►Click here to download the set of Composer Worksheets
The Briefing: Texture Texture is the simultaneous layering of sounds. Texture can refer to rhythm, harmony, or a hybrid of both rhythm & harmony. We think of texture as being a continuum; dense to sparse, active to still, and thick to thin. Adding more instruments will add density and thickness to the texture, whereas taking instruments out will create thin and sparse texture. |
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The Briefing: Timbre Timbre is the characteristic quality of a sound, without taking pitch and dynamics into account, looking at the sound’s tone colour. Many instruments have different timbres which they can produce. Timbre is also thought to be a continuum moving from light to dark, and warm to cold. Choosing an instrument’s timbre can convey the attributes of a character, emotion, place or mood. |
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In the Field: Texture & Timbre Listen to the following clips of compositions where texture and timbre plays an important role. Boléro M. 81, London Symphony Orchestra |
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Junior Testing Grounds: Timbre Oscillators: switch between the characters and listen to how each one has a different timbre. |
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Senior Testing Grounds: Timbre BeepBox: Rate the waveforms from darkest and lightest, or warmest to coldest. |
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Junior Testing Grounds: Texture Bobby McFerrin - ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ |
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Senior Testing Grounds: Texture BeepBox: Create a melody then include more layers to add a thicker texture. |
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Industry Voice: Listen to the following people working in the industry describe how to use texture and timbre.
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Career Pathway Videos
Shannon Mason
Composer & Sound Designer
Vancouver, BC
Caitlin Yu
Head of Quality Assurance
Phoenix Labs
Burnaby, BC
Adrian Talens
Freelance Composer
Vancouver, BC
What is it like to work in Interactive & Digital Media?
Where can I go to college or university for a career in IDM?
The Art Institute of Vancouver