Categories of Film Music

For anyone interested in composing for movies or television, it is essential to understand the difference between different background scores. This article will precisely do that. The music we hear while watching TV shows or movies is not as simple as it seems. Other than the complicated compositions, there is also a particular music classification. When classifying, there are two primary questions:  

1. Is it original music by the composer?
2. Is it diegetic or non-diegetic?

Diegetic: Sounds or music that the characters in the film/show can hear.

Non-Diegetic: Sounds or music that can only be heard by the audience, not the characters in the film/show.

Based on the answers we get, the classification becomes easy. You may wonder why it is so important. The thing is, respectful payment to the composers for their work depends upon these categories. These categories also help to keep track of royalties. Here are the four types of film/television music:    

Underscore

Underscore is background music. It supports the emotion, drama, or mood of the scene. It is generally instrumental but can sometimes be vocal as well. This music is only heard by the audience, not by the characters in the movie; it is non-diegetic. Furthermore, it can be composed in any style considered appropriate for the needs of the movie/show.    

Song Score

As the name suggests, the use of a song to underscore a scene in order to support drama/mood/emotion is a song score. Some other artists usually prerecord the song; hence, it is not the film composer’s original music. Since only the audience can hear the song, it comes under non-diegetic music.    

Source Music

Music that appears to come from a source inside the scene, like radio, jukebox, musician, etc., is known as source music. It is diegetic because the characters and the audience can hear it. It helps to establish the period and location. This music is usually prerecorded music, which requires a license. If the composer writes it, it comes under the category of source score. In any other case, it needs a license/permission from its original composer.

Source Score

This is a hybrid of source music and underscore. The composer writes this music, and you can also hear it from a source visible on the screen. This makes it diegetic because the audience, as well as the characters, can listen to it. It generally has a deeper meaning, dramatic purpose, or thematic connection to the movie plot. Bollywood movies where the characters dance to various songs are an excellent example of source scores.