Words to know: texture, mood
If this is your first time learning about music theory, you are in the right place! This post will show you everything you need to know to get started writing or understanding texture. If you already have a basic understanding of music, feel free to skip ahead to one of my other lessons.
The elements of music are rhythm, dynamics, form, melody, harmony, tempo, timbre, and texture, and are basically the building block of every song. Some of the elements go by different names in different parts of the world, but no matter what they’re called a piece of music can’t exist without them. Understanding how to use the elements together is the first step to being a great musician. Let’s get started!
What is Texture?
Texture is a little bit of an advanced concept in music. It is essentially the idea that different sounds or notes can create different moods for the listener. Think of it a bit like texture as it applies to art. If you run your hand across a flat piece of printer paper, it feels smooth and even. Compare that to running your hand across a piece of construction paper, which has a much rough feel. Now compare that feeling again to sand paper, or a crumpled piece of paper, or a leaf, or a piece of fabric, or a stone. All of these different textures create a different physical experience.
Listen to the two examples below and watch the music as it goes by. I wrote each of them using different instruments and with the intention of creating two different moods.
Example 1:
Example 2:
You would probably agree that these two examples sound totally different and may make you think of two very different moods. This idea of texture and mood painting are especially important for things like movies, radio shows, and even commercials. Imagine your favorite superhero movie, only all the music is replaced by the sound of barking dogs or static. It would not have the same affect.
Classical composers used texture to create incredible combinations of sounds in different pieces, even if the pieces were using the same kinds of instruments. Listen to Beethoven’s “Eroica” symphony No. 3 and then “Scheherazade” by Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov. They use essentially the same instruments but have completely different feelings and moods, largely because of the combinations of instruments chosen by the composers to give certain textures to the music.
Try writing your own short piece of music and ask people what it reminds them of. Then try experimenting with the texture to see if it changes their perception!
Recap
In this lesson we talked about texture in music and how it can be used to create different moods. We saw examples of different textures and talked about examples of how different composers used texture in classical music.
When you feel comfortable with texture, go on to my next lesson on intervals! There is a lot more to learn about music and I’m happy to be able to help.
If you got value from this lesson, consider sharing this site with your friends who are interested in music. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my website so you get notified when new lessons come out!
Thanks for reading, and have fun making music!
Sam Adams Studio 