Introduction to the Elements of Music

• Simple or complicated?  (could you easily sing the melody back after hearing it once?
• Conjunct (moving by small steps) or Disjunct (moving by large steps)?
• Shape? (ascending, descending, wavelike or static)
• Range? (high, low, or medium)

• Simple or complicated?  (could you easily clap back the rhythm after hearing it once?)
• Steady beat or Changing?
• Tempo?  (Fast, medium, slow, changing)
• Time Signature?

• Major or Minor Key?
• Dissonant (sounds and chord that are unpleasant/unstable sounding) or Consonant (sounds and chords that are pleasant/stable)?

• Thick or Thin (how full/busy the music is)
• Monophonic (single line of melody without accompaniment) or Homophonic (one line of melody accompanied by chords) or Polyphonic (two or more melodies combine at the same time)

• Write out the form by using letters to indicate each section (usually at least 16 bars long).  When the same or similar melody returns, use the same letter.  Here is an example:

A  B  A  C  A  B  A

This would be a common popular music

form with the A representing the chorus,

the B representing the verse, and the C

representing the bridge.  In classical art

music this form is called “rondo”.

• Mostly piano
• Mostly forte
• Use of Crescendo or Diminuendo
• Subito (sudden) changes

• List the instruments that you hear.  Remember to include:  Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Vocals, Keyboards, Electronics.