the Elements of

MUSIC

STEP 1: make a music cube

progression grade

Create a paper cube as you learn about the elements of music. Ask Ms. G for the template. As you explore the elements of music on this page, you will find SIX (6) prompts/questions that you will respond to on each side of your cube. One answer per square - no particular order required. Once you are done, assemble your cube and turn it in.

STEP 2: write a short song

progression grade

Write a short (30 second) song that contains MELODY and HARMONY. Your song should have a steady TEMPO and clear FORM. Play around with changes in RHYTHM, TIMBRE, and DYNAMICS. Use one of the free sites below to help you create your song or a song writing tool of your choice. When finished, play your song for Ms. Girardin and be ready to answer questions about it.

Incredibox

Learning Music - Ableton

Blob Opera

NOTE: You may not be able to save your song using the sites above.

Tempo

DEFINITION

the speed of the music (usually referred to in beats per minute - BPM)
- common beats from slowest to fastest
  - largo
  - adagio
  - allegretto
  - allegro
  - presto
  - prestissimo

SIDE 1 - Describe the changes in tempo of the song below: "Bohemian Rhapsody," by Queen.

Rhythm

DEFINITION: the pattern of sound, silence and emphasis in a song

SIDE 2 - What part of the rhythm is just as important as the beat you hear in a song?

Melody & Harmony

MELODY

DEFINITION: a combination of pitch and rhythm, the main "tune" of the song

Harmony

DEFINITION: the sound of two or more notes (pitches) heard simultaneously

three or more notes played at the same time is called a chord

SIDE 3 - In your own words, explain the difference between melody and harmony.

BONUS

Throat, or overtone, singing is when ONE person sings TWO notes at the SAME TIME!! Throat singing is common amongst Central Asia, (Tuva [Siberia], Mongolia, and Tibet, certain Inuit tribes in Northern Canada, and the Xhosa people in South Africa.

Timbre

DEFINITION: tone quality, aka tone color, aka voice

in other words timbre refers to the different we hear between instruments and voices even though they may be producing the same note

SIDE 4 - Describe the changes in timbre featured in one of the videos above.

Don't forget to write down which video you are referring to.

Form

DEFINITION:

how various parts of a song art organized
- the most common western musical form:
  - Intro: A brief section at the beginning to set the mood and introduce the song.
  - Verse: Tells the story or provides details of the song's narrative. Verses typically have different lyrics each time they appear.
  - Chorus: The main, recurring part of the song, containing the central message and often the most memorable melody and lyrics.
  - Bridge: A contrasting musical and lyrical section that breaks up the pattern of verses and choruses, offering a fresh perspective or building tension.
  - Outro (or Coda): The concluding section that brings the song to a close.
  - Pre-Chorus/Post-Chorus: Transitional sections that can appear before the chorus (pre-chorus) or after it (post-chorus) to add variety or transition between sections.