How to Come Up With a Motif - Music Composition

[@MusicMattersGB]

Learn Music Online - Check out our courses here! www.mmcourses.co.uk/courses

[@allooutrick8266]

As music seems to be getting simpler, it's nice to see someone still teaching the intricacies.

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@amanthatthinks]

The music that becomes simple actually becomes noise..

[@ricomajestic]

@@amanthatthinks Noise is quite complicated actually since there is no pattern!

[@TranceCore3]

that's what's going to separate people from the rest. Who needs software to create, and who doesn't, a lot of the software takes the thinking out of music.

[@christianbrobst3486]

Popular music/“dance music” are simple rhythms and melodies people can follow and move there body to without much thought. Now there are definitely musicians making highly complex intricate musical pieces and sadly, there isn’t much of a commodity for that kind of music in pop culture. Pop culture has literally dumbed down music. That being said it’s still music and still makes me feel good

[@mybook2510]

Your teachings mean a lot to me. I’m standing on the shoulders of a giant! Thank you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@Dominique632]

This is the best video of Composing on KZbin, you go deeply into details which is very useful, thank you

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@joshlevi4578]

Thank you so much for these videos. I've watched countless videos trying to explain melody and motif composition from music producers and it never made any sense. You explain everything perfectly and intricately and it has been so helpful. Really appreciate your work!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. See www.mmcourses.co.uk for much more. All the best. Gareth

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@bach4973]

Thank you very much! It would be useful a video on how to build a sonata.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Glad it’s helpful. Okay. Will put on the list. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@HamsterVormFenster]

I'm not a composer. I don't even consider myself a musician, I dabble occasionally but I can't even read sheet music, I just click the boxes in the midi sequencer. I also didn't sleep at all last night so my brain is running on half power. Yet, the way you explained it, I understood almost all of it. The only thing I'll have to look up is which chords contain which notes as I do not know it by heart. That is how good of a teacher you are, thank you so, so much!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s really kind of you. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@CharlesAustin]

All your videos are addictive.. one doesn’t want to miss anything.. Very relevant and enjoyable !!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Thanks for your support

[@karivierimaa5908]

Great lesson! Easy to understand and very informative!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@duality4y]

I really enjoyed this video. I really like that I can now use this to analyze some pieces better and understand what is happening in the melody!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@CardCaptor32584]

Thank you. Your videos have really opened my eyes.

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@guizacura4727]

You are a most wonderful music teacher! Thank you so much for everything you do!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@dtwdvne]

Hi, this is useful. I am actually writing a musical at present.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@pandapirate25yearsago33]

Wow, when you played the f major motive you made up, I immediately heard how the melody continues. It's amazing, thank you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@123234MAN]

Thank you so much really from the bottom of my heart. With every video of yours that i watch you answer questions that have been holding me back in music production for years. I couldnt have made it without you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@TheMatrixofMeaning]

The way I write music is to improvise and noodle around until I find a motif that I like and I develop it using call and response and develop a complex structure across different starting notes, modes, and modulations until it creates a whole story with counterpoint and longer phrases. This sound is more pleasing with all the different permutations interacting than how most people seem to use their knowledge of theory in a more scientific abd logical way. I can really improvise a whole piano sonata doing this with no mistakes.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Excellent

[@Rainersclarinet]

Your teaching is very good presented and easily to understand. Thank you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@AntoBeaw]

You're amazing

[@MusicMattersGB]

Thank you. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@SP2718]

Thanks Gareth for another really helpful video. I am very interested in composing leitmotifs for storytelling in particular and this advice will definitely help me a lot in continuing to do that. I appreciate your teaching and generosity very much. Thanks again!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@alejandrosalmonfranco4846]

I am actually studying jazz piano and I wanted to know more about motif development and I don't if this was intended but that motif composed in the min 7:30 sounds quite a lot like the first bar of the jazz standard of Au Privave by Charlie Parker. Nice video, thank you very much!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Not an intentional connection but interesting. Thanks for your positive feedback

[@RichieBurrellLondon]

This guy is great.

[@MusicMattersGB]

You’re very kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@WizardOfArc]

Thank you - this was helpful!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@dtwdvne]

Thanks for this. It has actually given me an idea

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@patrickcunningham618]

ty

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure

[@hectoraguilar770]

Great lesson! Thank you very much!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Glad it’s helpful. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@SmegmaMale_]

Thank you

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@sallyjohansson6045]

Thank you for your wonderful clear explanations.

[@MusicMattersGB]

It’s a pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@dianessacanillas5323]

Thanks!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@collinchingota7717]

Thank you very much!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@amortangovincenzo1456]

Thank you, Excellent Instruction!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@songclarke5024]

Your the best thanks you!!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme.

