Music Genres: Traditional and Popular

Music Genres

• Traditional Genres:
  • Classical music: originated in the 18th century, characterized by complex harmony and orchestral arrangements
  • Jazz: originated in the late 19th century, characterized by improvisation and blues influence
  • Folk music: traditional music of a particular region or culture, often passed down orally
• Popular Genres:
  • Rock music: originated in the 1950s, characterized by strong emphasis on rhythm and electric instruments
  • Pop music: originated in the 1950s, characterized by catchy melodies and simplicity
  • Hip-Hop/Rap: originated in the 1970s, characterized by rhythmic speech and electronic beats
• Subgenres:
  • Subgenres of Rock: Punk, Metal, Alternative
  • Subgenres of Hip-Hop/Rap: Gangsta, Trap, Drill

Music Instruments

• String Instruments:
  • Violin: played with a bow or by plucking the strings
  • Guitar: played by plucking or strumming the strings
  • Cello: played with a bow or by plucking the strings
• Wind Instruments:
  • Flute: played by blowing air across the embouchure hole
  • Clarinet: played by blowing air through a single reed
  • Trumpet: played by buzzing air through lips
• Percussion Instruments:
  • Drums: played by hitting the drumhead with sticks or hands
  • Piano: played by pressing keys that strike hammers
  • Xylophone: played by striking keys with a mallet
• Electronic Instruments:
  • Synthesizer: generates sound electronically
  • Electric Keyboard: electronic version of the piano
  • Turntables: used for DJing and scratching

Music Genres

• Classical music originated in the 18th century and is characterized by complex harmony and orchestral arrangements
• Jazz originated in the late 19th century and is characterized by improvisation and blues influence
• Folk music is traditional music of a particular region or culture, often passed down orally
• Rock music originated in the 1950s and is characterized by strong emphasis on rhythm and electric instruments
• Pop music originated in the 1950s and is characterized by catchy melodies and simplicity
• Hip-Hop/Rap originated in the 1970s and is characterized by rhythmic speech and electronic beats
• Punk, Metal, and Alternative are subgenres of Rock
• Gangsta, Trap, and Drill are subgenres of Hip-Hop/Rap

Music Instruments

String Instruments

• Violin is played with a bow or by plucking the strings
• Guitar is played by plucking or strumming the strings
• Cello is played with a bow or by plucking the strings

Wind Instruments

• Flute is played by blowing air across the embouchure hole
• Clarinet is played by blowing air through a single reed
• Trumpet is played by buzzing air through lips

Percussion Instruments

• Drums are played by hitting the drumhead with sticks or hands
• Piano is played by pressing keys that strike hammers
• Xylophone is played by striking keys with a mallet

Electronic Instruments

• Synthesizer generates sound electronically
• Electric Keyboard is an electronic version of the piano
• Turntables are used for DJing and scratching

Learn about the characteristics of traditional music genres like Classical, Jazz, and Folk, and popular genres like Rock and Pop. Test your knowledge of the origins and defining features of these music styles.