To Key, Or not to Key, That is the Question.

[Haidendvim]

Well it sounds like an easy question, and probably very easy for a lot of people. But for me during the writing process I find that it hinders my imagination and slows down my workflow with over thinking. When I write and orchestrate, I will play what works and the sound I hear in my head is what I go after, this leads to lots of modulations and modes in a short time frame. The question is, do you pick your Key first, and then write within its frame work and work all your modulations, modes, ext, during the process, or do you have an arranger do this after you have something written down that you like?

[David Newman]

I never pick keys, or anything like that as a structure. We are film composers, our structure is the MOVIE!!! Just write what you feel - don't worry about modulations, though you shouldn't use modulation as a crutch to keep going (in my opinion)....hope this helps...

[cain777]

Idon't worry about modulations, though you shouldn't use modulation as a crutch to keep going (in my opinion)....hope this helps...

Hmm, May I ask why? any way you can elaborate on that?

[David Newman]

Not sure of your question. The "key" is a feel thing for me, but not paramount. Modulations are part of music though the definition of a modulation might be different than what you are doing. Are you going to a new key for a long period of time that you set up, or are you just moving away from your tonic for a bit so you can "keep the music (tension, etc) going?

[cain777]

Yes, I was asking about modulation to keep the ideas going along with the tension. Not staying in a key long enough to make it a tonic.