The music is highly organized and integrated with the music of the debayashi ensemble. It forms an aural kaleidoscopic experience constructed from a range of recognized melodies and interludes in combination with a large variety of rhythmic and melodic patterns. Melodies that make elliptical reference to related subject matter outside of the play, and the evocative use of distinctive instruments creates a sound world that supports the action on stage. The geza contains a hayashi ensemble, shamisen , a singer, and a large variety of gongs, drums, noisemakers and bird calls. In particular the o-daiko is used to great effect.
More modern plays require the addition of shakuhachi , kokyuu and koto .
Frequently, the audience will associate music from the geza with particular moods or scenes. Sometimes a snatch of a folk tune played by the takebue will establish the connection with a matsuri bayashi scene.