What is good music? That is always a subject of lively debate and not always easily
answered. There was a study done by Ostling in 1978 and replicated later by Jay Gilbert
in 1993 and again in 2011 by Towner attempting to answer this very question. The study
did yield results that were very interesting and useful. I encourage you all to read the
studies and look at the results, but that is beyond the scope of this article.
These are the criteria taken from the study by Ostling:
• The composition has form—not a form, but form—and reflects a proper balance
between repetition and contrast.
• The composition reflects shape and design, and creates the impression of conscious
choice and judicious arrangements on the part of the composer.
• The composition reflects craftsmanship in orchestration, demonstrating a proper
balance between transparent and tutti scoring, and between solo and group colors.
• The composition is sufficiently unpredictable to preclude an immediate grasp of its
musical meaning.
• The route through which the composition travels in initiating its musical tendencies
(and probably musical goals) is not completely direct and obvious.
• The composition is consistent in its quality throughout its length and various
sections.
• The composition is consistent in its style, reflecting a complete grasp of technical
details, clearly conceived ideas, and avoids lapses into trivial, futile or unsuitable
passages.
• The composition reflects ingenuity in its development, given the stylistic context in
which it exists.
• The composition is genuine in idiom and not pretentious.
• The composition reflects a musical validity which transcends factors of historical
importance, or factors of pedagogical usefulness.
These are scholarly and may seem cumbersome, but if we take the time to run each
piece we are considering through these criteria, we are more likely to be closer to what is
“good” music than not.
I wish you the best as you start your new year and remind you that I am here as a
resource for all things band. Feel free to call on me anytime.