The 10 Commandments of Production Music


So much of this gig is frustratingly inconsistent! But I’ve found there are some overarching guidelines which can help govern a lot of our choices. In this episode, I share my 10 Commandments of Production music!

In my Year of Taxi update, I’ll share a returned cue and talk about why it was returned. Plus, take a listen to this week’s TAXI submission, which is an ambient minimal tension cue.

Finally, I’ll give my thoughts on an energetic, nostalgic Broadway cue written by 52 Cues Community Member, Mojo X (https://soundcloud.com/mojox)!

00:00 - Intro & Welcome

02:26 - Year of Taxi Check-In

15:02 - The 10 Commandments of Production Music

15:50 - 1. Thou shalt read the brief and keep it holy!

17:04 - 2. Thou shalt not steal, but referencing…?

23:03 - 3. Thou shalt stick to one mood!

26:15 - 4. Thou shalt use complete phrasing!

29:38 - 5. Thou shalt use predictable layering!

32:29 - 6. Thou shalt include edit points!

36:17 - 7. Thou shalt have no other key signature but one!

38:41 - 8. Thou shalt include a button (stinger) ending!

40:58 - 9. Thou shalt not covet odd meters!

45:06 - 10. Thou shalt do whatever the library says!

49:42 - Join the 52 Cues Community!

50:56 - "Opening Night" by Mojo X

01:01:33 - Outro & How You Can Support 52 Cues!

Join the 52 Cues Community!

Join the 52 Cues Community for FREE! – Post your own cues for feedback from the community, network with other composers, participate in community discussions, provide feedback on other composers' cues, and ask questions about the industry!


Become a 52 Cues FRIEND – Join in on Monthly Interactive Zoom Workshops featuring a range of topics and guests from around the music industry, and you'll have access to the Weekly Music Production Livestreams!


Become a 52 Cues FAMILY Member – Get all the benefits listed above, plus catch up with Dave during weekly live Zoom Office Hours, and have your cues reviewed each week during the live Weekly Interactive Feedback and Critique Sessions.

Lessons, critiques, and 1-on-1 coaching are available! – http://52cues.com/coaching.

Listen to the 52 Cues podcast on the go! Subscribe in your favorite podcast app or head over to https://podcast.52cues.com!

#productionmusic #podcast 


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