Serialism is very similar in concept to 12-tone music and chance music. The composer gives "directions" for the performer to play, without any kind of central key or melody/harmony, based on mathematical formulas.

Serialism combines mathematical formulas with music, a previously thought to be completely contradictory combination of fields. It leaves no room for expression in music, just serves to create a certain effect on the audience through hypnotic patterns controlled by mathematical formulas. Composers were able to serialize all elements of musical composition to completely change its style and purpose. Note length, silence, texture and dynamic are just a few of the elements affected by serialization. The 12-tone scale is used in every composition of serial music because the basis for a composition is the equality of all notes. A value is then assigned for each note and then for each affect that the note must create to create an extremely controlled type of performance. Throughout history, we have seen time and time again how people need to be able to control things in their lives, especially when things around them are in turmoil and are out of control. This music not only distracted them from their lives, but also gave a newfound sense of control and structure in a seemingly unstructured musical style.

The Dodecaphonic Scale System

12-tone scale with serialization