Music History Exam 1

Conjunct Melody

A melody in which the distance between the notes is stepwise with no skips. It will sound smooth

Disjunct Melody

A melody in which there are large skips between notes, creating a more angular or abrupt sound

Mozart Effect

Particular sounds, tones, and rhythms, especially the music of Mozart, can strengthen the mind, unlock the creative spirit, and even heal the body.

The Beat

An even pulse that divides the passing of time into equal segments. The heartbeat of music.

Duration

Length of time of pitch

Notation

Visual representation of rhythm

Meter

Emphasis on beats. Creates a pattern.

Syncopation

Special kind of rhythm. Emphasis placed on weak beats or between beats.

Tempo

Speed of music

Rhythm

The organization of time in music

Pitch

The sounds/tones you sing or play

Register

Range of frequencies

Melody

tune you sing

Octave

When a pitch or frequency is doubled, tripled, exc.

Division of the Octave

An octave based on half steps

Scales

Pattern of ½ and whole steps within an octave

Musical Alphabet

• A through G

• White keys of the piano

Why is the Major Scale important

This scale gives music a happier, joyful, more triumphant sound.

Why is the Minor Scale important

This scale gives music a sorrowful, more fearful sound.

Chords

Group of two or more pitches sounding at the same time

Triads

Special kind of chord to organize harmony. Built on every 3rd note.

Cadence

The concluding chords of a melody that gives the feeling of completion

Monophony

Same pitch, same rhythm

Homophony

Different pitches, same rhythm

Polyphony

Different pitches, different rhythms

Strophic Form

Same melody, different words

A A A A

Binary Form

Two distinct parts that contrast

• A B

• Both sections are repeated

Ternary Form

Consists of three sections

• A B C

• The B section is more contrasting

• The sections are repeated

Verse-Chorus Form

• Verses = same music but different lyrics

• Chorus = same music, same lyrics

• Popular style

• A B A B A B

Theme and Variations

The main melody is varied in some way with each repetition

A A1 A2 A3 A4

Variation

Midway point between repetition and contrast

Contrast

Provides interest and excitement

Repetition

Most essential component

Active Listening

When a listener gives a piece of music their full attention and engaging deeply with all its components — lyrics, melody, rhythm, instrumentation, dynamics, and emotional content. It involves consciously analyzing how a song is structured, how emotions are conveyed, and even the technical details like chord progressions or time signatures.

Passive Listening

When listeners tend to grasp the general feel of a song but may miss nuances like intricate rhythms, specific lyrics, or instrumental textures. This form of listening is effortless and requires minimal mental effort