Unit 4.2

Question 1

Melodic contour

Answer 1

Shapes of a melody line
Changes in pitch direction are very salient & easy to remember
- mistakes leading to changes in contour also salient

Question 2

Absolute pitch

Answer 2

1:1500 to 1:10,000 with AP (labelling pitches)
- the ability to identify absolute pitch of isolated notes is rare
- the ability to recognize whether a song is performed using its original pitches is common

Question 3

Factors that affect absolute pitch

Answer 3

• genetics: AP 15 time more when found in twin
• age of musical training: more likely when starting lessons early (before 6)
• environmental factors: language, type of training

Question 4

Tonality

Answer 4

• pitches in a melody imply a certain musical key
• diatonic scale: most common in Western music (7 of 12 chromas belong to)
• certain pitches heard as more important/dominant
• melodies that end on the tonic feel finished and complete