Can a Score Make You Feel Trapped? The Genius of Severance’s Music
The unsettling world of Severance is defined not just by its stark visuals and eerie corporate setting but also by its haunting score. The music lingers in the background, subtly manipulating our emotions—whether it’s unease, nostalgia, or outright dread.
But how does composer Theodore Shapiro achieve this? Through harmony, dissonance, and silence, Severance’s score teaches a masterclass in emotional composition.
🎶 Want to create the same mood in your own compositions? Let’s break down Severance’s music and explore how you can apply these techniques to your own work.
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How Harmony Shapes Emotion
In Severance, the music often starts with a sense of familiarity, using simple harmonies that make us feel grounded—only to later unravel into something strange. Composer Shapiro has cleverly captured the essence of the show, alluding to innies and outies with the show's main theme.
💡 Example from the show:
The main theme begins with soft, minor-key chords that feel melancholic yet structured, almost like a lullaby. But as the music develops, unexpected chord changes are introduced, causing the listener to feel uneasy. This is a fantastic reflection the duality of Lumon’s workers.
🎵 Try this exercise:
Start with a simple chord progression (e.g., C major → G major → A minor → F major).
Introduce a surprise chord that feels slightly off, like replacing G major with G# diminished.
Play both versions and notice how the mood shifts.
Need a piano to practice on? Click here to check out our guide for the best beginner digital pianos in 2025!
Dissonance: The Art of Musical Tension
Dissonance—the clash of notes that creates tension—is used constantly in Severance. Shapiro employs this technique to create a sense of discomfort, making us feel as if something isn’t quite right.
💡 Example from the show:
The eerie, detuned piano motif in the main theme pairs clashing intervals (like minor seconds or tritones) to create that off-kilter, dreamlike feeling.
🎵 Try this exercise:
Play a C note and a C# note together—hear the tension?
Try adding dissonance subtly: Start with a beautiful chord, then sneak in an off-note to create unease.
Record yourself playing a melody with dissonance, then resolve it to a pleasant harmony. This will mimic the feeling of relief after tension.
The Power of Silence
One of the most underrated tools for any musician is silence, and Shapiro uses it so well when scoring for Severance. Instead of bombarding the audience with constant sound, the show lets moments breathe, making every note impactful.
💡 Example from the show:
The use of sparse, minimal piano in key emotional scenes amplifies the feeling of isolation and emptiness.
Silence between dissonant chords makes the unsettling moments even more intense.
🎵 Try this exercise:
Record a simple melody (try something slow and haunting).
Add long pauses between phrases—see how it changes the tension?
Experiment with removing instruments at key moments to create dramatic silence.
📌 Tools to help:
Zoom H6 Handy Recorder – Capture real-world silence and ambient noise.
How to Experiment with These Techniques
Now that you’ve explored Severance’s musical techniques, here’s how you can incorporate them into your own compositions:
✅ Start simple: Build a melody with familiar harmonies, then twist it with unexpected changes.
✅ Use dissonance sparingly: Too much can be overwhelming—use it to highlight key moments.
✅ Embrace silence: Don’t be afraid to leave space in your music.
✅ Analyze other soundtracks: Listen to scores like The Social Network or Blade Runner 2049 for more inspiration.
FAQs About Composing Emotional Music
Q: Do I need music theory to compose emotional music?
A: No, but knowing basic chord progressions and intervals helps you create tension and resolution more effectively.
Q: What’s the best DAW for writing cinematic scores?
A: Logic Pro (for Mac users) and Cubase or Ableton Live (for Windows users) are great for soundtrack composition.
Q: How do I make my compositions sound more professional?
A: Use layering, dynamic contrast, and quality virtual instruments to add depth to your tracks.
Final Thoughts
The Severance soundtrack is a masterclass in emotional composition, using harmony, dissonance, and silence to manipulate mood. By experimenting with these techniques, you can create music that evokes strong emotions and cinematic tension.
🎶 Ready to start composing? Grab a MIDI keyboard, open your DAW, and start experimenting with these Severance-inspired techniques today!
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