Elements of Music

Harmony Two or more notes together Two or more notes together Chord – three or more notes at one time Chord – three or more notes at one time Triad – A three note chord Triad – A three note chord

Form Binary – AB form; music has two sections Binary – AB form; music has two sections Form – The way music is arranged Form – The way music is arranged Call and Response – Soloist sings, then congregation repeats or echoes what the soloist sang. (Originated in Africa) Call and Response – Soloist sings, then congregation repeats or echoes what the soloist sang. (Originated in Africa) ABA – Ternary form; music has three sections – the “A” section is played twice ABA – Ternary form; music has three sections – the “A” section is played twice

Rhythm The way music is arranged in time or organized into beats The way music is arranged in time or organized into beats Time signature – (Also known as meter) 2/4, ¾, 4/4 Time signature – (Also known as meter) 2/4, ¾, 4/4 4/4 – The top number tells you how many beats are in each measure. The bottom number tells you what kind of note gets the beat. 4/4 – The top number tells you how many beats are in each measure. The bottom number tells you what kind of note gets the beat.

Rhythm Continued Duration – How long a note is held or played Duration – How long a note is held or played Whole note = 4 beats Whole note = 4 beats Half note = 2 beats Half note = 2 beats Quarter note = 1 beat Quarter note = 1 beat Eighth note = ½ beat Eighth note = ½ beat Sixteenth note = ¼ beat Sixteenth note = ¼ beat Dot – Adds half of the note’s original value Dot – Adds half of the note’s original value

Melody One note at a time One note at a time The tune of a song The tune of a song Sharp (#) – Raises a pitch one half step Sharp (#) – Raises a pitch one half step Flat (b) – Lowers a pitch one half step Flat (b) – Lowers a pitch one half step Phrase – A musical sentence Phrase – A musical sentence Grand Staff – The bass and treble clef on the two separate staffs, but are connected. Usually used with piano music. Grand Staff – The bass and treble clef on the two separate staffs, but are connected. Usually used with piano music.

Tempo How fast or slow the music is How fast or slow the music is Allegro- A fast tempo Allegro- A fast tempo Moderato – A medium tempo Moderato – A medium tempo Largo – A slow tempo Largo – A slow tempo

Dynamics How loud or soft the music is. How loud or soft the music is. Pianissimo (pp) – very soft Pianissimo (pp) – very soft Piano (p) – soft Piano (p) – soft Mezzo piano (mp) – medium soft Mezzo piano (mp) – medium soft Mezzo forte (mf) – medium loud Mezzo forte (mf) – medium loud Forte (f) – Loud Forte (f) – Loud Fortissimo (ff) – Very loud Fortissimo (ff) – Very loud

Dynamics Continued Crescendo – gradually get louder Crescendo – gradually get louder Decrescendo – gradually get softer Decrescendo – gradually get softer

Timbre How different instruments and voices sound different from each other. How different instruments and voices sound different from each other.

Woodwind Family Clarinet Clarinet Piccolo Piccolo Flute Flute Oboe Oboe Bassoon Bassoon Saxophone Saxophone

Brass Family Trumpet Trumpet Tuba Tuba French Horn French Horn Baritone Baritone Trombone Trombone

String Family Violin Violin Viola Viola Cello Cello Bass Bass (Piano, harp) (Piano, harp)

Percussion Snare drum Snare drum Xylophone Xylophone Cymbals Cymbals Triangle Triangle Bass drum Bass drum Marimba Marimba Piano Piano

Voice Soprano – Highest female voice Soprano – Highest female voice Alto – Lowest female voice Alto – Lowest female voice Tenor – Highest male voice Tenor – Highest male voice Bass – Lowest male voice Bass – Lowest male voice

Open Response Question List two elements that you think are the most important List two elements that you think are the most important –What does list mean?

Open Response, Part B Explain why these two elements are important. Give at least two examples of each Explain why these two elements are important. Give at least two examples of each –What does explain mean? –How many examples is it asking for?

Open Response, Part C Compare and Contrast these two elements. What would music be like if these two elements did not exist? Compare and Contrast these two elements. What would music be like if these two elements did not exist? –What does compare and contrast mean? –Describe what music would be like if these elements did not exist.