Music Glossary: arrangement-and-orchestration category

A one-page plan of sections, keys, tempos, hooks, and cues that guides writing, rehearsal, and production. more

Use staccato, marcato, legato, pizzicato, mutes, harmonics for contrast. more

Alternating phrases across sections/instruments to create conversation and forward motion. more

Secondary melodic lines woven around the lead. Aim for complementary rhythm and register separation. more

Independent melodies interlock; watch for contrary motion and spacing. more

Layer instruments in unison/octaves for weight; be mindful of blend vs mask. more

Selective unison or octave doubling to reinforce hooks or thicken textures without muddying the mix. more

Classic chord spreads created by dropping the 2nd or 3rd highest note an octave for smoother voice-leading. more

High-level control of level, filter, and density across sections to shape the emotional arc. more

Sketch sectional plan (intro–A–B–bridge–outro) and energy curve before voicing details. more

Stacking complementary motifs (lead, countermelody, rhythm hook) so the chorus lands hard and sticks. more

Blend orchestra with synths/FX; align envelopes and articulation for cohesion. more

Write parts natural to instruments' articulation and technique; avoid impossible leaps. more

Design bass + kick (or tuba/bassoon) interactions; avoid frequency masking. more

Build with swappable 4–8 bar blocks for quick alt versions and remixes. more

Combine timbres that fuse (clarinet+viola, horn+cellos) for new composite colors. more

Assign melody, counterline, pads, rhythm, and bass consciously. more

Combining sustained pads with rhythmic pulses/arps to fill space while maintaining momentum. more

Sustained harmonic beds (strings/synths) to glue and support the lead. more

Assign parts within playable/comfortable ranges; extreme registers change color and power. more

Choosing pitch ranges for each part to avoid clutter, preserve clarity, and support the lead melody. more

Orchestrate with EQ in mind—assign parts to avoid overlap before mixing. more

Subtle chord substitutions and passing chords that enhance color without losing the song’s core identity. more

Repeating rhythmic figure driving momentum under melody. more

Writing for instrument families (brass, winds, strings) with idiomatic ranges, articulations, and blend in mind. more

Closer spacing in the top, wider in the low end to avoid mud. more

Block chords vs independent lines; shape density over form. more