MUSIC

A Universal Art

© 2006 EvaMedia, Inc.

An interesting fact …

ItalianItalian 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.)

What are the Elements

of Music?

There are 7 elements of music DynamicsDynamics FormForm MelodyMelody HarmonyHarmony RhythmRhythm TempoTempo TimbreTimbre

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 = (<) crescendo,

(>) decrescendo

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

3. MELODY

Progression of single tones

(commonly referred to as a song’s “tune” that you might hum)

4. HARMONY

Two or more tones sounding together

… for example, a chord (triad)

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.

6. TEMPO

The speed of the beatAllegro: Rapid, happy (‘up tempo’)Andante: Flows at walking speedModerato: Moderate pace Presto: Extremely rapid pace Largo: Extremely slow pace

7. TIMBRE Tone Color: The character or

quality of sound

that distinguishes

one distinctive instrument or voice from another

(piccolo vs. tuba!)

Know the 7 Elements of Music!

DynamicsDynamics FormForm MelodyMelody HarmonyHarmony RhythmRhythm TempoTempo TimbreTimbre