125.221Integrated decision hierarchy

When unsure, use this order:

1. What is the phrase trying to do?

2. What should listener hear as foreground?

3. Where is the destination?

4. What bass best supports it?

5. What harmony emerges?

6. What rhythm/pacing serves it?

7. What texture/register serves form?

8. What color is actually necessary?

This hierarchy prevents:

surface-first thinking.