Mul Zoom Musical Rhythm

Attendance Concerns

• Teacher expresses concern about poor class attendance despite having a larger number enrolled.

• Emphasizes importance of regular attendance for student success.

Financial Aid Issues

• Acknowledges students facing issues obtaining necessary texts due to financial aid problems.

• Teacher states they are trying to address these problems effectively without answering each email individually.

• Promises a solution will be announced on Thursday for those who missed materials.

Concept Introduction: Musical Rhythm

• Current week’s focus is on rhythm, following last week’s focus on form.

• Importance of rhythm and form highlighted for analysis and listening exercises in class.

Definitions of Rhythm

• Teacher begins defining rhythm through dictionary references and etymology.

• Etymology, the study of word origins, indicates origins from Middle French and Latin, means "to flow."

• First Definition: Ordered recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in flow or silence in speech.

  • Specific example: Iambic rhythm (short, long alternation).

  • Teachers suggest a potentially better definition connecting rhythm to both speech and music.

• Second Definition: Comprises elements of accent, meter, and tempo.

  • Rhythm understood through its components that contribute to movement in music.

Discussion on Non-Rhythmic Music

• Teacher poses the question of whether any music exists without rhythm.

• Responses indicate that some genres (like ambient or certain types of flute music) may lack traditional rhythmic structures.

• Teacher reiterates that all music consists of rhythm, even if only minimally present.

Teacher's Personal Definition of Rhythm

• Defines rhythm as "the movement of music through time".

• Links rhythm to sectional form previously studied in classical music.

• Discusses macro rhythms which can span longer time frames incorporating these sections.

Rhythm 101: Basic Terminology

• Introduction of basic rhythmic terms: tempo, beat groupings, and meter.

• Tempo: Speed of music indicated by beats/pulses.

  • Different beat groupings: duple (two or four beats) and triple (three beats).

• Explanation of how strong and weak beats create meter, with a downbeat marking the first strong beat.

Types of Meter

• Simple Meter: Repeating rhythmic pattern based on duple or triple organization. Examples discussed in context of songs.

• Discussion of exceptions where songs may change meter mid-way, though rare.

Backbeat and Rhythmic Drive

• Explanation and significance of backbeat, emphasizing the strong beats (on two and four).

• Backbeat propels the music forward, foundational in pop and dance music.

Syncopation

• Definition of syncopation, emphasizing accents on normally weak beats.

• Provides examples of syncopation and its significance in styles such as funk, highlighted by references to James Brown.

Ostinato

• An "ostinato" defined as a stubborn rhythm that constantly repeats, providing forward motion in music.

• Cites Bolero by Maurice Ravel as an example.

Conclusion and Upcoming Classes

• Encourages students to manage issues and seek help, especially regarding class attendance.

• Discusses student inquiries about upcoming exam format and expectations:

  • Exam to be conducted during class time with a strict window for completion.

  • Emphasizes the importance of preparation, but allows open notes.

Open Floor for Questions

• Invites students to address any other questions, addressing technical issues regarding logins and materials.