How to Make Instrumental Music That Will Move You

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

In this post, we will share with you some tips on how to make instrumental music that will move you.

Introduction

Instrumental music has a special ability to evoke emotion. Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, anxious, or any other emotion, there’s an instrumental piece out there that can help you feel what you’re feeling.

Instrumentals can be incredibly moving, and they can also be great for concentration or relaxation. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few tips on how to make instrumental music that will move you.

Create a Melodic Hook
The most memorable instrumental pieces usually have a catchy melody that sticks in your head long after the song is over. If you want your music to be truly moving, it needs to have a strong melodic hook.

This doesn’t mean that your melody needs to be complex or beautiful—sometimes the simplest melodies are the most effective. The main goal is to create something that people will remember and want to listen to again and again.

Find the Right Instruments
The instruments you use will have a big impact on the overall sound and feel of your music. This is why it’s important to take some time to experiment with different instrument combinations until you find the perfect combination for your piece.

For example, if you want your music to be sad and mournful, you might use violins or cellos. If you want it to be playful and fun, you could use upbeat instruments like guitars or xylophones.

Experiment with Different Tempos and Dynamics
The tempo (speed) and dynamics (loudness) of your music can also affect its overall mood. If you want your music to be exciting and energetic, you might choose a fast tempo with lots of loud and soft sections.

On the other hand, if you want it to be calming and relaxing, you might choose a slower tempo with more consistent dynamics. Again, experimentation is key—don’t be afraid to try out different combinations until you find something that works for your piece.

Record Your Music and Listen Back
Once you’ve written your piece and chosen the perfect instruments, it’s time to record it! This will give you a chance to hear what it sounds like as a finished product and make any necessary adjustments.
If possible, try to listen back on different speakers or headphones so that you can hear how it sounds in different ways. This will help ensure that your music sounds good no matter where people are listening to it.

The Different Types of Instrumental Music

There are many types of instrumental music, but they can broadly be classified into four categories: solo, chamber, orchestral, and film. Each type of instrumental music has its own unique characteristics and benefits. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of instrumental music and how they can affect you emotionally.

Solo Piano

Solo piano music is one of the most intimate and personal forms of expression. The solo piano player is able to communicate a wide range of emotions and ideas with nothing but the sound of their own two hands.

The solo piano repertoire is vast and covers a wide range of styles, from the highly technical to the deeply emotional. There are solo piano pieces that will challenge the most skilled player, and there are others that can be enjoyed by everyone.

One of the great things about solo piano music is that it can be enjoyed in so many different ways. You can sit down and listen to a pianist perform a piece from start to finish, or you can put on a recording and enjoy it in the background. You can also learn to play some of your favorite pieces yourself!

Jazz

Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, United States. It originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and developed from roots in blues and ragtime. Jazz is seen by many as “America’s classical music”. Since the 1920s jazz age, jazz has become recognized as a major form of musical expression. It then emerged in the form of independent traditional and popular musical styles, all linked by the common bonds of African-American and European-American musical parentage with a performance orientation. Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in West African cultural and musical expression, and in African-American music traditions including blues and ragtime, as well as European military band music. Intellectuals around the world have hailed jazz as “one of America’s original art forms”.

Classical

Most people think of classical music as comprising in part works written by long-dead composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. And while it is certainly true that the period from approximately 1750 to 1820 saw the development of Western music as we now know it, and that many of the masterpieces of that time are still performed and recorded today, the truth is that classical music is not limited to any one period, style, or composer. In fact, one of the most exciting things about classical music is that it encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, from medieval plainchant to 21st-century minimalism.

One way to think about classical music is as a continuum with two extremes. On one end is so-called “serious” or “art” music—music that is written for listening rather than dancing, and that seeks to engage the intellect as well as the emotions. This is the kind of music most often associated with the term “classical music.” On the other end of the continuum is what might be called “light” or “popular” classical music—music that generally avoids musical complexities and difficult harmonic progressions, and that instead relies on catchy melodies and simple harmonies. This includes many works by composers such as Georges Bizet, Johann Strauss II, Giacomo Puccini, and Cole Porter.

In between these two extremes are a wide variety of other styles and genres—baroque concertos and fugues, Romantic symphonies and lieder (songs), impressionistic piano pieces, avant-garde atonal works, film scores, musical theater…the list goes on. The only thing these diverse pieces have in common is that they are all considered to be part of the classical music tradition.

