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Year 10 - Music

Horizontal resequencing

Extending understanding in film music: video game music

Unit Summary

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Lesson Summary

You will learn to use horizontal resequencing to create a contrasting section of music that responds to a sudden change in the action.

Key Notes

  • Adaptive music in video games uses two techniques to respond to a player's actions.
  • These are vertical layering and horizontal resequencing.
  • In horizontal resequencing, new sections of contrasting music are used to match big changes in the game.
  • Many different sections are created, so that the music can respond to any one of the possible changes.
  • A typical example is using different musical ideas to represent victory or loss in a racing game.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • adaptive music: music that can change by reacting to a stimulus; video game music reacts to the player's actions
  • linear loop: a repeating musical idea in a video game that can be looped indefinitely
  • horizontal resequencing: where a new section of music begins in response to a player's action
  • vertical layering: where layers of music are 'stacked' on top of each other and change in response to the player's actions

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • In horizontal resequencing, new musical sections should completely contrast with the preceeding section.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Adaptive music in video games uses two techniques to respond to a player's actions. These are vertical layering and horizontal resequencing.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'adaptive music'

music that can change by reacting to a stimulus; video game music reacts to the player's actions.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: In horizontal resequencing, new musical sections should completely contrast with the preceeding section. Correction: There should be contrast, but there also needs to be a feeling of continuity. Using some consistent features (like tempo, key, timbre) can help to create a feeling of some continuity, while still creating a large contrast.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Music guide library.