Module 1 – Elements

Music Appreciation Module 1 – Elements Sound: Pitch, Dynamics & Tone Color (Text Book: Chapter 1) What is music? Music is an art based on the organization of sounds in time. What is Sound? • Sound begins with the vibration of an object. • The vibrations cause our eardrums to start vibrating and these impulses transmit signals to the brain. Let s explore the Four Main Properties of Musical Sounds. • Pitch • Dynamics • Tone color (also known as timbre) • Rhythm (or duration) Pitch • Pitch is defined as the relative highness or lowness of sound. • The pitch of a sound is determined by the frequency of its vibrations. • The faster the vibrations, the higher the pitch; the slower the vibrations, the lower the pitch. • Smaller objects vibrate faster and have higher pitches. (For instance, a short string produces a higher pitch when plucked than a long string.) à Refer to the Music Fundamentals Review: Pitch Definite Pitch = Tone •A tone is a sound in music that has a definite pitch. àRefer to the Music Fundamentals Review: Tone •Definite pitch means it has a specific frequency that can be measured, such as 440 cycles per second. •The vibrations are regular and reach the ear in equal impulses. • Tones will sound different when they are different pitches (frequency of vibration). •Each step of the familiar scale – Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do – vibrates at a different rate. à See the embedded video in the ebook for a demonstration. Dynamics Think for a moment about how a loud sound, such as someone shouting gets your attention! Also notice that someone whispering will draw you in and make you pay closer attention. Changes in dynamics in music also help to keep our attention. • à Refer to the Music Fundamentals Review: Dynamics Dynamics are defined as the degrees of loudness or softness in music. In music, traditionally Italian terms or their abbreviations have been used by composers. Term pianissimo piano mezzo piano mezzo forte forte fortissimo Abbreviation pp p mp mf f ff Meaning very soft soft moderately soft moderately loud loud very loud Musical Symbols: Crescendo cresc. gradually louder = Decrescendo decresc. gradually softer = à See the embedded video in the ebook for a demonstration. Tone Color or Timbre • Tone color (or timbre) is defined as the quality of sound that distinguishes one instrument or voice from another. • You are able to recognize a friend s voice because it has a unique sound or tone color. • A large orchestra has an almost unlimited variety of timbres. Listening Activity for Discussion: Pitch/Dynamics/Tone Color Please listen to these two selections and follow the listening outlines in your book. Following the music outlines will be an important skill for the entire course. The Firebird, Scene 2 (1910) by Igor Stravinsky Listening Outline: p. 9-10 C-Jam Blues (1942) by Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra Listening Outline: p. 10-11 à Go to the Discussion Instructions in Module 1 and follow the instructions.