1. MUSIC A Universal Art © 2006 EvaMedia, Inc.

2. An interesting fact … Italian Italian is the ‘language’ of music Many of the terms used to describe elements of music are from the Italian language (presto, largo, sonata, forte, pianissimo, etc.)

3. What are the Elements of Music?

4. There are 7 elements of music Dynamics Dynamics Form Form Melody Melody Harmony Harmony Rhythm Rhythm Tempo Tempo Timbre Timbre

5. 1. DYNAMICS: Degrees of loudness Forte (f) = loud Piano (p) = soft Fortissimo (ff) = very loud! Pianissimo (pp) = very soft mezzo (medium) = (mf) mezzo-forte, (mp) mezzo-piano Dynamic markings = ( ) decrescendo

6. 2. FORM Structure or organization AB: 2 contrasting sections ABA: 3 sections with contrast in middle Rondo: Theme is repeated & alternated Call-and-Response: one voice or instrument plays or sings a phrase, followed by a responding phrase played or sung by a different voice or instrument Theme & Variations: Initial theme returns in some variety in each section of the piece

7. 3. MELODY Progression of single tones (commonly referred to as a song’s “tune” that you might hum)

8. 4. HARMONY Two or more tones sounding together … for example, a chord (triad)

9. 5. RHYTHM How sound is organized by patterns in time Various sounds (long/short or strong/light) are arranged in patterns. Patterns may be syncopated or not. Notes have different durations according to the way they are marked on the staff.

10. 6. TEMPO The speed of the beat Allegro: Rapid, happy (‘up tempo’) Andante: Flows at walking speed Moderato: Moderate pace  Presto: Extremely rapid pace  Largo: Extremely slow pace

11. 7. TIMBRE Tone Color: The character or quality of sound that distinguishes one distinctive instrument or voice from another (piccolo vs. tuba!)

12. Know the 7 Elements of Music! Dynamics Dynamics Form Form Melody Melody Harmony Harmony Rhythm Rhythm Tempo Tempo Timbre Timbre