Music is a powerful tool used in almost all mediums of entertainment. Why not use it to bolster your D&D sessions! Here are simple ways you can use music to aid in your storytelling:
- Multiple Playlists: Nowadays, mostly everyone subscribes to some sort of music streaming platform. Create a few different playlists to represent different moods, situations or atmospheres. A great first grouping can be General Ambience (Party is in a tavern or exploring a township), Tense (Party is sneaking at night or exploring ruins), and Combat (It’s time to fight!).
- Theme Song: A subtle way to signify that the session has started is by playing one particular song as an opener, so to speak. For example, when I run my campaigns, I always play a specific track when I read my recap of the previous session. Over time, this conditions your players to understand that when this song plays, it’s time to lock in. This method can also be used to end your sessions as well!
- Ambient FX: Sometimes the absence of music can be just as powerful! Consider, in super tense or important moments, removing the music altogether and instead filling the silence with location ambiance, like cave noises, forest critters, or the rushing sounds of a river.
It’s important to note that the volume of your music is extremely important. Music is best when it’s adding to the scene without being in the forefront. Music that’s too loud can be very distracting to players, but music that’s too quiet can lack in its ability to convey the mood. Periodically check in with your players to make sure the volume is just right! Happy gaming!
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