Music Theory Basics

Music Theory

• Definition: The study of the practices and possibilities of music.

• Basic Elements:

  • Sound: Vibration produced by an object.
  • Pitch: Perceived frequency of a sound (high vs. low).
  • Rhythm: Pattern of sound in time; includes beat, tempo, and meter.
  • Dynamics: Volume of sound (loudness or softness).
  • Timbre: Quality or color of sound that distinguishes different voices or instruments.

• Notation:

  • Staff: Five lines and four spaces that represent different pitches.
  • Clefs: Symbols at the beginning of the staff indicating pitch range (e.g., treble and bass clefs).
  • Notes and Rests: Symbols representing sound (notes) and silence (rests).

• Scales:

  • Chromatic Scale: Includes all twelve pitches within an octave.
  • Diatonic Scale: Seven-note scale (e.g., C major, A minor) that forms the basis of Western music.

• Intervals: Distance between two pitches. Common types include:

  • Major: (e.g. C to E)
  • Minor: (e.g. C to Eb)
  • Perfect: (e.g. C to G)

• Chords:

  • Triads: Three-note chords formed by stacking thirds (e.g., major, minor).
  • Seventh Chords: Four-note chords that include the root, third, fifth, and seventh.

Melody

• Definition: A sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single entity; the main theme of a piece of music.

• Characteristics:

  • Contour: The shape of the melody as it moves up and down in pitch.
  • Range: The span between the lowest and highest pitches.
  • Emotion: Melodies often convey particular feelings or moods.

• Types:

  • Stepwise: Moves in small intervals (steps) from one note to the next.
  • Leaps: Involves intervals larger than a whole step, creating contrast.

• Phrasing:

  • Musical Phrase: A complete musical thought, often resembling a sentence.
  • Cadence: The resting place at the end of a phrase; can be perfect (conclusive) or imperfect (less conclusive).

• Repetition and Variation:

  • Repetition: Reinforces a melody, making it memorable.
  • Variation: Alters the melody in some way (e.g., changing rhythm or pitch) while maintaining its core identity.

• Harmony and Melody: Melodies are often supported by harmonies, which enhance the emotional effect and fullness of the sound.

Music Theory

• The study of how music works and its possibilities
• The basic elements of music are sound, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, and notation

Sound

• The vibration produced by an object

Pitch

• The perceived frequency of a sound, determining if it's high or low
• Represented on a staff with five lines and four spaces

Rhythm

• How sound unfolds over time
• Involves beat, tempo, and meter

Dynamics

• The volume of sound, ranging from loud to soft

Timbre

• The unique color or quality of a sound, differentiating instruments and voices

Notation

• A system of symbols used to represent music
• Staff: Five lines and four spaces representing pitches
• Clefs: Indicate pitch ranges (treble and bass clefs)
• Notes: Symbols representing sounds
• Rests: Symbols representing silence

Scales

• Organized sets of notes
• Chromatic Scale: Includes all 12 pitches within an octave
• Diatonic Scale: Contains 7 notes, forming the basis of many Western music pieces
• Major and Minor Scales: Common types of diatonic scales

Intervals

• The distance between two pitches
• Major, Minor, Perfect: common interval types

Chords

• Combinations of notes played simultaneously
• Triads: Composed of three notes stacked in thirds
• Seventh Chords: Composed of four notes, based on the root, third, fifth, and seventh

Melody

• A sequence of notes perceived as a single entity
• The main theme of a piece of music

Melody Characteristics

• Contour: The shape of the melody, determined by its upward and downward movements
• Range: The distance between the lowest and highest notes
• Emotion: Melodies often express specific feelings or moods

Types of Melodic Movements

• Stepwise: Consists of small intervals, moving from one note to the next smoothly
• Leaps: Involves larger intervals that create contrast

Melody Phrasing

• Musical Phrase: A complete musical thought, similar to a sentence

Cadence

• The resting place at the end of a musical phrase
• Perfect cadence: Gives a conclusive feel
• Imperfect cadence: Less conclusive, creating a sense of continuation

Repetition and Variation

• Repetition reinforces a melody for memorability and focus
• Variation alters the melody, changing rhythm, pitch, or other elements while preserving its core identity

Harmony and Melody

• Harmony supports melody, enhancing the emotional impact of the music and creating a fuller sound