4 for Waltzes
  • Irregular time signatures for unease