Music Exam 1

Acoustic

The scientific study of sound, including how sound is produced, transmitted, and heard.

Genre

A category or style of music characterized by shared traditions, techniques, or cultural origins (e.g., jazz, classical, pop)

Tonality

The organization of music around a central pitch (the tonic or “home” note).

Volume/Intensity

The perceived loudness or softness of sound.

Timbre

The unique tone color or quality of a sound that allows us to distinguish between instruments or voices.

Frequency

The speed at which sound waves vibrate, measured in hertz (Hz); determines pitch.

Pitch

How high or low a sound is perceived to be.

Form

The overall structure or organization of a musical piece.

Melody

A sequence of pitches arranged in a recognizable and meaningful pattern.

Motive (Motif)

A short musical idea or fragment that is repeated or developed.

Texture

How many layers of sound are present and how they interact (e.g., monophonic, homophonic).

Harmony

The combination of pitches sounding simultaneously, supporting the melody.

Scale

An ordered series of pitches within an octave.

Octave

The distance between two pitches where the higher pitch vibrates at twice the frequency of the lower.

Interval

The distance in pitch between two notes.

Chord

Three or more pitches sounded together.

Pulse

The steady underlying beat of music.

Meter

The grouping of beats into regular patterns.

Accent

Emphasis placed on a specific beat or note.

Duple

2 beats per measure

Triple

3 beats per measure

Quadruple

4 beats per measure

Rythm

The pattern of long and short sounds in time.

Syncopation

Rhythmic emphasis on normally weak beats or offbeats.

Dissonance

A combination of tones that sounds tense or unstable.

Consonance

A combination of tones that sounds stable and pleasing.

Tension

Musical instability that creates a sense of expectation.

Resolution

The release of musical tension, usually moving to a stable chord or pitch.

What are the three basic chords in functional harmony?

• Tonic (I) – The home or resting chord

• Dominant (V) – Creates tension and leads back to the tonic

• Subdominant (IV) – Moves music away from the tonic and prepares the dominant

What is the difference between Passive Listening and Active Listening?

• Passive Listening – Hearing music in the background without focused attention (e.g., music playing while studying).

• Active Listening – Fully concentrating on the music, analyzing elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and instruments.

What are the four basic elements of sound?

1. Pitch – Highness or lowness of sound

2. Duration – Length of a sound

3. Intensity (Loudness) – Volume of sound

4. Timbre (Tone Quality) – Character or color of sound