Elements of Music

1
Elements of Music
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Harmony/Form

• Two or more notes together
• Chord three or more notes at one time
• Triad A three note chord
• Form The way music is arranged, most music
  begins with one or more theme which is modified
  throughout a work

3
Rhythm

• The way music is arranged in time or organized
  into beats
• Time signature (Also known as meter) 2/4, ¾ ,
  4/4
• 2/4- March, complex meter
• ¾- Waltz
• 4/4- Most common meter

4
Tempo

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

5
Melody/Harmony

• The tune of a song
• Phrase A musical sentence, a work is comprised
  of coordinated phrases
• Melodies are accompanied by harmony- notes that
  compliment or accentuate the melody

6
Dynamics

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

7
Dynamics/Audience

• Crescendo gradually get louder
• Decrescendo gradually get softer
• Audience- who is the intended listener of this
  piece? Where is its appropriate context?

8
Keys/Chords

• Major- Usually associated with a positive
  feeling.
• Minor- Usually connected with sadness or longing

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Woodwind Family

• Clarinet
• Piccolo
• Flute
• Oboe
• Bassoon
• Saxophone

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Brass Family

• Trumpet
• Tuba
• French Horn
• Baritone
• Trombone

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String Family

• Violin
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass
• (Piano, harp)

12
Percussion

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

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Voice

• Soprano Highest female voice
• Alto Lowest female voice
• Tenor Highest male voice
• Bass Lowest male voice
• These voices also apply to high or low instruments

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Open Response Question

• List the two musical elements that you think are
  the most important. Why did you feel that way?
• Voice Harmony Audience
• Dynamics Tempo
• Key Rhythm
• Melody Form

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Open Response, Part B

• How do you see these elements illustrated in
  music you like to listen to? Did that influence
  your decision?

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Open Response, Part C

• Listen to the following clips, and take notes
  using your organizers. Which elements are
  obvious, and which require some careful listening
  to spot?
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vKw-_Ew5bVxs
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vG7mpd3SvU14
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vS57LM0ULh-w