Music Theory Basics

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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