Music
"The next time you listen to your FAV song or to an excellent piece of music, try to separate out the parts and listen to how each of the 'Elements of Music' are being used. Listen for the Dynamics, Form, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm, Texture, Timbre, and Tonality. ​And yes, even our own tejano music uses these elements and criteria in many different forms."
"Over time I assure you, you will begin to understand music more in depth, in more detail, more comprehensively and thoroughly, you will appreciate music a lot more ... and hear it in a whole different way. And love it more holistically. I do." TM
Music is important in the daily lives of most people in the world and has been throughout human history. Anyone who wants to understand human nature, the interaction between evolution, mind, and society, has to take a close look at the role that music has held in the lives of humans.
... and you have to look at the way that music and people co-evolved, each shaping the other. Musicologists, archaeologists, and psychologists have danced and explored all the disciplines together ... to form a coherent account of the impact music has had on the course of social history.
"​Why does music have such power to move us?"
It's because of the way that medium and meaning combine in song, the combination of form and structure uniting with an emotional message. Musical force comes from a sense of form, whereas ordinary speech doesn't have quite that much organization. You can say what you mean, but similarly with painting or with cooking, o other arts, but there is form and design to music. And this becomes intriguing, it becomes something you can remember. Good music can leap over language barriers, and barriers of religion and politics.
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The powerful mix of emotion and cultural evolution in our musical brains produced diversity, power, even history. The study of human behavior has undergone a revolution in the past twenty years, as the methods of neuroscience have been applied to cognition and the musical experience. We can now actually see the brain at work, mapping regions that are active during certain activities. Author, Daniel J. Levitin​​​
"How would you interpret or write a song about ...
Music & Love?"
Love and music are two concepts that have been explored by many artists, philosophers, and poets throughout history. They are both forms of expression, communication, and emotion that can transcend language, culture, and time. Some possible ways to describe love and music are:
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Love is the melody of the soul, and music is the harmony of the heart.
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Love is a song that never ends, and music is the rhythm that keeps it alive.
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Love is the sound of two hearts beating as one, and music is the echo of their feelings.
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Love is the harmony of two souls, and music is the symphony of their dreams.
These are just some examples of how love and music can be described. There are many more ways to express these ideas, depending on one’s perspective, experience, and creativity. Writing love songs is an art that requires creativity, skill, and emotion. Love songs are a way of expressing one’s feelings and experiences in a musical form that can touch the hearts of others. Writing love songs is not easy, as it involves finding the right words, melodies, and rhythms to convey the message and mood of the song.
There are different types of love songs, such as those that celebrate new love, those that declare eternal devotion, and those that lament lost or unrequited love. Each type of love song has its own challenges and techniques to master.
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PLUS: Writing love songs is an art that requires creativity, skill, and emotion. Love songs are a way of expressing one’s feelings and experiences in a musical form that can touch the hearts of others. Writing love songs is not easy, as it involves finding the right words, melodies, and rhythms to convey the message and mood of the song.
There are different types of love songs, such as those that celebrate new love, those that declare eternal devotion, and those that lament lost or unrequited love. Each type of love song has its own challenges and techniques to master.
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Some steps that can help you write a love song are:
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Choose a topic that inspires you and reflects your personal experience or perspective on love.
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Decide on the tone and style of your song. Do you want it to be slow and romantic, upbeat and cheerful, or sad and melancholic?
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Think of a catchy title or hook that summarizes the main idea or emotion of your song.
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Write the lyrics for your song, using rhyme, imagery, metaphor, and other poetic devices to make your words memorable and meaningful.
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Add music to your lyrics, using chords, melodies, and harmonies that match the mood and message of your song.
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Revise and refine your song until you are satisfied with the result.
I would add, "Writing love songs is an art that can be learned and improved with practice." You can also get inspiration from listening to other love songs and studying how they are written.
Finally, as a musician and part-songwriter, I try to write songs that mean something in human terms and in life - to both me and the listener. That statement can be hard to understand in its simplicity. By that I mean, I want my original songs and arrangements to be able to stand on their own, to be of sufficient quality that any decent singer could sing them.
