Exam 1 Flashcards
define music:
an expression of organized sound in time
define sound:
“that which is perceived by the ears”
how is sound produced?
when a physical object vibrates, causing small variances in air pressure. these sound waves travel through the air
define frequency:
vibrations / second
how is frequency measured?
Hertz or “Hz”
- simply means “cycles per second”
the higher the frequency, the ____ the pitch:
higher!
define pitch:
represents the perceived fundamental frequency
e.g. “A” = 440 Hz
“A 440 Hz” is ___ middle C (above/below?)
above!
Going 1 octave up == __x the frequency:
Going 2 octave down == __x the frequency:
1 up == 2x the frequency (higher)
1 down == 1/2x the frequency (lower)
define amplitude:
in terms of sound, this is “volume” or “loudness”
define dynamics:
the musical term of volume (pp, p, mp, m, mf, f, ff)
define overtones (Harmonics):
natural parts of any pitch heard when it is sounded.
e.g. each pitch we hear contains addition pitches within it that are termed overtones or harmonics
THIS IS WHY NO TWO INSTRUMENTS (ex, clarinet/flute) SOUND ALIKE
what happens when there are no overtones?
sounds very computerized
on the piano, every key is a ____ step whether it is black or white
1/2 step
What are the 4 instrumental families?
+ Strings
+ Woodwind
+ Brass
+ Percussion
how do string instruments produce sound?
rubbing the string with something
how do woodwind instruments produce sound?
has a bunch of holes to change notes, air is buzzed on wood?
how do brass instruments produce sound?
they buzz their lips into the mouth piece
how do percussion instruments produce sound?
you just hit those things
Name the 4 structural elements of music:
- Melody
- Harmony
- Rhythm
- Texture
Define Melody:
organized set of notes
Define Harmony:
two (or more) notes played at the same time use to accompany melody
Define Rhythm:
the beat and/or speed of the notes
Define Texture:
the organization of all the different notes.
includes the Timbre (tone color) of the different sounds
Melody includes these 5 parts:
hint: T.P.T.M.D.
\+ Tune \+ Phrase \+ Theme \+ Motive \+ Dynamics
Define:
- pp
- p
- mp
- mf
- f
- ff
pp: pianissimo - very soft……
p: piano - soft..
mp: mezzo piano – medium soft
mf: mezzo forte - Medium loud
f: forte - Loud!
ff: fortissimo - VERY LOUD