My meditation music is too narrative.

[wendylanders]

Hi everyone!

In regard to the meditation music listings, what's the difference between a "narrative," and a "meditative" listing ? Apparently, I think everything is a narrative.

What should I be listening for to make sure that what I submit is meditative instead of narrative? Is it that the melody line in a narrative piece is more interesting than in a meditative piece?

Thanks,

Wendy Landers

[AlanHall]

Hi Wendy,
That's a mysterious kind of critique, to be sure!

To me, a narrative is a storyline: starts somewhere, goes somewhere. Does your music progress through episodes or sections that create contrast or a sense of development? A musical line that's 'going away' followed by a 'return'? Your piece is very classical in construction if it does. Not at all desired for meditation music. It needs to impart a sense of 'centered-ness' or 'stillness'. No motion at all. Just a sense of "being".

Do all the ref tracks sound like that? I dunno, but IMHO that's the ideal. Then the struggle is to keep it from being repetitive.

edit: So I guess my answer to your question is that the progression of a narrative piece is more interesting than that of a meditative piece. Make sense?

[wendylanders]

Yeah, I'll buy that.

Very tonic.

Although, this is one of those distinctions that'll make you crazy.

It was good hearing from you.

Take care!

[AlanHall]

Thanks!

you too.

[cosmicdolphin]

It's the difference between taking the listener on a journey or placing them into a sonic landscape.

Think more underscore like.

[wendylanders]

Thanks, Cosmicdolphin.

Best!

[mwb2]

Hi Wendy,

I would guess it's not just that a "narrative" melody will develop more, but that the elements within it will capture more attention. More distinct rhythms, leaps that grab the ear, surprising notes, etc. "Meditative" to me would mean that it doesn't grab your attention and make you feel involved. There aren't distinct elements to "follow" as they get developed.

Cheers,
Mike

[AlanHall]

Hi Wendy,

I would guess it's not just that a "narrative" melody will develop more, but that the elements within it will capture more attention. More distinct rhythms, leaps that grab the ear, surprising notes, etc. "Meditative" to me would mean that it doesn't grab your attention and make you feel involved. There aren't distinct elements to "follow" as they get developed.

Cheers,
Mike

Good points. I'm thinking of a track played during the road rally, kind of a trailer piece IIRC. Great music, well produced, but ... predictable. Nothing that provided a surprise or an unexpected turn. I imagine the meditative music that we hear is like that, in respect to not foiling our expectations. Mentally we're allowed to sit and be comforted by the piece, not challenged or alarmed by it. The "narrative" music by contrast gives us cliffhangers and plot twists - musically speaking - with just the kinds of techniques you describe.

[wendylanders]

Hi Mike and Alan,

Yeah, I'm usually good for rhythm and leaps. That's a good place for me to focus.

Thanks guys.

Best!