Review Questions
1. What are the basic elements of music?
i. The basic elements of music are pitch, rhythm, dynamics, melody, and form.
2. What is pitch?
i. Pitch is the frequency of a sound, and it relates to the highness or lowness of a tone that we hear.
3. What is syncopation? What types of music use syncopation?
i. Syncopation involves placing emphasis on normally unemphasized beats or using a rest on a normally emphasized beat. In other words, syncopation involves disrupting or interrupting the expected or normal rhythm of music.
4. What are three examples of forms of music? Describe each form.
i. A concerto is a musical piece in which one solo instrument is accompanied by an orchestra. A sonata is a musical composition for a solo instrument. A symphony is a musical piece that has been scored for a full orchestra; it is often an extended composition. Many symphonies have four parts or movements, with the first movement in sonata form.
5. What is form in music?
i. Form is referred to as the framework that a composer uses to create a piece of music. It is the combination of the other musical elements, including pitch, tempo, and dynamics.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Music has sometimes been referred to as a "universal language." Why has this description been applied to music? Do you agree or disagree with this assessment? Why?
i. I agree that music is the universal language because it is much more than lyrics; I believe music is defined by the way it makes one feel.
So when an american is listening to a latin salsa, and has the urge to dance that song has successfully communicated positive energy and happiness.
2. Why is musical notation important? What benefits do musicians and others receive from being able to write down and note aspects of a musical piece?
i. Just as a scientist must write down every experiment whether it failed or succeeded it is only logical that musicians should do the same. It is their artwork that needs to be recorded. They receive the benefit of sharing it with the world, as well as making profit from the song. When I speak about making money from their art, it is in a very positive way. A musician should be able to live off of their talents just as any other career.
3. In the first part of the module, we discussed how music is everywhere in society. What are some of the ways that we use music? How do you use music in your own life?
i. Music is beyond present in my daily life. My father is a music