Download MUSIC - Glasgow Independent Schools

MUSIC
A Universal Art
© 2006 EvaMedia, Inc.
An interesting fact …
Italian is the
‘language’ of music
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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
Dynamics
 Form
 Melody
 Harmony
 Rhythm
 Tempo
 Timbre

1. DYNAMICS:
Degrees of loudness
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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
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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
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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 beat
Allegro: Rapid, happy (‘up tempo’)
 Andante: Flows at walking speed
 Moderato: 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!
Dynamics
 Form
 Melody
 Harmony
 Rhythm
 Tempo
 Timbre
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