Music

AS Level Media Studies (9607) – Media Area: Music

1. Introduction

Music is a fundamental component of media production. It shapes meaning, influences audience emotion, and contributes to the identity of a text. In the Cambridge A‑Level Media Studies syllabus, candidates must be able to analyse how music functions across different media forms and evaluate its impact on audiences.

2. Key Concepts

• Diegetic vs. Non‑diegetic Music – Music that originates within the story world versus music added for the audience’s experience.
• Mood & Atmosphere – How musical elements create emotional tones.
• Genre Conventions – Typical musical styles associated with specific media genres (e.g., horror, romance, sports).
• Music as Narrative Device – Use of leitmotifs, thematic development, and synchronization with visual cues.
• Commercial Function – Role of music in advertising, branding, and product placement.

3. Functions of Music in Different Media

Media Form	Primary Functions of Music	Typical Techniques
Film & Television	Establishes mood and tone Signals narrative transitions Reinforces character identity (leitmotif) Provides temporal continuity	Orchestral scoring Source music (diegetic) Hybrid scoring (mix of diegetic and non‑diegetic)
Advertising	Creates brand association Triggers emotional response Enhances recall through jingles or popular tracks	Catchy hooks Syncopated rhythms aligned with visual cuts Use of licensed pop songs for credibility
Video Games	Guides player interaction Indicates gameplay states (e.g., danger, achievement) Enhances immersion through adaptive music	Dynamic layering Interactive scores that respond to player actions Motivic repetition for thematic cohesion
Radio & Podcasts	Sets program identity Provides transitions between segments Supports storytelling through soundscapes	Signature jingles Ambient background music Music beds under narration

4. Analytical Framework for Music

1. Identify the type of music – diegetic, non‑diegetic, or hybrid.
2. Describe musical elements – melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, and texture.
3. Link to visual and narrative content – how does the music reinforce or contrast with what is seen?
4. Consider audience impact – emotional response, cultural associations, and memory.
5. Evaluate effectiveness – does the music achieve its intended purpose within the media text?

5. Case Study Examples

Film: “Jaws” (1975)

• Use of a simple two‑note motif (low‑frequency ostinato) to signal the shark’s presence.
• Creates tension through repetition and gradual crescendo.
• Non‑diegetic music that becomes a cultural shorthand for danger.

Advertising: Coca‑Cola “Taste the Feeling” (2016)

• Original pop‑style song with a memorable hook.
• Synchronised with bright, fast‑cut visuals to evoke happiness and refreshment.
• Music reinforces brand identity across global markets.

Video Game: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017)

• Ambient, minimalist score that adapts to player location (e.g., calm in fields, tense in dungeons).
• Dynamic layering responds to gameplay events, enhancing immersion.
• Music supports open‑world exploration without overwhelming narrative cues.

6. Assessment Guidance

When answering exam questions on music, candidates should:

1. Use precise terminology (e.g., leitmotif, diegetic).
2. Provide concrete examples from the text under discussion.
3. Apply the analytical framework systematically.
4. Make clear links between musical choices and audience impact.
5. Evaluate both strengths and limitations of the musical strategy.

7. Suggested Classroom Activities

• Music‑Scene Matching – Provide students with short video clips and separate audio tracks; ask them to match music to scenes and justify their choices.
• Soundtrack Rewrite – Have students replace the original music of a familiar clip with a different genre and discuss how meaning changes.
• Leitmotif Creation – In groups, compose a short leitmotif for a character and present how it could be used across a narrative.
• Advertising Analysis – Analyse a series of T \cdot ads, focusing on how music contributes to brand positioning.

8. Key Terminology Glossary

Term	Definition
Diegetic Music	Music that originates within the world of the narrative and can be heard by the characters.
Non‑diegetic Music	Music added for the audience’s experience, not heard by characters (e.g., background score).
Leitmotif	A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, place, or idea.
Syncopation	Rhythmic displacement that creates a sense of surprise or tension.
Jingle	A short, catchy piece of music used in advertising to promote brand recall.
Adaptive Score	Music that changes in response to user interaction, common in video games.

9. Suggested Diagram

10. Further Reading (Print Sources)

• Cooke, M. (2015). Music: A \cdot ery Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Gorbman, C. (1987). Unheard Melodies: Narrative Film Music. Indiana University Press.
• Tagg, P. (2013). Music’s Meanings: A Modern Musicology for Non‑Musicians. The Mass Media Musicology Series.
• Hesmondhalgh, D. (2020). The Cultural Industries. Sage Publications – Chapter on music in advertising.