Music Terms - Fundamental Concepts Flashcards
Melody
The sequence of single notes that form the main musical theme of a piece.
Harmony
The simultaneous combination of pitches, usually forming chords, that support and complement the melody.
Rhythm
The arrangement of sounds and silences in time, creating patterns of beats and accents.
Tempo
The speed at which a piece of music is played, often indicated by terms like “adagio” (slow), “allegro” (fast), etc.
Dynamics
The variations in loudness or intensity within a piece, from very soft (pianissimo) to very loud (fortissimo).
Texture
The way in which melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements are combined to create the overall sound of a piece.
Timbre
The quality or character of a sound, determined by its unique combination of harmonics and overtones.
Pitch
The perceived frequency of a sound, determining how high or low it is.
Meter
The organization of beats into regular groups, typically indicated by a time signature.
Key signature
The set of sharps or flats placed at the beginning of a piece of music, indicating the key.
Form
The overall structure or organization of a piece of music, including its sections and their relationship to each other.
Cadence
A series of chords or notes that provide a sense of resolution or finality at the end of a musical phrase.
Counterpoint
The simultaneous combination of independent melodic lines, creating harmony.
Chord progression
A series of chords played in succession, forming the harmonic backbone of a piece of music.
Syncopation
Accenting of beats that are not typically accented, creating rhythmic interest.
