News | Podcasts | Articles
The Secrets of Tasking Cues | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 39
In this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave unpacks the world of tasking cues—a subtle but powerful category of production music widely used in reality TV, competition shows, and renovation programs.
Is this Cue "Editor-Friendly"? | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 38
In this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave unpacks what it truly means to write editor-friendly production music.
Writing Melodies That Work | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 37
In this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave explores the art of writing effective melodies for production music. Drawing from his jazz improv background, Dave unpacks how motivic writing, modal theory, and static melody techniques can create editor-friendly cues that both stand out and seamlessly support dialogue.
Unlocking the Secrets of Reference Cues | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 36
On this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave introduces his Prism Analysis — a framework designed to help production music composers transform reference tracks into fresh, original cues.
Must-Know Tips for Music Conferences | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 35
Attending a music conference can feel overwhelming, but on this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, Dave reminds composers that success isn’t about collecting the most business cards—it’s about building genuine connections
How to Write Investigative Tension Cues | 52 Cues Podcast, 2025 Week 34
In this week’s episode of the 52 Cues Podcast, composer and educator Dave Kropf unpacks the art of writing investigative tension cues—those cerebral, clue-gathering tracks that show up everywhere from crime documentaries to dating show reveals.
Bridge the Gap in Your Production Music Skillset and Placements
Join our 12-week Mastermind with a built-in private lesson, small group accountability and feedback sessions that give you focused, personalized mentorship.
“It’s great! The Mastermind forced me to take a realistic look at the business, my skills, and what it takes to succeed. Your course is excellent, and there is nothing in the marketplace the really bridges the gap between technical knowledge and career development the way you do.” — Mastermind Member | Summer 2022