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Few of the truly timeless, transformative classic songs have "weak spots" that a singer must "sing around." In my opinion, it is the songwriter's job to take their inspiration and wrap it in a package that magnifies; that enhances the final song. A "poorly wrapped" song conveys little or none of its original magic, no matter how genuine the inspiration. And a song with no "guts" is just a wrapper. The craft of songwriting is like cutting a gem. Bad songwriting hides or distracts from the inspiration, good songwriting amplifies it without overpowering it.
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In my opinion, all this information is true. Yes. But, writing tejano songs for our genre and tejano music industry is somewhat ... let's use the word, "different". How can that be? "I think it's because of our tejano music roots and diversity, including our culture and the history of our pioneers, conclusively, it makes our storytelling and songwriting techniques more meaningful, more honest, more heartfelt, and truthful and genuine. Our songs come from the heart."
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If you are writing a song now, and as a precaution, don't write if you're not thinking about anything related. Or at least, don't get attached to what you're coming up with. Wait for the inspiration - for the right second - wait for the right minute - or go get it somewhere else. Work on it a little. Do a great job on it. Finally, think about what music has meant to you, what new songs mean to the tejano audiences across the country, and to the world.
[Written in part with Mike Raghead/Living Music / TM]
Arrangements
In my Austin Texas opinion, there is always space and time to change the composition of any music arrangement; from an old classic hit of the 1950s to the new trends of today. Music is in the realm and state of infinity. I say that in total music context and free-style form because music is unlimited and unending - it is close to us, yet distant. This state of mind depends on your own music creativity and intellectual consciousness to write and bring new media to your audience, and the world if possible.
​Furthermore, my own conclusion also tells me that music always has the upper hand to dominate the new and old, to change our lives at times, and is one universal language we can all understand. Many authorities have suggested definitions, but defining music turns out to be more difficult than might first be imagined, and there is ongoing debate.
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Several explanations start with the notion of music as organized sound, but they also highlight that this is perhaps too broad a definition and cite examples of organized sound that are not defined as music, such as human speech and sounds found in both natural and industrial environments. The problem of defining music is further complicated by the influence of culture in music cognition.
Originals
FYI: Writing original songs [seems easy to a lot of people, but it isn't], and writing new music arrangements, can start with many life elements around you, past and present. To me an initial idea can be what a person said, what I heard from a song in a jukebox, on Spotify, from reading a book or even an article on the Internet. An idea on a song can originate from driving to Texas on the I10, and/or even how you are treated at times.
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Why are original songs so important you might ask? Quite honestly folks, I've always felt that our tejano music industry needs more, "songwriters and music arrangers" ... and another important factor in all of this is, "to create new standards of profitability for all our tejano conjuntos, groups, and bands."
So, future songwriters of tomorrow, don't be afraid to take that first step in writing your own song because once you do that everything else will fall into place - and rhythm.
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Songwriting is sequential. Ideas can also come from hearing excellent groups and great musicians, and good singers too.​ Realistically, your own life and path can contribute to original ideas in music compositions and to the gift of songwriting. Works for me. My input. And also works for my son, Gabe.
So: Dream. Escape the norm. Be you. Write original songs.
​In collaboration with my son, Gabe Carmona, and his 88k Media/Studio, ​and Sony/Nashville ... We would like to introduce country recording artists, Jessica, John, and Grant Thomas from Tennessee. ​Both of us would like to invite you to our recent showcase of our new country songs,
"You Never Say Goodbye." ... "Tony's" ... "Ramblin' and Gamblin"
"The Only One" ... "Ever More" ... "Tennessee Memories"
The Nashville Sessions / Country Music Projects
Proud to announce our songs are on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart ... and other digital music sites!
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Track: Ramblin' & Gamblin'
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Written by: Mike Carmona, Gabe Carmona
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Produced by: Gabe Carmona
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Mixed & mastered by: Gabe Carmona courtesy of 88k Media®, Carmona88 ASACAP, 2025
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Track: You Never Say Goodbye [Duet] Grant and Jessie
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Written by: Mike Carmona, Gabe Carmona
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Produced by: Gabe Carmona
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Video link: YouTube link - click here
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Mixed & mastered by: Gabe Carmona courtesy of 88k Media®, Carmona88 ASACAP, 2025
About this song, "You Never Say Goodbye":
Is a heartfelt country ballad that captures the bittersweet emotions of love, loss, and the promises we make even when we have to part ways. With soul-stirring lyrics and a melody that lingers long after the song ends, this track speaks to anyone who has ever struggled to let go. Whether it’s a love that was never meant to fade or a memory that refuses to be forgotten, "You Never Say Goodbye" reminds us that some connections are too strong to ever truly end. [Gabe C.]
