Fundamentals of Music Theory and Composition

Pitch

The perceived frequency of a sound, determining how high or low a note sounds. Measured in Hertz (Hz), where higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches.

Note

A musical symbol representing a pitch and its duration.

Quarter Note (♩)

Represents a pitch played for one beat in 4/4 time.

Clef

A symbol at the beginning of a staff that determines the pitch of the notes.

Treble Clef (G Clef)

Encircles the G note above middle C. Used for high-pitched instruments (violin, flute, right hand of piano).

Bass Clef (F Clef)

Indicates the F note below middle C. Used for low-pitched instruments (cello, bassoon, left hand of piano).

Sharp (♯)

Raises a note by one half step.

C♯

Is one half step above C.

Flat (♭)

Lowers a note by one half step.

E♭

Is one half step below E.

Natural (♮)

Cancels a previous sharp or flat, returning the note to its original pitch.

Interval

The distance between two pitches, measured in steps.

Unison (1st)

Two identical pitches (C-C).

Second (2nd)

One step apart (C-D).

Third (3rd)

Two steps apart (C-E).

Fourth (4th)

Three steps apart (C-F).

Fifth (5th)

Four steps apart (C-G).

Sixth (6th)

Five steps apart (C-A).

Seventh (7th)

Six steps apart (C-B).

Octave (8th)

The same note in the next higher/lower register (C-C).

Consonant Intervals

Stable and pleasing (Unison, Thirds, Fifths, Sixths, Octaves).

Dissonant Intervals

Create tension (Seconds, Sevenths).

Melody

A series of notes arranged in a sequence to create a musical idea.

Phrase

A musical sentence, typically 4 or 8 measures long.

Cadence

A musical punctuation mark that signifies the end of a phrase.

Authentic Cadence (V-I)

A strong resolution from dominant to tonic.

Plagal Cadence (IV-I)

Often called the 'Amen' cadence.

Half Cadence (I-V)

Ends on V, creating suspense.

Deceptive Cadence (V-vi)

An unexpected resolution.

Key

Determines the tonal center of a piece.

Major Keys

Generally bright/happy (C major).

Minor Keys

Generally dark/sad (A minor).

Major Scale

W-W-H-W-W-W-H (e.g., C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C).

Minor Scale

W-H-W-W-H-W-W (e.g., A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A).

Chromatic Scale

All 12 notes in an octave moving in half steps (C-C♯-D-D♯-E-F-F♯-G-G♯-A-A♯-B-C).

Rhythm

The pattern of sound durations in music. 1

Beat

The steady pulse that underlies a piece of music.

Measure

A group of beats (e.g., 4 beats in 4/4 time).

Bar Lines

Vertical lines that divide measures.

Duple Meter

2 beats per measure (Marching: "LEFT-right, LEFT-right").

Triple Meter

3 beats per measure (Waltz: "ONE-two-three").

Compound Meter

Beats subdivided into three (6/8, 9/8).

Syncopation

Offbeat rhythms that create unexpected accents.

Tempo

Italian terms for speed in music.

Crescendo

Getting louder.

Decrescendo/Diminuendo

Getting softer.

Timbre

The color or quality of a sound (e.g., a violin sounds different from a flute).

Orchestra

A large ensemble with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

Conductor

The leader of an orchestra or choir.

SATB Choir

Soprano: High female voice; Alto: Low female voice; Tenor: High male voice; Bass: Low male voice.

Verse-Refrain Form

Common song structure (Verse: different lyrics, Refrain: repeated).

ABA Form

Three-part structure (e.g., "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star").

Chant

Unison: All voices sing the same note; Responsorial: Call and response; Melismatic: Many notes per syllable; Syllabic: One note per syllable.

Monophony

Single melody, no harmony (e.g., Gregorian chant).

Homophony

Melody with chords (e.g., pop songs).

Polyphony

Multiple independent melodies (e.g., Bach fugues).