Write longer songs. This seems simple, but Progressive Rock breaks away from the traditional verse-chorus-verse pattern and encompasses a sequence of different sections of movements. The structure and length of progressive songs are highly similar to those of an orchestral movement.
Play songs with complex time patterns. The traditional pattern is 4/4, but most progressive music will use patterns such as 7/4 and 11/8 and switch between these patterns throughout the song.
Increase the complexity of the instruments. This involves not only adding more instruments such as flutes, violins, cellos, etc., but also making the parts that these instruments play more difficult and complex. Progressive music has a classical influence, so the individual parts played by each instrument should as well.
Ensure that the singer is very skilled. He or she must have an incredible range as well as Broadway-style vocal talent.
Write your songs with complex ideas. Progressive music tends to be theme-based or based on deep ideas that may be more sophisticated than the average song played on the radio. The lyrics tend to be more intellectual or fantasy-based; examples of this include many songs by groups such as Yes, Genesis and King Crimson (see Resources).