Another new country song! The final mix is done and can be heard on most music platforms, as of today on Spotify for sure. The vocalist is Jessica from Nashville TN ... it's called, "The Only One" (Always)
This slow ballad was released on Oct 06, 2025, on most music platforms/apps ... and recorded with the vocalist, Mia; produced by my son, Gabe. Lyrics by Mike Carmona, Trisha Carmona, and Gabe Carmona
About Gabe & TM
Hailing from San Jose (Bay Area), Gabe Carmona emerges as a dynamic creative force. This charismatic music producer, known for his infectious personality and deep passion for music, invites each listener on a captivating journey with every production.
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Having been immersed in music from a young age, Gabe's journey began on family band stages, in studios, and with a Casio keyboard. His innate musical talent and experimentation laid the foundation for his future as a music maestro.
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Gabe's dedication to production grew, leading him to create music that hit the airwaves by age 16 and shared stages with industry giants.
From his collaborations with Sony Music Entertainment, Arista Records, Capitol Records ... and many others, his diverse production style spans Pop Anthems, Hip-Hop, Smooth Jazz, Soulful R&B, Country Music, and beyond.
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His production style is as diverse as they come. Gabe's versatility knows no bounds. His ability to organically collaborate and create with artists in-person, online, or live on stage, only further demonstrates his ability to seamlessly blend various genres.
This is truly what makes him truly one-of-a-kind.
Mike Carmona: My music life can be summarized in three instruments, one music workstation, and the guidance from my dad. ​The trumpet was my first instrument, and I played it in my growing up years with my dad's orchestra. As a teen I played it with my brother's band, and with Manuel Donley Y Las Estrellas.
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​​At 21 we were living in California, and I got drafted into the Army. By some miracle I got into the 59th Army band and after four months of band training I got sent to the Canal Zone, Panama - assigned to the 79th Army Band.
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​When I used to play the trumpet with Manuel Donley, I used to sit right next to the drummer, Emilio Villegas. He was so good that I used to look at his tejano drumming style and technique. That might have been for a future lesson. Music works in a mysterious way they say! ​ You see, when we got to California it was hard finding tejano musicians, especially good drummers, and guitar players. None around back then. Keyboard players? Non-existent.
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​​In 1969 I got into an auto accident and couldn't play the trumpet anymore, so my dad bought me a set of drums and then said, "We can't seem to find good tejano drummers, so, you have a week to learn them because we got gig in Sacramento ... and you are playing the drums."​ ​
Other new and recent Gabe music projects ...
What are the 8 Elements of Music?​
The 8 Elements of Music are, in alphabetical order, Dynamics, Form, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm, Texture, Timbre and Tonality. Each of the elements of music are like an ingredient in a recipe. Just a like a recipe needs a little bit of some ingredients, and a lot more of others, they all contribute to the overall flavor of the dish. The combination and amount of an ingredient is like the chef adding their personal flair and spice to a dish, so to, a musician and composer uses the elements of music to flavor their musical dish to suit their taste and personal style.
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Dynamics
Dynamics refers to the volume of a piece of music. Music can be described as loud, or soft, or there could be gradual changes from loud to soft, or soft to loud, depending on the performer’s interpretation of the music. There are several Italian music terms that are used to describe the dynamics of a piece of music.
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Form
The Form or Structure of a piece music refers to the order and arrangement of the different parts. Music vocabulary such as introduction, verse, chorus, bridge, solo, in and outro are common music terms that can be used to describe most rock or pop music. There are several more musical definitions for many more different types of musical form and structure used in classical music.
Harmony
The simple definition of musical harmony is the sound created when two or more pitches are performed at the same time to form a chord. In modern music, the harmony often comes from instruments like the guitar and piano. These instruments often play chords that support the main melody, which is typically performed by a singer. Other pitched instruments like the bass contribute and support the harmony by providing a basis of support for both the melody and the chordal accompaniment.
