Experimenting with Music - IB Music HL Reviewer

Application of Knowledge

Applying theoretical knowledge to practical work for informed creative decisions.

Practicing and Refining

Involves an iterative process of trial, refinement, and revision based on feedback and reflection.

Evaluation and Reflection

Critical evaluation of music-making processes, strengths, weaknesses, and proposing solutions for improvement.

Experimenting with music

Involves exploring new sounds, techniques, and forms to push the boundaries of traditional music-making, emphasizing innovation, creativity, and breaking conventional norms.

Melody

The horizontal aspect of music, involving a sequence of notes perceived as a single entity.

Harmony

The vertical aspect of music, involving the combination of different notes played simultaneously.

Rhythm

The timing of musical sounds and silences, including aspects like beat, tempo, and meter.

Texture

How different musical sounds and lines are combined, ranging from monophonic to polyphonic.

Timbre

The quality or color of a musical sound that distinguishes different types of sound production.

Form

The overall structure or plan of a piece of music, often delineated by sections and themes.

Dynamics

The variation in loudness between notes or phrases in music.

John Cage

An avant-garde composer known for compositions like '4'33"' and 'Sonatas and Interludes.'

Karlheinz Stockhausen

An electronic music pioneer known for works like 'Gesang der Jünglinge' and 'Kontakte.'

Steve Reich

A minimalist composer recognized for works like 'It's Gonna Rain' and 'Music for 18 Musicians.'

György Ligeti

A composer known for avant-garde works like 'Atmosphères' and 'Lux Aeterna.'

Extended Techniques

Playing instruments in non-traditional ways to produce unconventional sounds.

Prepared Piano

Inserting objects like screws, rubber, or paper between piano strings to alter the sound.

Multiphonics

Producing multiple notes simultaneously on wind instruments.

Bow Over the Bridge

Playing string instruments with the bow near or on the bridge to produce eerie sounds.

Electronic Manipulation

Using electronic devices and software to alter and create sounds.

Sampling

Using pre-recorded sounds and incorporating them into new compositions.

Synthesis

Creating sounds from scratch using synthesizers.

Digital Effects

Applying effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to alter sound.

Aleatoric Processes

Incorporating elements of chance into composition and performance.

Indeterminate Notation

Notating music that allows for performer interpretation.

Minimalism

Using repetitive structures and gradual changes to create music.

Phasing

Playing two identical phrases at slightly different tempos so they gradually shift out of sync.

Improvisation

Creating music spontaneously within certain guidelines or frameworks.

Sound Exploration

Discovering new sounds through unconventional instruments, found objects, or electronic means.

Theme

Deciding on a central theme or idea for the piece.

Influences

Drawing inspiration from other works, genres, or experiences.

Score Writing

Notating music using traditional or graphic scores.

Traditional Notation

Using standard musical notation with some modifications.

Graphic Notation

Using visual symbols to represent sound, often without traditional staves and notes.

Recording and Production

Using recording technology to capture and manipulate sound.

Multi-Tracking

Recording multiple layers separately and combining them.

Sound Editing

Using software to cut, splice, and process recordings.

4'33" by John Cage

Concept: Silence and ambient sounds are the focus. Impact: Challenges the definition of music and the role of the performer and listener.

Gesang der Jünglinge by Karlheinz Stockhausen

Concept: Integration of human voice and electronic sounds. Impact: Pioneered spatial audio and electronic music techniques.

Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich

Concept: Minimalism with gradual process changes. Impact: Demonstrates the hypnotic effect of repetition and phased patterns.

Atmosphères by György Ligeti

Concept: Micropolyphony and static textures. Impact: Creates a dense, immersive sound world.

Connect Theory and Practice

Integrate theoretical understanding with hands-on music-making.

Develop Musical Competencies

Enhance skills in composition, improvisation, and performance.

Explore Diverse Musical Materials

Engage with a wide array of musical stimuli from different cultures and historical periods.

Experimenting as a Researcher

Investigation and Analysis: Students investigate and analyze music to inform their practical work.

Critical Reflection

Regular reflection on the process and outcomes of their experiments helps students refine their work.

Musical Decision-Making

Based on their research and reflections, students make informed decisions about how to develop their musical ideas.

Idea Development

Students experiment with developing musical ideas through composing, improvising, and arranging.

Artistic Choices

Students make artistic choices about how to modify, manipulate, and transform musical elements.

Application of Findings

Students apply their theoretical findings to their practical work, ensuring that their creative decisions are informed by a deep understanding of musical principles.

Shaping Musical Ideas

Students develop their ability to communicate musical ideas through performance.

Performance Techniques

Students experiment with different performance techniques and musical elements, such as dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.

Independent Musical Voice

Through regular practice and experimentation, students refine their performing skills and develop an independent musical voice.

Iterative Process

Students continuously trial, refine, and revise their musical material.

Technical Mastery

Students work on mastering the technical skills required for their creative and performing activities.

Critical Evaluation

Students critically evaluate their music-making processes and outcomes.