The Elements of Music That Create an Emotional Response

Have you ever wondered what it is about a certain song that just pulls at your heartstrings? Why is it that some music can make you feel so happy, while other songs make you feel so sad? It turns out, there are certain elements of music that are scientifically proven to produce an emotional response in listeners. If you know how to use these elements, you can create instrumental music that will move your listeners just as much as any pop song.

Rhythm

Rhythm is the most basic element of music. It’s the beat that you feel, and it’s what helps you tap your foot or dance along with a piece of music. But rhythm can also be more subtle. It’s the timing of the notes and silences that make up a piece of music, and it’s what gives a composition its shape and forward momentum.

Different musical styles place different emphasis on rhythm. For example, in classical music, rhythm is often quite regular, with each beat divided into smaller equal units called notes (think of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony). In contrast, jazz often features syncopation, or unexpected accents on weak beats. This creates a feeling of tension and release that can be very exciting to listen to.

Popular songs usually have a regular pulse that you can feel, but they also often include various syncopations, or off-beat accents. This combination of regularity and irregularity is what makes pop songs so catchy and fun to sing along with. So if you want to create instrumental music that will move people emotionally, pay attention to the rhythm!

Melody

One of the most important elements of music is melody. A melody is a succession of notes that are usually designed to be sung or played on an instrument. A good melody will have a definite shape, often involving some sort of repetition or contrast. It will also be easy to remember. Good melodies tend to be fairly simple, but they can be very complex as well.

There are a few things that you can do to create a great melody. First, you need to come up with a good idea for the overall shape of the melody. This might involve thinking about how the melody will rise and fall, or what sort of mood you want to create with the music. Once you have an idea of the shape of the melody, you can start filling in the details.

came up with a good idea for the overall shape of the melodyThink about which notes will sound best together, and how long each note should last. You might also want to think about adding in some flourishes or decorations to make the melody more interesting. Once you have a basic idea for the melody, you can start experimenting with different ways to play it on your instrument or Sing it.

Keep in mind that a great melody is not always complex; sometimes simplicity is key. The best melodies are usually those that are easy to remember and sing along to. If you can create a catchy, memorable tune, you’re well on your way to writing an emotional and moving piece of instrumental music!

Harmony

One of the key elements of music that can create an emotional response is harmony. Harmony is created when two or more pitches are played together. The way these pitches are combined can create different effects, from happy and cheerful to sad and melancholy.

Major chords, which are made up of a major third (the first and third note of a major scale) and a minor third (the second and fourth note of a major scale), tend to sound happy and cheerful. Minor chords, on the other hand, which are made up of a minor third and a major third, tend to sound sad and melancholy.

Other harmonic elements, such as suspensions (when a note is held over from one chord to the next), can also create tension and release, which can lead to an emotional response. The resolution of these suspensions can be especially satisfying and moving.

So, if you want to create instrumental music that will move you, pay attention to the harmony!

Timbre

Timbre, sometimes called “tone color” is the quality of a sound that distinguishes one voice or instrument from another. It is determined by the harmonic content of a note, and is what gives each instrument it’s unique sound. The human ear can perceive timbre. When two notes of the same pitch are played (for example, middle C on a piano and middle C on a clarinet), we can easily tell that they are two different notes because they have different timbres.

Certain instruments are capable of producing a wide range of timbres, while others have more limited ranges. The clarinet, for example, can produce a wide variety of timbres depending on how the player uses his or her embouchure (the way the lips and mouth muscles are used to shape the airstream), breath support, and reed preparation. A trumpet player can produce different timbres by using different mouthpieces, while a singer can produce different timbres by using different vowel shapes.

Different musical styles make use of timbre in different ways. In classical music, each instrument is often used to play just one kind ofpart (melody, harmony or bassline), so the focus is on blending the timbres of the various instruments so that they complement each other. In jazz and pop music, on the other hand, individual instrumentalists often switch between playing melody, harmony and bassline during the course of a piece, so there is more emphasis on usingtimbre to create contrast and interest.

Some composers make extensive use of the potential for contrast offered by Timbre. In his work “The Seasons” for solo violin and orchestra, Russian composer Alexander Glazunov writes some very high pitches for the violin which would sound thin and shrill if played with too much vibrato (a controlled trembling of the bow across the strings). To counteract this problem Glazunov specifies that these notes should be played with very little vibrato – this gives them a thinner timbre which helps them to cut through the texture of the orchestra.

Texture

Texture is the way the musical elements are combined to produce a unified whole. It can be created by combining melodic, rhythmic and harmonic elements in various ways. The texture of a piece of music can range from very simple to very complex.

The most common type of texture in Western music is monophonic, where there is only one note being played at a time. If multiple people are playing the same melody together, this is called homophonic texture. Monophonic and homophonic textures are often used in folk and traditional songs.