[@Gratulsangeet]

Nice teaching sir Thanks....

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@CanSakkaoglu]

I thought you were going to play the Bach’s fugue in c minor in the first example and when you played A natural my ears cringed so hard😂😂

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀😀

[@larsb.7679]

I'm at the moment trying to write more counter punctuel in a String quartet I'm writing. Maybe It would be an Idea for you to teach how to Counter point in ensembles. Good Video, helped a lot as always! ☺

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk Hopefully our Counterpoint course would be helpful at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@SomthingMachine]

This was very helpful, but the first example also makes me really want to listen to the Jurassic Park theme... haha

[@MusicMattersGB]

Great. Enjoy J.P.! Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@dynamicmusicacademyonline]

Good solid teaching!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Many thanks. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our Maestros programme and of our 25 online courses.

[@ProdbyDMBEATS]

Thank you for the lesson!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@nidamozuraite]

This is so useful thank you!

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our 25 online courses and of our Maestros programme.

[@aarennon3108]

Tnk u master

[@MusicMattersGB]

Most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme.

[@bonbonpony]

00:47 Thanks, now I know how "Happy Birthday" sounds like when played upside down :J

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@Godwinjk]

Thanks for this lesson. I'm enjoy learning.

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme

[@ronb6182]

Music theory at it's best and application. Thanks 73

[@MusicMattersGB]

Most kind. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@Fad.3]

I just randomly think of a melody and write it down before i forget 😂

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s a fair starting point.

[@5966ramesh]

Amazing video sir. Thank you.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Hope you’re well.

[@5966ramesh]

@@MusicMattersGB We are fine sir. Thank you . Hope you are fine.

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@alirezababaei4377]

thanks

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@LondraCalibro9]

thank you! great lessons and teaching style!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure.

[@mageshg1515]

Sir excellent presentation. I want to learn writing for strings section techniques . Please guide me. If u have full course please let me know

[@MusicMattersGB]

Hi. Have a look at our Orchestration course. You can obtain the complete Orchestration bundle or just go for writing for Strings at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@MrMikomi]

Nothing wrong with bugle calls.

[@MusicMattersGB]

Absolutely

[@chrismunroe8015]

Yet another excellent video

[@MusicMattersGB]

Thank you

[@josephinebrown6631]

Thank you kindly. May the Lord bless you in Jesus name.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@phuonghong2902]

Cám ơn Thầy

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@benfox8709]

Great video! Do you think you could do a video on arranging? Thank you

[@MusicMattersGB]

Will add to the list. Thank you. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@digitalatmospherics29]

Fabulous! Thank you Gareth.

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Glad it’s useful

[@digitalatmospherics29]

@@MusicMattersGB All your KZbin tutorials are great and things are explained very well. You are a wonderful teacher!

[@MusicMattersGB]

Thank you. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.

[@digitalatmospherics29]

@@MusicMattersGB Thanks Gareth. I just joined as a Level 1 Maestro. - Peter

[@MusicMattersGB]

Thank you and welcome to Maestros!

[@Katmat87]

Thanks

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure! Thank you very much for your generosity and support for the channel!

[@sanjaliroy1563]

Can an auxillary note also be a passing note? Isn’t the 8th note in the second measure also a passing note?

[@MusicMattersGB]

A passing note moves upwards or downwards by step ie three notes have to move consecutively in the same direction. In the case of an auxiliary note we move one note up or one note down then return to the previous note.

[@sanjaliroy1563]

Music Matters thank you!!

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@ogorangeduck]

Great video! What about musical cryptograms?

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@user-of8nl9th8b]

Great lesson thank you What is the biggest difference between motif and subphrases and fragments??

[@MusicMattersGB]

There’s certainly overlap between those terms but motif is a short idea that gets used and developed during the piece.

[@mindmazebeats3568]

that motif almost made the T-Rex break out of their fences

[@MusicMattersGB]

Love it

[@d4rkness455]

what about if your motif doesn't end on a harmony note, but a passing note

[@MusicMattersGB]

If it’s a passing note it will have to resolve

[@user-ko1bg5wg8n]

Hi! I have got a question, are what we call "riffs" in guitar basically motifs?

[@MusicMattersGB]

Much in common

[@ferenclucas2842]

Nobody seems to create any videos about how to make music circular or cyclical with the transitions between the end of a motif and its beginning of it when it repeats. Furthermore, we don't see videos about planning chord progressions so that the music is cyclical and perpetual, ie. What kinds of endings and transitions between chord motif phrases. It seems like the most basic requirement of music composition to make melodies and chords flow and absolutely no one discusses that at all

[@MusicMattersGB]

We try to cover such issues

[@galantreentrant]

what do you mean by using it upside down?

