Music can make or break your video. If the music is flat and lifeless, your video will follow suit. Conversely, it can bring excitement to your on-screen images.

     If your script calls for music, there are two ways to build a great music track:

Library Music
     There are thousands of pre-produced music tracks that vary in length, style, tempo and mood. Produced by stock music companies, they are offered for license on a per-use basis. Rates are affordable (typically around $95 per cut) and the selection is broad. Library music can be the best way to fill your video's music needs.

Custom Music
     Custom music is expensive ($3000 or more per cut). Many producers will argue that the best way to make your video great is by writing a custom score. Be skeptical. Custom music can be terrific, but it's only needed when the script calls for a very specific mood or treatment. It is often best used in a narrative video that employs character actors and sound effects. Traditional testimonials, launches, or image videos can use library very well, so don't use custom music unless necessary.

Common Music Elements
     Following is a short list of music terminology you may hear during the production of your video:

Needle drop

A single cut of a library music track; charged on a per needle drop basis, this is the most economical way to use music.

Sting

A short musical flourish at the open or close of a video.

Underscore

A music segment heard in the background under a voiceover narration or testimonial.

Cut-down

A longer piece of music that has been edited to fit a specific visual segment of video. Good editors can do this seamlessly, making the music sound as if it were written to fit your video.

Foley

Custom sound effects performed by Foley artists and recorded live in the studio. (For example, the thin metal sheet that makes a thunder clap.)