I've been directing for the past four
years... the past six months with All Things Considered. I think music
can make a segment soar, or ruin it completely. I look for music that
complements the story we have just heard. It may relate directly to
the piece, or it may contrast with the piece but it shouldn't clash.
Music should maintain the pace of the particular segment. I tend to
like buttons that have a beat, and with some instrumentation, or a good
melody, nothing too big and showy.