[@MusicMattersGB]

Use the note pattern in the opposite direction

[@laffikdcaps]

Few disadvantages. These motifs are filled up with interval of second, which is dissonant, and then we meet abrupt solution in larger interval at the end. It's not smooth. Also, here melody is written around the chord and it's chord that supposed to be written around melody. And harmony notes got it's quality, so better to play it at order of prime, fifth, third and back to fifth. Doesn't sound good played at random. My best receipt for motif, is to play intervals sorted by tension (fifth, quarter, thirds, seconds), linked with passing notes. Can be played back and forth. Sixth and minor seventh can be used with thirds, as the tension is the same. It draws nice shape of mountains on a score sheet. Or other receipt is to play intervals by short passages of the same interval, sorted in groups by it's tension. So first I play second using few seconds, then in next group thirds, sixths and minor sevenths, using thirds, sixths and minor seventh, and so on by quarters to the fifth. As a variation it can be fifth played by seconds, fourth played by thirds and sixth played by fourths. Groups not necessarily has to be sorted in order after each other. They can wave: 3rds, 4ths, 2nds, 5ths. But it is not classical. This is rather modern, spectral development. Mr. Jarre used to play like this in 80's and 90's (have been studying his themes for 30 years). Cheers!

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@laffikdcaps]

Thats why chords mute on passage notes. They play only on harmony notes. Unless passage notes fit in chord or its second, fourth or seventh. And this always happen. To keep the play, when chords mute, there's basso. Basso, arranged as a second after the melody, takes such a notes, that playing very long notes, make intervals of at last third (3rd, 6th, 4th, 5th or prime) with all the notes on the way. It's not BS. Sounds deadly!

[@laffikdcaps]

Ah, and writing melody around the chords is good for chorus not for theme. For the theme best way is to do other way.

[@MusicMattersGB]

It’s okay to use dissonant inessential notes in a melody as long as they are treated well in terms of voice leading

[@laffikdcaps]

@@MusicMattersGB passage notes can play if short

[@user-of8nl9th8b]

thanks for your's amazing teaching :i have a question can i write unaccented after accented passing note like : harmony _unaccented _accented_harmony or just harmony_accented_unaccented_harmony ? ! thank you very much

[@MusicMattersGB]

Good question. You can put two passing notes next to each other but yes, one will be accented and the other unaccented.

[@user-of8nl9th8b]

thank you so much So harmony _unaccented _accented_harmony ? is wrong

[@MusicMattersGB]

No that’s perfectly ok

[@David-cz1el]

Is a motif the same as a theme or is a motif where the theme originates and from?

[@MusicMattersGB]

A motif is a short idea ie smaller than a theme.

[@David-cz1el]

@@MusicMattersGBThanks very much. This really helps. By the way you got a great channel. Appreciate all your videos.

[@MusicMattersGB]

That’s great. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@David-cz1el]

@@MusicMattersGB Thanks I'll check it out!

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@melputra919]

Could you show us how to compose a song ? 😀

[@MusicMattersGB]

Have a look at our recorded webinar on composing a song at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@melputra919]

@@MusicMattersGB thanks 😊 the course looks good. How long is the duration? Will set aside time to learn as I am working

[@MusicMattersGB]

The exact timings are given on the list of sessions but it’s all manageable. I’m sure you’ll find it useful.

[@melputra919]

@@MusicMattersGB the webinar composing a song could not find the time duration, just the price is USD and Eur

[@MusicMattersGB]

Hi. You can buy the course in Euros Dollars or Pounds and it will convert from your own currency. On the course listing you’ll see the timings for each session although obviously it’s the content that’s important. Enjoy.

[@gopalakrishnanarumugam7576]

💌💌💌

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@zyxyuv1650]

I think motifs you can't remember don't work well so I write them in my head ahead of time and only commit them to motifs if I remember them months or years later or whatever. It's a little bit harsh throwing out those poor motifs and melodies but at least it's a fool proof way to make things sound better. Somehow the memory works as the harshest critic. If the motif wasn't very good then my sieve-like brain can't remember it.

[@MusicMattersGB]

😀

[@nilsfrederking62]

Thanks!

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk

[@bethl]

This was very helpful! Thank you

[@MusicMattersGB]

A pleasure. Much more at www.mmcourses.co.uk including details of our online courses and of our exciting Maestros programme. If you value this channel and would like to help us continue to share and develop the content please consider supporting us as a level 1 Maestro by clicking here kzbin.info/door/8yI8P7Zi3yYTsypera-IQgjoin Alternatively you can express your support for the channel by clicking on the Super Thanks button beneath any of our videos. Thank you.