Music Terminology in Film

Timbre

• The quality or color of a sound that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as voices or musical instruments.

• The loudness or softness of a sound.

• The pitch of a sound that determines how high or low it is.

• The duration of a sound that indicates how long it lasts.

Entr'acte

• Occurs after the intermission to announce the second act of the film.

• A musical piece played during the credits of a film.

• A type of film that features a continuous narrative without breaks.

• A scene that occurs before the main story begins.

Diegetic Music

• Music that occurs within the film’s setting (i.e., music on the radio).

• Background music that sets the mood of a scene.

• Music that is added in post-production for dramatic effect.

• Soundtrack music that is not heard by the characters.

PRO

• Public Relations Organization

• Performing Rights Organization

• Professional Rights Organization

• Production Rights Organization

Motive (or Motif)

• A type of musical instrument used in orchestras.

• A musical idea characterized by a specific sequence of notes or rhythms, often used to represent a theme or emotion in film.

• A genre of music that focuses on rhythm and beats.

• A term used to describe the tempo of a piece of music.

Spotting Session

• A meeting to discuss the film's budget.

• A session where actors rehearse their lines.

• When the director and composer sit down and discuss the music needed for different scenes.

• A gathering to review the film's visual effects.

Orchestration

• The process of composing music for a choir

• How the composer chooses to use instruments, timbre, volume, etc., to create an effect.

• The arrangement of musical notes in a score

• The technique of improvising music during a performance

Mickey Mousing

• A term used in animation to describe exaggerated movements synchronized with music.

• A technique for creating silent films without any music.

• A style of painting that incorporates musical elements.

• A slang term used to describe the act of mimicking physical action with the music, enhancing comedic or dramatic effects.

Cue Sheet

• A document containing a list of cues (including composer and length) that is sent to the PROs.

• A summary of the musical score for a performance.

• A list of performers and their roles in a production.

• A guide for audience members about the show's themes.

Cue

• A section of music for a single scene, usually ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes in length.

• A type of musical instrument used in orchestras.

• A term for a musical performance that lasts all night.

• A style of music that incorporates electronic sounds.