Polyphonic textures are where two or more independent melodies are being played at the same time. This can create a very complex sound, as each melody interacts with the others. Bach’s fugues are examples of polyphonic texture.

Counterpoint is a type of polyphonic texture where two or more melodies are combined in such a way that they create harmony when played together. This was a very important technique during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when composers were exploring new ways of writing music for multiple voices.

Texture can also be create by using different timbres (tone colors) to play the various parts of a piece of music. A piano solo will have a very different texture than a string quartet playing the same melody, because each instrument has its own unique timbre.

Different textures can be used to create different moods in music. A piece with a lot of notes played simultaneously (a dense texture) will usually sound more active or tense than a piece with fewer notes (a sparse texture).

How to Use These Elements to Make Your Own Music

If you’re new to making instrumental music, it can be helpful to know what elements are commonly used in songs. By understanding these elements, you can start to figure out how to use them in your own music. This section will cover some of the most common elements in instrumental music.

Experiment with different rhythms

You don’t need to be a professional musician to make beautiful instrumental music. In fact, all you need are some simple elements and a little bit of creativity. Here are four tips to get you started:

1. Experiment with different rhythms: The beauty of instrumental music is that there are no rules when it comes to rhythm. So go ahead and experiment with different patterns and speeds until you find something that feels right.

2. Layer different sounds: Another great way to add interest to your music is by layering different sounds on top of each other. For example, you could start with a simple piano melody and then add in some strings or percussion for extra texture.

3. Use dynamics to create suspense: suspense is an essential element in any good piece of music, and you can create it by playing around with dynamics. For example, you could start with a gentle melody and then gradually build up to a more intense section before resolving back to the original calmness.

4. Don’t be afraid to experiment: the best way to make great instrumental music is by experimentation. So don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works for you. You never know where your creativity will take you!

Create memorable melodies

If you’re wondering how to make instrumental music that will move you, the answer lies in creating memorable melodies. A melody is a succession of notes that create a recognizable tune, and it’s one of the most important elements in music.

There are a few things to keep in mind when creating melodies:
-Repetition is important. Repeating a melody several times will help listeners remember it.
-Keep it simple. The best melodies are usually pretty straightforward, without too many embellishments.
-Make it interesting. A melody should have some sort of hook or unique element that makes it stand out.

Once you’ve got a melody in mind, the next step is to flesh it out with accompaniment. This can be anything from simple chords on a piano to a full orchestra, depending on your preference. The important thing is to make sure the accompaniment supports the melody and doesn’t overshadow it.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating beautiful instrumental music that will move anyone who hears it.

Use interesting harmonies

One of the best ways to make your music more interesting is to use interesting harmonies. You don’t have to use famous or complicated chord progressions to achieve this, either. Just a few carefully chosen notes can make a big difference.

Try playing around with different combinations of notes and see what you come up with. You may be surprised at how affecting even the simplest progressions can be.

Find the right instruments

Now that you know the three essential elements of instrumental music, it’s time to start putting them together to create your own pieces. The first step is finding the right instruments. If you’re not a musician, this might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start by using the instruments you have around your house or in your garage. If you don’t have any instruments, try asking a friend or neighbor if you can borrow theirs. Once you have your instruments, it’s time to start playing around with them and see what kinds of sounds you can create.

Create different textures

Instrumental music is often based on a simple melody that’s embellished with accompaniment. This can be as simple as a single chord played on a piano or guitar, or it could be a more complex arrangement with several instruments. The important thing is that the melody is the focus of the piece.

One way to create interest in your instrumental music is to use different textures. A texture is the overall sound of a piece of music. It can be thick or thin, busy or sparse, loud or soft.

If you’re using only one instrument, you can create different textures by changing the way you play the instrument. For example, if you’re playing guitar, you might use different techniques such as strumming or finger-picking, and you might use different arrangements such as playing chords or single notes.

If you’re using more than one instrument, you can create different textures by changing the roles of the instruments. For example, if you have a piano and a guitar playing together, you might have them both playing chords, or you might have the piano playing single notes and the guitar playing chords. You might also have one instrument playing the melody and the others providing accompaniment.

Experiment with different combinations of instruments and textures to see what sounds best to you. There are no rules about what works and what doesn’t—it’s all about what YOU like!

Conclusion

So there you have it – a few simple tips on how to make instrumental music that will move you. The most important thing is to get started, and to experiment with different sounds and techniques. There are no rules, so go wild and see what you can come up with. And who knows – you may just create the next great instrumental hit!

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