How to give better music feedback (without needing the right words)
If you’ve ever listened to a music cue and thought “this isn’t quite it, but I don’t know how to explain why”—you’re not alone.
Giving feedback on music can feel tricky, especially if you’re not used to talking about tempo, key changes, or mix balance. But the truth is, you don’t need to know any of that. Great musical feedback starts with one thing:
Trusting your instincts.
Here’s how to give clear, useful music feedback—even if you don’t know a single music term.
1. Say what you feel, not what you think you’re supposed to say
You don’t need to use terms like “bridge,” “chorus,” or “minor key.” Just describe how the music feels to you:
“It’s a little too upbeat for the scene.”
“Feels like it kicks in too early.”
“The ending is nice, but I want it to hit harder.”
“This part works great—I wish the rest felt more like that.”
We can translate that. It’s our job.
2. Use time stamps (even rough ones)
If you’re referencing a specific moment, even a ballpark timestamp like “around 0:45” or “right after the dialogue cuts out” helps a lot. You don’t need to mark every detail—just point to the general moment and describe what you’re reacting to.
3. Don’t hold back
Sometimes people soften feedback because they feel unsure how to say it. Don’t worry about that. If something’s not working for you, say it. We’d rather hear, “This cue is missing the mark—can we try something more tense?” than spend another round guessing.
4. Reference stuff—even if it’s messy
Got a track you like? A vibe from another film? A trailer with the right kind of build? Send it over. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a perfect match. We’re good at extracting the elements that matter.
5. Focus on the role the music is playing
Try answering one of these:
What should this music be doing in the scene?
How should the viewer feel right here?
Is there anything the music is competing with—dialogue, pacing, energy?
Answering even one of those helps us dial it in.
The best feedback is honest
You don’t need to be technical, or polite, or “right.” You just need to be real.
We know music can feel abstract. But we’re not here to impress you with theory—we’re here to help your film land the way you want it to. And getting there always starts with a simple conversation.
Let us know if you want help figuring something out. We’re good listeners—and fast translators.