Melody
The definition of a melody is a series of pitches that make a tune. In most popular music today, the melody is like an egg, it is the binding agent that holds all the elements of music together in a piece of music. The melody is the part that people remember and will sing along to when listening.
The melody determines the harmony and tonality of the piece of music. The main melody can be heard when it is played by an instrument that has a unique timbre or tone color/quality. If the melody is meant to be happy or sad, it can drive the rhythm of the piece of music and set the tempo.
Rhythm
Rhythm in music includes several different aspects, and some prefer to use the term duration. A simple definition of this musical term is to describe how long or short a sound is. This means describing the notes of any given instrument in a piece of music as mainly long or sustained, or short.
Within this musical element, other terms are included. Tempo for example refers to the speed or pace of music. The term meter refers to the type of time signature used in the music. All these terms will be explained in further detail in another blog post.
Texture
Texture in music refers to the number of instruments or voices that contribute to the overall density of the music. If there are only a few instruments playing, like a duet for example, then the music can be described as thin or sparse. On the other hand, if there are several instruments performing together, like in an orchestra, the piece can be described as either thick or dense. Texture also refers to the layers of sound in a piece of music, these layers are named by their role within a piece of music.
There are several specialized terms that are used to describe the type of texture used in a piece of music. These include monophonic, homophonic, heterophonic and polyphonic.
Timbre
Timbre in music refers to the unique sound quality of an instrument. For example, a nylon string guitar and a steel string guitar each have a unique sound, and just by hearing them we can determine the instrument. Timbre can also be described using the term tone color. Just like in a painting and the use of different color creates different images, the “color” of an instrument is like painting sound for our ears to hear. Every instrument and voice have their own unique sound, and it is this quality that makes a piece of music unique.
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Under the banner of timbre and tone color, is another term – performing media. Performing media refers to the instruments used in a piece of music and the action used to produce a sound. This action is then used to classify an instrument into groups like the string family, brass family, woodwind family, percussion family and voices. There are several other ways to classify instruments with other terms like aerophone, chordophone, membranophone, idiophone, and electronic sound.
Timbre, performing media and tone color also describes the role of the instrument in a piece of music. Is the instrument performing the melody, beat, rhythmic accompaniment, chordal accompaniment, or harmonic accompaniment?
Tonality
Tonality in music refers to the overall sound of the music. Is the music mainly pleasant sounding (consonant) or unpleasant sounding (dissonant)? Or is the music in a major, minor key? Often a lot of world music has a tonality based on an unusual scale like the medieval modes, or Indian raga.
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​​Why are the Elements of Music Important?
To have a solid understanding of the Elements of Music as a musician, performer or composer is essential. It is like a chef knowing what ingredients to add to a dish, or knowing what flavors work best in combination together. As a musician and performer, if you understand the different parts of the music, and how they combine to make the whole, then it will improve your own performances.
It might be that your performance is lacking in some way. If this is the case, look at how the elements of music are being used? Are you adding too much into the melody? Are you not supporting the melody with enough of a driving beat or interesting rhythm? Is the texture too sparse? Is there too many of the same instrument performing and competing in the same space and role with the same sound? Are there different timbres or tone colors fighting with each other to be heard?
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Knowing your elements of music is just as important as a composer. You should be asking the same questions when you are trying to write music. Be critical of your process and style. Do you favor a certain sound? Can you change it? Do you only write for a certain voice or genre? How can you add or take away an element of music to create something even better?
The Elements of Music and Music Appreciation
No matter if you are a music enthusiast, a music student or a professional in the music industry, knowing the Elements of Music will help you develop a critical ear. It will benefit you and your music knowing your ingredients and how best to use them.
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So next time you are listening to a piece of music, try to separate out the parts and listen to how each of the Elements of Music are being used. Listen for the Dynamics, Form, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm, Texture, Timbre, and Tonality. You might even want to start keeping a listening journal of the music you hear. Make a note of the song title, the performer, and try to determine how each of the Elements of Music are being used. Over time you will begin to appreciate music in a whole other way.
